Mid-century Modern Newton’s Cradle Progress

I have made a good amount of progress on the project since the initial design preview given that since then I have missed school for both Spring break and the solar eclipse. I have sourced all of the materials required for the project besides the lumbar. I was able to buy the bearing balls, fishing line, and aluminum rods on Amazon for a grand total of around $30. I was also able to find some paper clips and properly sized wood screws lying around my house. 

I was able to cut the ¼” polished aluminum rods to size using a hack saw my neighbors had. This was very easy and took no time at all. 

Next, I went to the ITLL design project depot to make the eyelets for the bearing balls. I used pliers to bend and cut the paper clips into eyelet shapes that matched the curvature of the balls. I then hot glued these eyelets to the balls. I made sure to use enough hot glue such that the bond was secure but not too much such that it was aesthetically displeasing. I was also able to use an Exacto knife to clean up the hot glue job. These balls can now be strung up along the aluminum support beams in the final assembly. 

Moving forward, I need to source the wood for the base. I am planning on fixing up my drawings and taking them to Josh in the Idea Forge woodshop. I have been informed that he is a good resource for finding the right materials for my project. He will likely also give me some pointers on how to improve my design. 

I am confident that I can finish the project with about an hour or two of work once I get the wood I need. The wood assembly process itself is fairly straightforward, but the stain will take some time to cure. Besides that I can foresee some difficulties making sure the bearing balls have good contact in the final assembly, but I will cross that bridge when I get there. 

Overall, I have been having a fun time with this project, and I am looking forward to having the working product sitting in my room.