Discussion:
Expo 2017 - The Lost Playfield Drawings of Harry Williams
(too old to reply)
Duncan Brown
2017-04-25 14:04:21 UTC
Permalink
I don't have to be quite so tease-y this year, since everyone knows the
backstory now. I'm gathering tools, parts, and techniques applicable to
this year's entry, "Firefly" - this is one of the games with the "magnet
thingies" that confused me at first. Last night I did my first test of
the cuts and parts, on a scrap bit of playfield, and I'm happy with how
it turned out.

Here is how Harry drew it (and yes, that magnet is located where it
looks like it's located. Should be interesting...)

Loading Image...

Here is how the first test looks in reality:

Loading Image...

My 3/4" hole saw was a little wandery, so that center hole isn't quite
centered. I'll have to address that before I do the real parts. And I
wish the 3-3/8 hole saw I cut the aluminum with didn't have such a big
kerf, but a ball rolls right over that gap just fine. It's more of a
cosmetic thing.

For anyone that DOESN'T know the backstory, here's the web page I put
together with the contents of my 2016 Expo presentation:

http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo2016/

Duncan
Pin Del
2017-04-25 14:12:39 UTC
Permalink
Post by Duncan Brown
I don't have to be quite so tease-y this year, since everyone knows the
backstory now. I'm gathering tools, parts, and techniques applicable to
this year's entry, "Firefly" - this is one of the games with the "magnet
thingies" that confused me at first. Last night I did my first test of
the cuts and parts, on a scrap bit of playfield, and I'm happy with how
it turned out.
Here is how Harry drew it (and yes, that magnet is located where it
looks like it's located. Should be interesting...)
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_drawing_01.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_plate_01_100.jpg
My 3/4" hole saw was a little wandery, so that center hole isn't quite
centered. I'll have to address that before I do the real parts. And I
wish the 3-3/8 hole saw I cut the aluminum with didn't have such a big
kerf, but a ball rolls right over that gap just fine. It's more of a
cosmetic thing.
For anyone that DOESN'T know the backstory, here's the web page I put
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo2016/
Duncan
I found a Magnet part in my stash that looks something like this except my part has 2 Star post about 4 inchs apart & can not figure out what game it came off of, But this in not it .
The ball would roll over the white button & I guess the magnet would sling it back & forth & there is a switch under the white roll over that I guess cuts the magnet off/on, Any Guess's ?

Pin-Del,
Duncan Brown
2017-04-25 14:16:59 UTC
Permalink
Post by Pin Del
Post by Duncan Brown
I don't have to be quite so tease-y this year, since everyone knows
the backstory now. I'm gathering tools, parts, and techniques
applicable to this year's entry, "Firefly" - this is one of the
games with the "magnet thingies" that confused me at first. Last
night I did my first test of the cuts and parts, on a scrap bit of
playfield, and I'm happy with how it turned out.
Here is how Harry drew it (and yes, that magnet is located where it
looks like it's located. Should be interesting...)
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_drawing_01.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_plate_01_100.jpg
My 3/4" hole saw was a little wandery, so that center hole isn't quite
Post by Pin Del
Post by Duncan Brown
centered. I'll have to address that before I do the real parts.
And I wish the 3-3/8 hole saw I cut the aluminum with didn't have
such a big kerf, but a ball rolls right over that gap just fine.
It's more of a cosmetic thing.
For anyone that DOESN'T know the backstory, here's the web page I
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo2016/
Duncan
I found a Magnet part in my stash that looks something like this
except my part has 2 Star post about 4 inchs apart & can not figure
out what game it came off of, But this in not it . The ball would
roll over the white button & I guess the magnet would sling it back &
forth & there is a switch under the white roll over that I guess cuts
the magnet off/on, Any Guess's ?
Pin-Del,
That's a Doodle Bug assembly! (Also from Love Bug and Dipsy Doodle).


PLEEEEEEEASE sell that to me. I have been looking for a loose one to
buy for some time, as my 3D-printed actuator button is supposed to be an
exact replica of the one in that assembly, but I had to do it by
guessing and logic, and I'd like to have an actual one to hold in my
hands to verify. (And once it is exact, then people can 3D-print
replacements for Doodle Bug et al!)

