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| As with the other parts, there are many ways to make an axle which will support your bubble wheel while allowing it to spin freely through the bubble solution. For our current purposes we will focus on using a disposable ink pen, since they work great and are easy to describe. But first, here are a couple of interesting tidbits. A coat hanger can also be used. Although slightly less efficient, coat hangers can be bent to provide an axle that holds itself at the proper height, etc. (at the same time) Smooth is good. A smooth axle/shaft will have less resistance and spin better than one with a rough surface. Dowel rods usually work fine, but often a smooth plastic or metal material can work better. Small is good too. A smaller shaft has a smaller area of surface contact. (which can greatly affect it's performance due to resistance from friction) Interestingly, an 1/8" dowel is not as smooth as a 1/2" plastic rod/outer pen casing/etc. HOWEVER, the size difference is adequate for the wooden dowel to work better (between these two choices) One of the best things that you can use for an axle is a dart from a blow gun (if adults are making the bubble machines). They are very thin, straight, and quite strong. However, a disposable ink pen works great - not to mention they are endlessly available and don't even have to work. The inner part provides a great axle while the outer part makes a perfectly sized holder/outer casing for the axle. |
| The Axle |
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Step by Step
Put a small hole in the center of your bubble wheel. Use a nail that is a little
smaller than the center part of an ink pen. This will allow a tighter fit onto the
axle. If necessary, heat the nail over a lighter or candle for a few seconds. Be
sure to use a hot pad or pliers to hold the nail, since it will get very hot.
Take a disposable ink pen, then twist and pull the tip to remove the inner
section (which contains the ink). Insert the small end through the hole in the
center of your bubble wheel.
Do not insert the inner section beyond the base of the thin clear tube which
holds the ink. This allows for adequate space for the axle to spin freely.
Slide the clear section back into the pen's outer case until the case touches
the back side of the bubble wheel. Make sure that the contact points are
relatively smooth and free from debris. Otherwise the increased resistance can
reduce performance - especially with smaller fans.
Now you are ready to set up the bubble wheel so that the outer shaft is held in
the right position to work with your fan and bubble solution container.
As for the last two pictures: The first shows a bubble wheel with a blow dart for
an axle, and the second is a variation with holes punched into the outer edge
of the wheel rather than having rings added.
Put a small hole in the center of your bubble wheel. Use a nail that is a little
smaller than the center part of an ink pen. This will allow a tighter fit onto the
axle. If necessary, heat the nail over a lighter or candle for a few seconds. Be
sure to use a hot pad or pliers to hold the nail, since it will get very hot.
Take a disposable ink pen, then twist and pull the tip to remove the inner
section (which contains the ink). Insert the small end through the hole in the
center of your bubble wheel.
Do not insert the inner section beyond the base of the thin clear tube which
holds the ink. This allows for adequate space for the axle to spin freely.
Slide the clear section back into the pen's outer case until the case touches
the back side of the bubble wheel. Make sure that the contact points are
relatively smooth and free from debris. Otherwise the increased resistance can
reduce performance - especially with smaller fans.
Now you are ready to set up the bubble wheel so that the outer shaft is held in
the right position to work with your fan and bubble solution container.
As for the last two pictures: The first shows a bubble wheel with a blow dart for
an axle, and the second is a variation with holes punched into the outer edge
of the wheel rather than having rings added.
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