twisted atom (hoopball)

[jimpierce7]

This is actually pretty simple and cheap. I made two sizes one with 12 inch pieces the other with 10.

I used the thin wall PVC. I cut it to length, 12 pieces for each atom. I then wiped them down with laquer thinner to wash off the ink.
Then sanded each piece with 80 grit sandpaper for a rough surface. Each atom needs six 4-way connectors.

here is the heat gun and wet rag........



after cutting these were the only tools I used. I would take a piece and heat it while turning about 1 1/2" from an end. When it is soft enough I twist and hook it off about 45 degrees the wrap it in the wet rag to cool it.



Then I do the same thing to the other end and hook it off at a 45 in a differant direction from the other end.



This leaves the center section to heat up. Once it gets soft I twist and bend it to something like a curve.



leaving the ends round of course allows for attachment to the 4-way. Here are a few pics of an incomplete unit.







below is the finished product less dress up. Add toys or whatever as you like. To attach it to the ceiling I will be using an eye hook on top attached to bunji cords to the ceiling. You can see the differance between the sizes here.

[Conure & Macaw Mom]

That looks great! Crystal

[Tiki]

Jim, very cool twist on what is already a clever toy!

[Vega]

Jim, wikll you have to wrap them with anything, or was sanding it enough for some traction?

[Macawlvr]

Dannnnnnggggg Jim!!! I knew you would give the idea a "twist" but I never thought it would be "that twisted"!!!!!!
Great job!!! I can never ever get pipe to twist that way...mine always starts to blister and have burn marks long before I can get it to twist like that.

Seeya............................................. ... James

[Maui's Mom]

Awesome job ! Im so jealous as Im sure the babies would be if I showed it to them. boy o boy do you have lucky birdies.

[Graehstone]

Love the Mad Scientist mentality that comes up with stuff like this, lol.
What a great idea ... I have a lot of spare pvc, albeit only 1/2 inch but still.
Very cool.
That would be something to make and sell at Birdmarts and stuff, I think that would go over fairly well. Make 'em out of different colored ones and Ta-Da! Instant rich dude.

[jimpierce7]

Originally Posted by Vega

Jim, wikll you have to wrap them with anything, or was sanding it enough for some traction?

the sanding will offer traction and the shape will give them something to grab on to.

[Maui's Mom]

before selling them at BirdMart . offer them Here Here Here !! lol

[cfulhage]

Oooo, hanging it with a bungee cord, great idea!