D4E1 - the Flower Mill - Circus for EveryOne

This is a DIY project to make your own flowersticks.

The flowersticks are lightweight and easy to use. There are balls at the end of the handlesticks so the flowerstick doesn't roll off. You can decorate them to your own liking. We worked with some lights to enhance the performance aspect of the flowersticks in circus acts, but you can use whatever you like.

In a different instructable you can find two different tools to learn how to use them, or incorporate them into performances in a foolproof way.

The Flowerstick Mill is a specialized tool designed for grinding and shaping flowerstick materials used in circus performances or recreational activities. With two adjustable grinding mechanisms, it offers versatility and precision. Prioritizing durability, safety, ease of use, and portability, the mill provides a convenient solution for preparing flowersticks.

For this project you will need :

• A) Drill machine and drill 8 & 12mm
• B) Heat gun
• C) Punch press
• D )Scissors
• E) Metalsaw
• F) a marker and measuring instrument
• G) 2m PVC pipe 16mm
• H) 1m ALU pipe 15mm
• I) 6x Hollow plastic balls (that can open)
• J) 4x LED penlights AAA batteries
• K) 2x old inner tube diameter 15mm & 50mm
• L) 2x bolts and cap nuts M8
• M) 3x reduction nut M8 => M6
• N) 2x reduction nut M8 => M10
• O) 5x Threaded pins M8
• P) 3x Threaded pins M10
• Q) 8x Insert plug M8
• R) 3x Couplig nut M10
• S) 1x Pipe bracket RI18
• T) 3x electricity bracket M6 / 19-22mm
• U) a set colored electrical iso tape

You can find most of these things in the hardware store.

Measure the pipe at 50cm, mark it and then saw it as straight as possible. Repeat this proces four times.

Measure the pipe at 10cm & 40cm, mark it and then saw it as straight as possible. Repeat this proces two times.

In an exploded view, each component of the handle sticks would be separated to show how they fit together. This allows for a better understanding of the construction and assembly of the handle sticks.

1. Prepare the bike tire: Make sure the tire is clean and free of any debris or sharp objects.
2. Use a sharp scissors to carefully cut the tire.
3. Start by placing one end of the pipe inside the cut end of the bike tire. Gradually and evenly pull the tire over the pipe, working your way along its length. If the tire feels tight, you can use a lubricant like soapy water to help ease the process.
4. Secure the tire: Once the tire is fully pulled over the pipe, check for any areas that may need adjustment or smoothing. Ensure the tire is evenly distributed and fits snugly on the pipe.
5. Use a scissors to carefully trim it off. Make a clean and straight cut to achieve a neat finish.

1. Use a heating gun to heat up one end of the pipe. Apply heat evenly and gradually until the pipe starts to soften slightly and becomes more pliable. Be cautious not to overheat the pipe, as excessive heat can cause damage.
2. While the pipe is still hot, quickly insert the cap nut into the heated end of the pipe. Use a twisting motion to ensure the nut is securely held in place by the softened plastic. Be careful not to burn yourself during this step.
3. Choose an appropriate-sized drill bit 8mm and drill a hole in one end of the ball. The hole should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the bolt you are using.
4. Insert the bolt into the hole drilled in the ball, ensuring it goes through the ball's entire length. Twist the bolt until it is all the way in, with the ball securely attached.
5. With the bolt attached to the ball, twist the ball into the cap nut that was inserted into the heated end of the pipe. Use a twisting motion to tighten the ball onto the cap nut, ensuring a secure connection.

Please note that working with heat guns and power tools requires caution and proper safety measures. Ensure you have a safe working environment, follow the manufacturer's instructions for each tool, and take care to avoid injury.

In an exploded view, each component of the flower stick would be separated to show how they fit together. This allows for a better understanding of the construction and assembly of the flower stick.

1. Ensure that the LED light is switched on before proceeding.
2. Turn the LED from the pipe and remove the batteries
3. Use the heating gun to heat up the PVC pipe. Apply heat evenly and gradually to make the pipe more pliable. Be cautious not to overheat the pipe to avoid damage.
4. While the PVC pipe is still hot and pliable, insert the LED light into the pipe in several steps. Start with a small portion of the LED light and gradually push it further into the pipe until it is fully inserted. This step is done to create a secure fit between the LED light and the PVC pipe.
5. If desired, wrap some insulating tape around the batteries to reduce noise or rattling inside the PVC pipe. This will help keep the batteries in place and minimize any sound caused by movement.
6. Once the LED light is fully inserted into the PVC pipe and the batteries are secured, turn on the LED light by switching it to the ON position.
7. Observe the LED light to ensure it is shining properly. Confirm that the light is visible through the PVC pipe and that the connection between the LED light and the pipe is secure.
8. Start by placing one end of the pipe inside the cut end of the bike tire. Gradually and evenly pull the tire over the pipe, working your way along its length. If the tire feels tight, you can use a lubricant like soapy water to help ease the process.

By following these steps, you should be able to incorporate two LED light into the PVC pipe and check if the light is functioning properly. Remember to exercise caution when working with heating guns, and always ensure proper safety measures are in place.

1. Use scissors to cut out the valve from the inner tube. Cut as close to the valve as possible while ensuring the tube remains intact.
2. Cut the old tube open along its length using scissors. This will allow you to have a flat surface to work with.
3. Place insulation tape on the inner tube in a neat and even manner. This will act as a guide for cutting consistent strips for each flower stroke.
4. Cut a strip of the inner tube along the edges of the insulation tape. This strip will serve as an example for the size and shape of the flower strokes.
5. Place the example strip on the inner tube, aligning it with the insulation tape. Use scissors to cut along the edges of the example strip, creating identical strips. Repeat this process to obtain the desired number of strips for each flower (usually six strips).
6. Use a punch press to create a hole in the center of each strip. This will be used to attach the strokes to the prepared stick.
7. Take the prepared stick and evenly space out the strips around the top, resembling a flower. Arrange them in a visually pleasing manner, adjusting the position of each strip as needed.

By following these steps, you can create flower-shaped strokes using an old inner tube. Remember to exercise caution when cutting and working with scissors, and be mindful of using appropriate tools and techniques for your safety.

1. Select a drill bit with a diameter of 12mm, which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the threads on the LED light.
2. Place the ball securely on a stable surface and carefully drill a hole in one end using the selected drill bit. Ensure that the hole is centered and aligned with the ball's axis.
3. Take the LED light and unscrew the hollow plastic balls from the pipe and the LED light, if they are already attached. Position the hollow plastic balls between the threads of the pipe and the LED light, ensuring a snug fit.
4. Once the hollow plastic balls are in place between the threads, tighten the balls securely by twisting them onto the threads. This will help keep the components together and create a secure connection.

Please note that the size of the drill bit and the threads may vary depending on the specific components being used. Adjust the drill bit size accordingly to ensure a proper fit. Take caution when drilling and handling sharp tools, and ensure you have a safe working environment.

Repeat this handling for each flower you want to make (6 times).

In an exploded view, each component of The Mill would be separated to show how they fit together. This allows for a better understanding of the construction and assembly of The Mill.

Join all the parts together as shown in the exploded view so that you obtain the new product The Mill. This is easy to addon to a micro stand with which one can easily learn the difficult Circus act TIC TOC

In an exploded view, each component of The Flower Mill would be separated to show how they fit together. This allows for a better understanding of the construction and assembly of The Mill.

Join all the parts together as shown in the exploded view so that you obtain the new product The Flower Mill. This is easy to addon to a micro stand with which one or two can easily learn the difficult Circus act TIC TOC.

To perform the trick, you need to make an extra flower stick as described in steps 6 to 9