Marbles and Balls

I've seen, and used, many different sizes of marbles. I use marbles because
they are durable, come in many colors, and do not cost and arm and a leg if
you get tired of the set you have. In some sculptures there are a lot of marbles
total. To replace them all would be expensive if they were something exotic.


The only drawback to glass marbles is that they are definitely not all created equal.
I have found that different suppliers have different quality marbles. The color and
finish on the marble may be fantastic, but the roundness of the marble is more like
and egg with flat spots. I have had to shop around a little. It's best to buy a just
a few before investing in many. The best thing about marbles is their variety.
Look around on the web, there is a lot to choose from out there!
When searching for marbles, once you get to the marble site, just put in
the size marble you are looking for.



If you want to go with the large size ball, around 2", then I would
suggest that you go all the way to 2 1/4" and get pool/billiard balls. They are
cheap, and surprisingly light for their size. Walmart carries them, by the set.
If you do use that size/weight ball, then use 3/16" wire or bigger. Can also be
found by searching for Phenoic balls - to find different sizes.

Want to save weight, and use a lightweight material? Well...how about
using ping pong balls. They could be colored, and do not weight anything.
It would be hard to have them actuate moving parts, because they weigh 
very little, but it is possible.

Want a lot of noise? Then use a chinese stress ball! They are weighted unevely
on the inside, and do not roll smoothly, but makes a great melody of sounds when paired
with the resonance of the wire. Not to be taken lightly though, it will put off a LOT of noise.

I started out using 5/8" marbles, the small common ones you see everywhere.
I also used 5/8" steel balls too. The steel ones were nice because they had a lot of
weight even though they were small, but unless you get stainless steel ball
bearings they will eventually rust. Not fun. 
In my opinion, 5/8" is a little small. I would recommend something a little
bigger, right around 7/8" or bigger. When I used a 1" marble (25mm) for the first
time, I was quite pleased at much better the bigger marble stayed on the tracks.

I now use 1 3/8" (35mm) most of the time. They are a good size that stays on the
track well, and is heavy enough to power most elements, without needing a buddy.
And with a buddy or two their weight adds up fast!
The best size wire for this size ball is 5/32". It has just the right amount of strength
while still being easy enough to bend. The larger diameter wire also gives you more
room to weld to. But because it costs a lot more than 1/8" to buy, I use 1/8".
It comes in 12' lengths and can usually be found for around $2 -$5 per stick.


If you are doing a small table top sculpture, then I would recommend 1" (25mm) marbles.
Any bigger and their weight works against you if it is not properly secured to some kind
of base. Any smaller and the marbles come off easier, and get lost easier because they are
smaller. The track spacing does not have to be as precise the larger the ball you use.

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