It takes some of us longer to catch on to certain things. Me, for example. I used to think that 1″ marbles (called 1″ Shooters) were all alike…all the same. When I constructed Scissor Lift #1 I designed and created for 1″ diameter marbles. And what I found was that some of my marbles would not roll properly…they were too large or, most often, simply not round.
As Scissor Lift #2 is nearing completion my wife and I spent an hour or two exploring and purchasing a variety of 1″ Shooters. We do this on eBay and have a good time. The world of marbles is colorful and interesting. In this case we were wanting to purchase marbles that would go with the color scheme of Scissor Lift #2.
The marbles arrived (faster than expected) and were wonderful. Of the four different varieties three would work well from the perspective of color. I started rolling them through Scissor Lift #2 and found that about 80% of the marbles would get hung up and would stop rolling. As I pondered this situation I realized that I had already known it, but had not realized it.
The first batch of marbles that I bought were all from one source. About 80% of them would not run through Scissor Lift #1. I assumed that it was simply the batch…the manufacturer. Now what I realize is that it is apparently all marbles that vary a bit in size and that are perhaps a bit out of round.
My conclusion is that if I want 1″ Shooters to properly roll through my machines I need to be designing for 1-1/8″ marbles. So…I’ve been modifying and at times rebuilding portions of Scissor Lift #2 so that all 1″ Shooters will roll through. It’s a good thing that I enjoy what I do…else this would be work.
Since Scissor Lift #2 was entirely painted this is a set back in terms of time. After I modify/reconstruct I’ll need to paint. Will add about a week to the creation of Scissor Lift #2.