Marvelous Marble Machine Reflects Lifelong Passion

Nov. 1, 2012 - PRLog -- (Xenia, OH) Richard Browne saw his first marble machine at the age of six, when he visited the 1939 New York World’s Fair, and he’s been fascinated by quirky roller devices ever since. This former engineer is entirely self-taught, which hasn't stopped him from working on some remarkable projects—he made his own remote-control cars (real cars!) in the early 1960s, built a computer, and later worked on parts for the space shuttle. His latest amazing marble roller is profiled in “Gizmos,” a special issue of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts magazine.

Richard’s new marble machine is nearly three feet tall and holds 26 oversized marbles. It runs with a pleasing clatter as the marbles roll, spiral, and swoop through two crisscrossing routes on nearly 18 feet of track. Featuring ramps, chutes, a spiral staircase, and a dumping bucket, the machine runs for about six minutes as each marble to arrive at the base triggers the release of the next. Watch video of his amazing machine in action at http://www.scrollsawer.com/videos/marvelous_marble_machin....

Building Instructions for the Amazing Marble Machine

Adventurous woodworkers can construct Richard’s marble tower at home to delight and astonish family and friends. His step-by-step instructions can be completed using just a few standard tools and materials. The Amazing Marble Machine Pattern Pack, now available from Fox Chapel Publishing, offers his complete plans in a 36-page booklet or via download at http://www.foxchapelpublishing.com/product_p/smrp1p.htm.

About Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts magazine
Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts is the premier publication devoted to the art and hobby of scroll saw cutting and design. Each issue offers dozens of full-size, professionally drawn patterns and step-by-step, photo-illustrated instructions that ensure success. The quarterly magazine covers all styles of scrolling, including fretwork, intarsia, inlay, puzzles, boxes, and toys. For more information please visit http://www.scrollsawer.com.

About Fox Chapel Publishing
Fox Chapel Publishing publishes books, magazines, patterns, and videos for do-it-yourself enthusiasts. We inspire and inform readers who enjoy a variety of crafts and hobbies, including woodworking, sewing, jewelry-making, boating, back-yard farming, wine & beer-making, and much more. Our greatest joy comes from working with talented craftspeople to make their designs and techniques available for everyone who shares the love of creating things by hand. We publish two magazines, Woodcarving Illustrated and Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts, and more than 200 book and DVD titles. Our imprints include Design Originals and Heliconia Press. For more information please visit http://www.foxchapelpublishing.com.