Pinball Wireform Clips

thingiverse

These assist in the bending and welding of pinball machine wireforms (aka ramps or habitrails) and were used in the making of the wireforms of the home-brew pinball project Greek Gods. https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/greek-gods-homebrew The distances are configured for the ball to ride above a C ring but not touch the side rails under normal movement. An airborne ball can hop into the wireform (it won't ride on top). Instruction for use: Start by feeding 4 lengths of 1/8" steel rod through the holes on two or more "sliders." Bend the rods to the desired 3D shape and the sliders will maintain the relative distances between the rods. As the wireform takes an acceptable shape replace "sliders" with clips. When the wireform is bent to its final shape weld 1/8" steel rod "C" rings on the bent rod to anchor the rods to one another. The rest is polishing. Note that the clips will wear out with multiple attachments and un-attachments. Print extra clips, you will need them. Also welding melts the clips so back them away from the joints as you weld. If the rod is not fully bent and is under tension, the rings will distort during the welding. Minimize this with proper bending and quick precise welds. Practice makes perfect.