Thanks,
Duncan
Frank Furhter
2017-04-25 16:48:07 UTC
Permalink
Post by Duncan Brown
Post by Pin Del
Post by Duncan Brown
I don't have to be quite so tease-y this year, since everyone knows
the backstory now. I'm gathering tools, parts, and techniques
applicable to this year's entry, "Firefly" - this is one of the
games with the "magnet thingies" that confused me at first. Last
night I did my first test of the cuts and parts, on a scrap bit of
playfield, and I'm happy with how it turned out.
Here is how Harry drew it (and yes, that magnet is located where it
looks like it's located. Should be interesting...)
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_drawing_01.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_plate_01_100.jpg
My 3/4" hole saw was a little wandery, so that center hole isn't quite
Post by Pin Del
Post by Duncan Brown
centered. I'll have to address that before I do the real parts.
And I wish the 3-3/8 hole saw I cut the aluminum with didn't have
such a big kerf, but a ball rolls right over that gap just fine.
It's more of a cosmetic thing.
For anyone that DOESN'T know the backstory, here's the web page I
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo2016/
Duncan
I found a Magnet part in my stash that looks something like this
except my part has 2 Star post about 4 inchs apart & can not figure
out what game it came off of, But this in not it . The ball would
roll over the white button & I guess the magnet would sling it back &
forth & there is a switch under the white roll over that I guess cuts
the magnet off/on, Any Guess's ?
Pin-Del,
That's a Doodle Bug assembly! (Also from Love Bug and Dipsy Doodle).
PLEEEEEEEASE sell that to me. I have been looking for a loose one to
buy for some time, as my 3D-printed actuator button is supposed to be an
exact replica of the one in that assembly, but I had to do it by
guessing and logic, and I'd like to have an actual one to hold in my
hands to verify. (And once it is exact, then people can 3D-print
replacements for Doodle Bug et al!)
Thanks,
Duncan
How about this novel concept, loan the part to him and let him scan/make
a model of it and then put that part description out there in a 3d parts
for pinball library (surely someone has one started, maybe do it as a
part of PinWiki).

Just a concept, where folks actually help others out in making and
reproducing things instead of gouging each other to death in this thing
we barely can call a hobby any more.
--
The Frankster, a playfield prankster
Once upon my crank her ballpark shrank.
http://PinWiki.com, Prep-H 4 pinballers.
CARGPB #42 (Free to join, sign up now!)
Dangling Team-EM Member (debauchery a-go-go)
Rule #1 of RGP, there are no rules or rulers.
Pin Del
2017-04-25 17:09:03 UTC
Permalink
Post by Frank Furhter
Post by Duncan Brown
Post by Pin Del
Post by Duncan Brown
I don't have to be quite so tease-y this year, since everyone knows
the backstory now. I'm gathering tools, parts, and techniques
applicable to this year's entry, "Firefly" - this is one of the
games with the "magnet thingies" that confused me at first. Last
night I did my first test of the cuts and parts, on a scrap bit of
playfield, and I'm happy with how it turned out.
Here is how Harry drew it (and yes, that magnet is located where it
looks like it's located. Should be interesting...)
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_drawing_01.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_plate_01_100.jpg
My 3/4" hole saw was a little wandery, so that center hole isn't quite
Post by Pin Del
Post by Duncan Brown
centered. I'll have to address that before I do the real parts.
And I wish the 3-3/8 hole saw I cut the aluminum with didn't have
such a big kerf, but a ball rolls right over that gap just fine.
It's more of a cosmetic thing.
For anyone that DOESN'T know the backstory, here's the web page I
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo2016/
Duncan
I found a Magnet part in my stash that looks something like this
except my part has 2 Star post about 4 inchs apart & can not figure
out what game it came off of, But this in not it . The ball would
roll over the white button & I guess the magnet would sling it back &
forth & there is a switch under the white roll over that I guess cuts
the magnet off/on, Any Guess's ?
Pin-Del,
That's a Doodle Bug assembly! (Also from Love Bug and Dipsy Doodle).
PLEEEEEEEASE sell that to me. I have been looking for a loose one to
buy for some time, as my 3D-printed actuator button is supposed to be an
exact replica of the one in that assembly, but I had to do it by
guessing and logic, and I'd like to have an actual one to hold in my
hands to verify. (And once it is exact, then people can 3D-print
replacements for Doodle Bug et al!)
Thanks,
Duncan
How about this novel concept, loan the part to him and let him scan/make
a model of it and then put that part description out there in a 3d parts
for pinball library (surely someone has one started, maybe do it as a
part of PinWiki).
Just a concept, where folks actually help others out in making and
reproducing things instead of gouging each other to death in this thing
we barely can call a hobby any more.
--
The Frankster, a playfield prankster
Once upon my crank her ballpark shrank.
http://PinWiki.com, Prep-H 4 pinballers.
CARGPB #42 (Free to join, sign up now!)
Dangling Team-EM Member (debauchery a-go-go)
Rule #1 of RGP, there are no rules or rulers.
Franky,
I can do better than that !
Duncan, The Part is Free for you, Just PP me a few dollars for Postage to this address.

