Gumball Machine
This is a relatively simple project that one can do with some spare wood and a mason jar (providing you have the tools). This is my first Instructable!
What you will need:
- Wood (mahogany or pine is best)
- Wood Glue - Hammer
- (8) 3/4 inch nails
- Clamps
- Drum sander
- Mason Jar
- Sand paper
- Shears
- Bandsaw or jigsaw
- Would Stain
- Router
- Ruler
- nail set
- Gumballs
- Putty (to fill)
- Knob
- Drill Press
Downloads
Sketch Out Your Cuts
It is best to measure and cut B and C together so they are flush.
After that cutting E will be relatively simple. You will want a tight fit so it is best to cut and sand fitting components together. Sanding is very important. Cutting (E), Make the opening in E the same size as your mason jar lid. Everything else, including the corners and bottom of the gumball machine I cut and sanded until everything was flush. This includes all the pointy edges and sloping design. (B) The pin can be any size you want. It just has to fit into the slot you cut into C. The tighter the fit the smoother feel your gumball machine will have. Use your drill press to create a nice hole the size of the gumballs you will put in your jar. I use the mini gumballs. Screw in you know on the front or drill a hole in B and insert the knob with some glue. (C) This may be the most difficult part of the project. Creating the slot will take a skilled hand. The slot does not have to be deep. It just needs to fit your pin well. Keep it tight so when you slide B through C it does not wiggle. Remember to measure twice and cut once! I suggest cutting out the paper and drawing it directly on the wood! It is now time to Stain B and C as well as the inside of both (D's)
Putting Together
Take the lid of your Mason Jar and cut out the top. Now you will glue that guy right inside of E.
Once everything is cut and sanded you will be able to piece together with your nails and glue. Where you see the dark spots is where I inset the nails. After nailing the pieces together you cover with putty and sand until you get a nice smooth surface. You can use glue here as well if you want. B must be inside with the pin fitted in C's slot when you connect D, C, and E together. (Be careful if you use glue) Once everything put together you can stain the putty where you inset the nails
Finishing Up
Make sure everything is flush and looks good. And grab some gumballs!