Project beginning: 4/2/01
Page first uploaded: 4/22/01
Last update:12/26/01

This is an on-line journal of the creation of this "audio-kinetic" rolling ball sculpture (George Rhoads term), to be updated at whim.  To include photos, links, of interest to or aiding other RBS Sculptors, as well as of general interest.

The sculpture to be tabletop style, using 5/8" diameter balls, perhaps 18"-24" tall.  This ball size seems like a good match for 1/16" wire, that's what I've used so far, shown below.  This journal aims to document the design and building process of the project.  Includes sources for materials used, design choices, tradeoffs, defeats, victories, etc.

The project at this point is underway, some notes, computer drawings on Autocad and Cadkey, I've purchased the balls, chain drive and cogs for the lift, some ramp test pieces have been built, a tip-rack accumulator test has been built and is successful.  The tipping regulator is a little more tricky.

Drive components - rbk1.jpg - approx. 50K (roughly actual size) shows black molded chain, drive cogs, gears from Serv-O-Link, .177 pitch (I think) from Stock Drive Products. (Not used)
Balls were about \\$.30 each, qty. 50 Balls available at McMaster-Carr. (Though stingy with catalogs, the website is the way to go, with complete on-line catalog.)
Chain from Serv-O-Link is about \\$4.00 per foot, 1.5" pitch diameter cogs are $.87 each, lower prices in quantity.
1/16" wire is copper-coated steel torch welding rod, from a welding supply house.

Here is a diagram of a ball track spacing.  It is optimal in that a cross-wire along the bottom won't get hit by a ball.  It's good to have the wires farther apart for other purposes, but as long as the two side rails are present, this ratio and spacing works fine.  (Some George Rhoads sculptures have 4 rails for almost the entire ball path.)

Ball tipping regulator test, 4/26/01  (Above it is the tip-rack accumulator, empty - one ball serves as a counterweight)

Ball tipping regulator test, with one ball going through.  Clip stops ball for demo purposes.