Get the Best Results When Building Your Wood Marble Machine
Unbox correctly, number parts while they’re still in the foam trays, use the right glue (Titebond), assemble with only one screwdriver, square the drive-frame to the base, and wire the motor safely (with quick troubleshooting).
0) Unboxing & Numbering the Parts (Very Important)
- Inside the package, all wooden parts are organized in foam trays.
- Before removing anything, open the PDF manual and note the part numbers in the diagrams.
- Use a soft pencil (or small stickers) to mark each wooden part with its correct number while it’s still in the foam tray.
- After all parts are numbered, remove them one by one as you assemble.
Do not pull parts out of the foam trays before numbering — it’s easy to mix them up or lose small pieces.
This step also helps you spot missing or shipping-damaged parts early. If anything is missing or broken, email contact@woodmarblemachine.com and we’ll ship replacements promptly.
1) Surface Prep & Glue Control
- Wipe dust off the joint surfaces with a soft tissue/napkin before gluing.
- Apply a thin, even layer of wood glue. More glue ≠ stronger joint; excess squeezes out and makes alignment harder.
- If glue squeezes out, wipe immediately with soft tissue while still wet.
Recommended glue: Titebond (or an equivalent high-quality wood glue).
2) Tools You Need
- You only need one screwdriver for the whole build.
- All screws are included; no extra tools required.
3) Square the Drive-Frame to the Base
For smooth, quiet running, the frame that holds the transmission (gears, pulleys, belt drive) must be perfectly perpendicular to the base plate.
How to do it
- Apply glue to the frame’s mating surfaces per the manual.
- Place the drive-frame in position on the base.
- Use a small carpenter’s square (L-square) against the frame and the base to verify a true 90°.
- Hold until the glue begins to set so the frame cures straight and vertical.
Tip: Getting the frame square at this stage dramatically reduces friction, belt slip, and marble jams later.
4) Work Step-by-Step
- Dry-fit (no glue) first to confirm parts seat correctly.
- After finishing each sub-assembly, turn the mechanism gently by hand to feel for smooth motion before continuing.
5) Take Your Time
- Allow glue to set on load-bearing areas (frames, gear supports) before adding load.
- A few extra minutes now saves hours of rework later.
6) Wiring the Motor, Switch & Power (Battery Box or Adapter)
Many models use a DC motor powered by a battery holder or a plug-in adapter.
Follow these rules
- Wire exactly as shown in the manual, step by step.
- Respect wire colors (e.g., red = positive, black = negative).
- After wiring, make a short test to confirm the motor’s rotation direction matches the manual.
- If it spins the wrong way, swap polarity (reverse the two leads).
Safety note: Double-check connections before powering on. Avoid running the motor unloaded for long periods.
Quick Troubleshooting (If the Motor Doesn’t Spin)
- Power source: Fresh batteries or a working adapter?
- Battery holder contacts: Ensure the metal tabs touch the battery ends firmly.
- Loose wires: Tug gently; all joints should be snug at the motor, switch, and power input.
- Switch: Toggle several times to rule out a sticky contact.
- Polarity: Swap the two wires and test again.
If the motor still won’t run, email contact@woodmarblemachine.com with a short video/photo—we’ll help you diagnose or send a replacement part if needed.
Final Thoughts
A great-running marble machine starts with organized unboxing, accurate numbering, clean joints, and a perfectly squared drive-frame. Add careful wiring and quick tests, and you’ll enjoy a smooth, reliable, and beautiful kinetic sculpture—built by you.