Mark-2 Prototype

Now that we knew it could be done, Chris began contacting all of the local bowling alleys and several national manufacturers of Bowling balls. The only one that didn't laugh us out of the room was AMF. They thought it was a great idea and were eager to help. After speaking with their engineering staff and learning far more about the construction of bowling balls than you really want to know AMF agreed to donate a full set of matched balls for the cradle. Each ball would not only have the exact same construction, but identical weights (accurate to the ounce) and would come without any finger holes as well (a problem with using the old balls). Each ball would weigh 15 pounds for a total finished weight of 300 pounds for the cradle's weights.

That's a lot of balls.

The balls arrived shortly, neatly packed, boxed and crated on a pallet. They were even labeled "INSTRUCTIONAL BALL ONLY" which we found hilarious given they were being used for something radically different than the person who originally inscribed them had in mind. We learned in short order the shiny new bowling balls are much harder to drill than ratty old ones, but thankfully they changed the internal composition and they don't stink when you drill them. The bleeding involved was totally worth not having to suffer the smell and the small scar on Chris's leg makes for an interesting story. we would like to sincerely thank AMF for the donation of our mass to build the cradle.

We built the entire cradle of 20 balls and used it for a couple weeks. The rafters were the weak link though. They were perfectly fine with 300lbs of balls just hanging there. But when we got the entire array moving in unison the rafters would flex far too much for us to be comfortable with. For static display we assemble the full 20-ball cradle. But when we actually want to use it for a class or a demo, we limit it down to 16 balls for safety.

And now, without further adieu we present to you the finished piece.