Pin-Del,
Duncan Brown
2017-04-25 18:56:28 UTC
Permalink
Post by Pin Del
Franky,
I can do better than that !
Duncan, The Part is Free for you, Just PP me a few dollars for Postage to this address.
Pin-Del,
Pin-Del,

Done - thanks!!

Duncan
Frank Furhter
2017-04-26 06:04:24 UTC
Permalink
Post by Pin Del
Post by Pin Del
Franky,
I can do better than that !
Duncan, The Part is Free for you, Just PP me a few dollars for Postage to this address.
Pin-Del,
Pin-Del,
Done - thanks!!
Duncan
As weird a dood as you are, I admire and actually love the notion of a
pinball that wasn't to be made a year and for the sake of it all.
May you rest in peace, and before you push daisies maybe put a full team
together to make what you have started a reliable and rather painless
'business' of creating that which another couldn't or some corporation
wouldn't. Who sez it sucks to live in the past, but those that claim
they live in the 'present' they were given and don't appreciate it.
--
The Frankster, a playfield prankster
Once upon my crank her ballpark shrank.
http://PinWiki.com, Prep-H 4 pinballers.
CARGPB #42 (Free to join, sign up now!)
Dangling Team-EM Member (debauchery a-go-go)
Rule #1 of RGP, there are no rules or rulers.
Frank Furhter
2017-04-26 06:02:18 UTC
Permalink
Post by Pin Del
Post by Frank Furhter
Post by Duncan Brown
Post by Pin Del
Post by Duncan Brown
I don't have to be quite so tease-y this year, since everyone knows
the backstory now. I'm gathering tools, parts, and techniques
applicable to this year's entry, "Firefly" - this is one of the
games with the "magnet thingies" that confused me at first. Last
night I did my first test of the cuts and parts, on a scrap bit of
playfield, and I'm happy with how it turned out.
Here is how Harry drew it (and yes, that magnet is located where it
looks like it's located. Should be interesting...)
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_drawing_01.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_plate_01_100.jpg
My 3/4" hole saw was a little wandery, so that center hole isn't quite
Post by Pin Del
Post by Duncan Brown
centered. I'll have to address that before I do the real parts.
And I wish the 3-3/8 hole saw I cut the aluminum with didn't have
such a big kerf, but a ball rolls right over that gap just fine.
It's more of a cosmetic thing.
For anyone that DOESN'T know the backstory, here's the web page I
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo2016/
Duncan
I found a Magnet part in my stash that looks something like this
except my part has 2 Star post about 4 inchs apart & can not figure
out what game it came off of, But this in not it . The ball would
roll over the white button & I guess the magnet would sling it back &
forth & there is a switch under the white roll over that I guess cuts
the magnet off/on, Any Guess's ?
Pin-Del,
That's a Doodle Bug assembly! (Also from Love Bug and Dipsy Doodle).
PLEEEEEEEASE sell that to me. I have been looking for a loose one to
buy for some time, as my 3D-printed actuator button is supposed to be an
exact replica of the one in that assembly, but I had to do it by
guessing and logic, and I'd like to have an actual one to hold in my
hands to verify. (And once it is exact, then people can 3D-print
replacements for Doodle Bug et al!)
Thanks,
Duncan
How about this novel concept, loan the part to him and let him scan/make
a model of it and then put that part description out there in a 3d parts
for pinball library (surely someone has one started, maybe do it as a
part of PinWiki).
Just a concept, where folks actually help others out in making and
reproducing things instead of gouging each other to death in this thing
we barely can call a hobby any more.
--
The Frankster, a playfield prankster
Once upon my crank her ballpark shrank.
http://PinWiki.com, Prep-H 4 pinballers.
CARGPB #42 (Free to join, sign up now!)
Dangling Team-EM Member (debauchery a-go-go)
Rule #1 of RGP, there are no rules or rulers.
Franky,
I can do better than that !
Duncan, The Part is Free for you, Just PP me a few dollars for Postage to this address.
Pin-Del,
That is old school fucking fantastic! Duncan, now scan the part in or
make a model of it and post it on the web for others in need.
Fuck-in-A, this hobby we love may have some backbone left to it other
than bend-over-bah-tovin style like we have seen for the past 20 years.
--
The Frankster, a playfield prankster
Once upon my crank her ballpark shrank.
http://PinWiki.com, Prep-H 4 pinballers.
CARGPB #42 (Free to join, sign up now!)
Dangling Team-EM Member (debauchery a-go-go)
Rule #1 of RGP, there are no rules or rulers.
Nicholas Baldridge
2017-04-25 16:04:17 UTC
Permalink
Post by Duncan Brown
I don't have to be quite so tease-y this year, since everyone knows the
backstory now. I'm gathering tools, parts, and techniques applicable to
this year's entry, "Firefly" - this is one of the games with the "magnet
thingies" that confused me at first. Last night I did my first test of
the cuts and parts, on a scrap bit of playfield, and I'm happy with how
it turned out.
Here is how Harry drew it (and yes, that magnet is located where it
looks like it's located. Should be interesting...)
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_drawing_01.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_plate_01_100.jpg
My 3/4" hole saw was a little wandery, so that center hole isn't quite
centered. I'll have to address that before I do the real parts. And I
wish the 3-3/8 hole saw I cut the aluminum with didn't have such a big
kerf, but a ball rolls right over that gap just fine. It's more of a
cosmetic thing.
For anyone that DOESN'T know the backstory, here's the web page I put
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo2016/
Duncan
Wow, I bet that'll be a fun game to play! The post under the assembly should also help with 'unfairness' from the magnet.
Duncan Brown
2017-04-25 16:10:20 UTC
Permalink
Post by Duncan Brown
I don't have to be quite so tease-y this year, since everyone knows the
backstory now. I'm gathering tools, parts, and techniques applicable to
this year's entry, "Firefly" - this is one of the games with the "magnet
thingies" that confused me at first. Last night I did my first test of
the cuts and parts, on a scrap bit of playfield, and I'm happy with how
it turned out.
Here is how Harry drew it (and yes, that magnet is located where it
looks like it's located. Should be interesting...)
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_drawing_01.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_plate_01_100.jpg
My 3/4" hole saw was a little wandery, so that center hole isn't quite
centered. I'll have to address that before I do the real parts. And I
wish the 3-3/8 hole saw I cut the aluminum with didn't have such a big
kerf, but a ball rolls right over that gap just fine. It's more of a
cosmetic thing.
For anyone that DOESN'T know the backstory, here's the web page I put
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo2016/
Duncan
Wow, I bet that'll be a fun game to play! The post under the
assembly
should also help with 'unfairness' from the magnet.
It'll be like A KirkPost(tm) on steroids - where the best strategy is
sometimes to just hold your breath and NOT flip. Except, of course,
those times where you do that and it was the wrong choice!

