Test Your Fate: Flipper Construction

Flippers:

In order to make the flippers, the idea behind the mechanism was first tested to see if it would work with the MDF blocks and dowling (see figure 1). Upon reflection using MDF for the inner mechanisms wasn't appropriate as the wood was too soft and kept splitting when drilled into (see figures 2-3). Therefore when it came to adding smaller dowling it wasn't possible to drill in again without destroying the wood. Plywood was used instead as being a hardwood meant multiple holes could be drilled in without the piece splitting (see figures 4-5). One piece split slightly however this was fixed by leaving it in a press with some wood glue. Once each element has been cut and holes added, each was sanded down to create a smooth finish.  As the holes within these pieces needed to allow the dowling to move freely they where hand sanded to smooth out the inner lining of the hole, allowing the dowling to move in and out easily. In order for the mechanism to work, 6mm dowling needed to be added to each block as this is where the elastic band will sit which forces the flipper to return to its original position (see figures 5-7). Positioning these blocks was very important as each had to align so the dowling could move in and out whilst keeping the flippers aligned on the opposite side as the main mechanisms will be hidden under the board (see figures 7-8). This was a difficult process as initially the blocks aligned however when the board was tested within the base the blocks where too high and sat on the runners instead of before. Therefore they needed to be lowered, leaving dowling holes that will be filled in if necessary. Furthermore the holes within the flippers and wooden blocks where hand sanded to allowing the dowling to fit snug within so that when the block was moved by the handle both the flipper and block would move, allowing the mechanism to work. Dowling was cut down and the ends sanded to create a curved top allowing the dowling to fit within the hole easier (see figures 7-8). Once the blocks had been placed in the correct position holes where added to the base by placing the board into the box and marking underneath where the holes where. Once these holes had been added the longer dowlign could be used to test if all the blocks and base aligned. This was successful however all need hand sanding to improve ease of movement making the game easier to play (see figures 9-10). 

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10