Introduction: Wheel of Death
A fun and colorful ride that will make you die of happiness!
*Entirely hand-made
Supplies
Cardboard
Wooden skewers
Gear motor (125 rpm)
9V DC battery
Switch
Hot glue gun
Yarn
Acrylic paint (multiple colors)
Box cutter
Ruler
Assorted wood pieces (optional)
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies.
Step 2: Draw and Cut the Wheels.
Trace out the main part of the ferris wheel following the dimensions shown in the picture.
The cutout should be an octagonal shape with eight "spokes."
Do this twice, for each side of the ferris wheel.
Step 3: Prepare the Cardboard Wheels.
Use the box cutter to cut out the outlines.
Paint each side of the wheel - our model has one side painted black, the other blue.
Using a box cutter or other sharp object, create holes at the end of each of the eight "spokes" and in the center of the wheel as shown in the picture.
Do this each of the two wheels.
Step 4: Trace and Cut Out the Seats.
Trace the outline of the seats using the dimensions shown in the picture.
Repeat this tracing seven more times to create the outlines for eight seats in total.
Cut out each part of the seat using a box cutter.
Step 5: Paint and Assemble the Seats.
Paint one side of each seat black (picture 1).
Paint the other side of the seat a different color - each seat should be a different color (picture 2).
To put together the seat, use hot glue to attach the 2x7cm piece at a right angle to the 4x7cm piece - this makes the base of the seat.
Use hot glue to attach the 2x6cm pieces to the side of the seat as shown.
Use a box cutter or other sharp object to drill two holes in each side 2cm below the top of each strip. Ensure that the holes have sufficient space for the skewer to move around.
Place the skewer through the hole. You will trim the excess skewer later (picture 3).
Step 6: Prepare the Triangle Bases.
Trace out the bases using the diagram shown. Do this twice to create two triangle bases.
After cutting out the bases, paint each side - our model painted one side black, the other side light purple.
Create a hole in each wheel 2.5cm from the top - this will later help to support the weight of the wheel.
Step 7: Prepare the Gear.
Using a compass, trace out two circles with a diameter of 10cm.
Cut out the circles.
Cut out a strip of thick paper 2cm in width. The length should match the circumference of a circle.
Use hot glue to attach the strip to the edge of both circles, creating a short cylinder.
Cut out two strips of thick paper that are 0.7cm in width and have the same length as the circle's circumference.
Use hot glue to attach the thin strips to the edges of the gear to create a border for the string.
Cut a hole in the center of the gear.
Step 8: Attach Both Wheels Together With Seats
Use hot glue to attach one end of the skewer to one of the "spokes" on the first wheel (picture 1).
Add the seats onto the skewers by putting the skewer through the holes made earlier (picture 2).
Use hot glue on the other end of the skewer and attach to the second wheel's "spokes", thus putting the two wheels together with the seats inside (as shown in picture 3).
Step 9: Attach the Wheels and Gear to the Bases
Use hot glue to attach gear to the center of the front wheel.
Stick skewer through the center holes of the triangle bases (one on the front side and one on the backside) and wheels.
Use hot glue to attach the bottom of the triangle bases to the floor base, make sure that there is space between the base and the wheels.
If needed, trim skewer.
Step 10: Make the Motor and Switch Circuit
Connect the 9V battery (picture 3) to the 9V battery wires (pictures 5 and 6).
Connect one of the battery wires to the motor (picture 1) and the other one to the switch (picture 7).
Use the wire with clamps to connect the motor to the switch (picture 7).
Test the circuit and battery by pulling down the switch to make sure the motor moves.
Step 11: Connect Motor to Gear With String
Attach the motor to the floor base in between the triangle base.
Wrap a piece of yarn around the gear and motor rod and tie it tightly (shown in the circled part of the picture).
Test the tightness of the string by turning on the motor system and making sure the Ferris wheel moves. If it does not move, the string is not tight enough.
Step 12: (Optional) Make Ticket Booth, Control Pad, and Battery House
Ticket Booth:
Use hot glue and assorted wood pieces (picture 1) to build a box-like structure with one side (backside) open and the other side (front side) has a small window (picture 2).
Use paint to design as you wish (picture 3).
Control Pad:
Use hot glue and assorted wood pieces to make a box with a little box on top of it (picture 4).
Paint little buttons on the smaller box to resemble a go and stop button (picture 5).
Battery House:
Use hot glue and assorted wood pieces to make a box around the battery.
Use paint to design as you wish (picture 6).