Duncan
Pin Del
2017-04-25 18:56:02 UTC
Permalink
Post by Nicholas Baldridge
Post by Duncan Brown
I don't have to be quite so tease-y this year, since everyone knows the
backstory now. I'm gathering tools, parts, and techniques applicable to
this year's entry, "Firefly" - this is one of the games with the "magnet
thingies" that confused me at first. Last night I did my first test of
the cuts and parts, on a scrap bit of playfield, and I'm happy with how
it turned out.
Here is how Harry drew it (and yes, that magnet is located where it
looks like it's located. Should be interesting...)
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_drawing_01.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_plate_01_100.jpg
My 3/4" hole saw was a little wandery, so that center hole isn't quite
centered. I'll have to address that before I do the real parts. And I
wish the 3-3/8 hole saw I cut the aluminum with didn't have such a big
kerf, but a ball rolls right over that gap just fine. It's more of a
cosmetic thing.
For anyone that DOESN'T know the backstory, here's the web page I put
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo2016/
Duncan
Wow, I bet that'll be a fun game to play! The post under the
assembly
should also help with 'unfairness' from the magnet.
It'll be like A KirkPost(tm) on steroids - where the best strategy is
sometimes to just hold your breath and NOT flip. Except, of course,
those times where you do that and it was the wrong choice!
Duncan
Going out now Duncan, On my way to PO since I won't have time the rest of the week.

Pin-Del,
Duncan Brown
2017-04-27 23:06:40 UTC
Permalink
Post by Pin Del
Going out now Duncan, On my way to PO since I won't have time the rest of the week.
Pin-Del,
Got it! Fascinating little assembly:

Loading Image...

Loading Image...

Loading Image...

