Yes, You're right, using some heavier denser metals would be better, such as lead. I was trying altar one of these balls slightly, so it was different from the other solid stainless steel balls. Had some 3/8" diameter brass on hand, And its color is different than the stainless. Therefore, I could see this ball is different than the others.
I'll definitely get to some lead, think I might have to melt it and pour it into the ball. Or try a solid lead ball, but lead is pretty soft so it might get beat up Pretty good going down the track.
Melt something in with the lead to stiffen it up a little?
I'm thinking a lead ball would definitely be heavier than stainless.
Are you gonna give us a video?
Thank you for pushing this idea about lead, I do have some lead around, I've got some old roofing lead, think I have some scuba diving weights as I've learner that are made out of lead. I actually haven't casted too much metal in my days, I should give it a try. Especially since LED has a low melting point, I don't really have a forge or a furnace around, but I could always make one. Or Richard at the shop has one, or we work with a lot of knife makers. But doing it in house would be cheaper. A lot of my ideas were in regards to the machining, we have a CNC machinist around the corner. That's a good friend. But I think I must try this lead ball, I'd also like to drill out a stainless steel ball and fill the voids with lead.
I also would like to cast aluminum one, now I know this is a light metal, but some of the racing tracks could favor a lighter material, or have a path for lighter balls. Need a wide range of different balls, just to see if what their different properties are on the racetrack, Plus we found an aluminum bowl on Amazon and it's like a hundred bucks Canadian, closer to 140 American.
Would have to try some brass as well.
Hopefully if I can grow my idea here. Others will want to contribute their own ideas for balls, to get made. Or to make them themselves and then mail them in so we can race them down the track. Lots of work to do with this idea
And The shop is already super busy.
As far as a video, I bought a new GoPro hero lit. And spent about an hour yesterday. Trying to get it to update. Kept on failing, I'll have to look into it again. It was supposed to be the finish line camera. So I can use my mobile to film the races.
After I couldn't get the camera to work, then I started to get a little annoyed. I lost a good hour, then I proceeded to clean the bandsaw for the rest of the day. I have to do a post on how I modified the band saw to make it better. Added some tools hangers.
What was that fella's name that did the NASCAR competition here on Hive. ATS David or something. Might have to reach out for some help on this one in due time. Even though David isn't on the chain anymore. But I bet he does log on from time to time.
Thank you again for your feedback, it's been very helpful.
I want to say he has left the earthly plane, but I may have him confused with another.
Looking forward to the video!