M7 Side Three Glamor Shot

joe mendel · January 26, 2022

This edition of photographs will show the final elements of the first half of the M7. Since we all are woodworkers here, it is from this view that you may be able to interpret that this design can only be assembled and disassembled in a properly devised approach.

This whole project was built in that developed manner. For every gadget I built, first there was the mental concept which rolled around in my head for hours throughout my day. From thought the idea then went to paper, first a rough sketch, then a full size three view architectural drawing.

Even with the full-size drawing, I still needed to make a mock-up to fill the space which the apparatus would occupy. I have what I think is a good spatial awareness, but I needed to see how my idea would fit between the other inhabitants of the M7. I would use Styrofoam insulation, cardboard, scrap wood, often with a photocopy of the drawing glued to the dummy piece.

Virtually every one of the mechanisms which I included, had a plywood or MDF full-size operational predecessor to the finished device. Every path of the steel balls had to be 100 percent correct before I would risk using prime materials or spend the time it would take to add inlay or carving to the device. Replications were anticipated. This was a process, and design opportunities were plentiful. Patience was the only way to improve.

The multitudes of moving parts could not in any fractional measure be susceptible to seasonal wood movement. Throughout the construction various preventive measures were taken to nullify these issues. The steel balls are mere playthings to the forces of gravity making them plummet within the confines of the tower. The switching from one maze to another had to be flawless to keep the balls traveling.

There were extensive considerations in the finishing process of each element. I feel that I have made allowances which should have this clock moving marbles smoothly for an exceedingly long time.