Harry Williams' Torchy far predates (by 24 years) Norm Clark's use of
this similar concept, so even though Firefly was a 1973 design, Harry
was not stealing Norm's idea; possibly the other way around.

From everything I could tell, the Doodle Bug actuator button was simply
an extended-shaft version of their standard playfield plastic rollover
button. That's what Torchy's button was, though it was made of
stainless steel. So I did not see this coming!

Loading Image...

I guess they did that to strengthen the shaft/button-face connection,
but that sure complicates the machining on the magnet core! I can't do
that with standard drill bits. I guess I'll try my extended-shaft 3D
printed buttons (that only need a simple hole drilled all the way
through the core) and see if they hold up under the stress.

I'm also a little surprised about how short that core is - I figured
they'd want it right up under the floor of the assembly. Something to
play with as I test this once I get a playfield assembled!

Got my 5 magnet plates drilled out, now with better centering on the
button hole:

Loading Image...

Loading Image...

Duncan
Pin Del
2017-04-28 12:01:06 UTC
Permalink
Glad the part got there OK Duncan, didn't think it would be there in 2 days though. .

Pin Del
Mark
2017-04-28 21:59:44 UTC
Permalink
I have one too that I plan to build into an exhibit. Beware that
according to the Dipsy Doodle schematic on ipdb
(http://mirror2.ipdb.org/files/683/Williams_1970_Dipsy_Doodle_Schematic_Diagram_continuous.pdf)
the coil is 120V and requires a 500 ohm, 10W resistor in parallel plus
separate "Pulse" and "Doodle Bug" relays to drive it.

/Mark
Duncan Brown
2017-04-29 01:10:44 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mark
I have one too that I plan to build into an exhibit. Beware that
according to the Dipsy Doodle schematic on ipdb
(http://mirror2.ipdb.org/files/683/Williams_1970_Dipsy_Doodle_Schematic_Diagram_continuous.pdf)
the coil is 120V and requires a 500 ohm, 10W resistor in parallel plus
separate "Pulse" and "Doodle Bug" relays to drive it.
/Mark
Oh it's even weirder in this application - all 5 magnets are ON the
entire time a game is in play, except for the moments when a ball
crosses the button. I may need a direct feed from the power
substation... But also a relay to cut power to the coil and score some
points when the button is hit.

Duncan
TJ Johnson
2017-05-11 19:55:14 UTC
Permalink
Hi there,
I just read your write up on the Harry Williams pinball drawing recovery adventure and recreation of his machine (Firefly?). Awesome story. I am so sorry to hear about your wife passing away... That is so awesome that you built the machine and dedicated your seminar to her at Expo.
I hope you make more pinballs of the Harry Williams design. And I hope I get to play one of them some day. I love williams machines. Aztec is one of my favorites although I never could figure out who designed that one. Not sure if Aztec was maybe a Harry Williams design.
Anyways, best of luck to you in your future pinball adventures.
Sincerely,
Tim
TJ Johnson
2017-05-11 19:56:34 UTC
Permalink
Hi there,
I just read your write up on the Harry Williams pinball drawing recovery adventure and recreation of his machine (Firefly?). Awesome story. I am so sorry to hear about your wife passing away... That is so awesome that you built the machine and dedicated your seminar to her at Expo.
I hope you make more pinballs of the Harry Williams design. And I hope I get to play one of them some day. I love williams machines. Aztec is one of my favorites although I never could figure out who designed that one. Not sure if Aztec was maybe a Harry Williams design.
Anyways, best of luck to you in your future pinball adventures.
Sincerely,
Tim
Frank Furhter
2017-06-12 20:36:13 UTC
Permalink
Post by Duncan Brown
Post by Mark
I have one too that I plan to build into an exhibit. Beware that
according to the Dipsy Doodle schematic on ipdb
(http://mirror2.ipdb.org/files/683/Williams_1970_Dipsy_Doodle_Schematic_Diagram_continuous.pdf)
the coil is 120V and requires a 500 ohm, 10W resistor in parallel plus
separate "Pulse" and "Doodle Bug" relays to drive it.
/Mark
Oh it's even weirder in this application - all 5 magnets are ON the
entire time a game is in play, except for the moments when a ball
crosses the button. I may need a direct feed from the power
substation... But also a relay to cut power to the coil and score some
points when the button is hit.
Duncan
Some online photos to follow along would not only better document the
process but also help those in need of this same (unlikely) problem.
--
The Frankster, a playfield prankster
Once upon my crank her ballpark shrank.
http://PinWiki.com, Prep-H 4 pinballers.
CARGPB #42 (Free to join, sign up now!)
Dangling Team-EM Member (debauchery a-go-go)
Rule #1 of RGP, there are no rules or rulers.
Duncan Brown
2017-05-25 14:51:10 UTC
Permalink
Post by Duncan Brown
Post by Pin Del
Going out now Duncan, On my way to PO since I won't have time the rest of the week.
Pin-Del,
http://backglass.org/williams/doodle_bug_assembly_01.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/doodle_bug_assembly_02.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/doodle_bug_assembly_03.jpg
Harry Williams' Torchy far predates (by 24 years) Norm Clark's use of
this similar concept, so even though Firefly was a 1973 design, Harry
was not stealing Norm's idea; possibly the other way around.
From everything I could tell, the Doodle Bug actuator button was simply
an extended-shaft version of their standard playfield plastic rollover
button. That's what Torchy's button was, though it was made of
stainless steel. So I did not see this coming!
http://backglass.org/williams/doodle_bug_assembly_04.jpg
I guess they did that to strengthen the shaft/button-face connection,
but that sure complicates the machining on the magnet core! I can't do
that with standard drill bits. I guess I'll try my extended-shaft 3D
printed buttons (that only need a simple hole drilled all the way
through the core) and see if they hold up under the stress.
I'm also a little surprised about how short that core is - I figured
they'd want it right up under the floor of the assembly. Something to
play with as I test this once I get a playfield assembled!
Got my 5 magnet plates drilled out, now with better centering on the
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_plates_02_100.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_plates_03_100.jpg
Duncan
OK finally got some wood, ready to start drilling and routing this
weekend. My plan is to do a bunch of playfields all at once, so I can
then put away the woodworking tools for a few years and just concentrate
on building up the games. On the other hand, I'm behind schedule to get
Firefly completed by Expo so I can't spend *too* much time on additional
playfields right now.

Loading Image...

Duncan
pinballtom
2017-05-25 16:41:12 UTC
Permalink
Post by Duncan Brown
Post by Duncan Brown
Post by Pin Del
Going out now Duncan, On my way to PO since I won't have time the rest of the week.
Pin-Del,
http://backglass.org/williams/doodle_bug_assembly_01.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/doodle_bug_assembly_02.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/doodle_bug_assembly_03.jpg
Harry Williams' Torchy far predates (by 24 years) Norm Clark's use of
this similar concept, so even though Firefly was a 1973 design, Harry
was not stealing Norm's idea; possibly the other way around.
From everything I could tell, the Doodle Bug actuator button was simply
an extended-shaft version of their standard playfield plastic rollover
button. That's what Torchy's button was, though it was made of
stainless steel. So I did not see this coming!
http://backglass.org/williams/doodle_bug_assembly_04.jpg
I guess they did that to strengthen the shaft/button-face connection,
but that sure complicates the machining on the magnet core! I can't do
that with standard drill bits. I guess I'll try my extended-shaft 3D
printed buttons (that only need a simple hole drilled all the way
through the core) and see if they hold up under the stress.
I'm also a little surprised about how short that core is - I figured
they'd want it right up under the floor of the assembly. Something to
play with as I test this once I get a playfield assembled!
Got my 5 magnet plates drilled out, now with better centering on the
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_plates_02_100.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_plates_03_100.jpg
Duncan
OK finally got some wood, ready to start drilling and routing this
weekend. My plan is to do a bunch of playfields all at once, so I can
then put away the woodworking tools for a few years and just concentrate
on building up the games. On the other hand, I'm behind schedule to get
Firefly completed by Expo so I can't spend *too* much time on additional
playfields right now.
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/blank_playfields_edit_01.jpg
Duncan
wow
thats a lot of wood
Duncan Brown
2017-05-25 16:50:34 UTC
Permalink
Post by pinballtom
Post by Duncan Brown
OK finally got some wood, ready to start drilling and routing this
weekend. My plan is to do a bunch of playfields all at once, so I can
then put away the woodworking tools for a few years and just concentrate
on building up the games. On the other hand, I'm behind schedule to get
Firefly completed by Expo so I can't spend *too* much time on additional
playfields right now.
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/blank_playfields_edit_01.jpg
Duncan
wow
thats a lot of wood
20 playfields' worth!

Duncan
Scott Lurndal
2017-05-25 17:53:47 UTC
Permalink
Post by Duncan Brown
Post by pinballtom
Post by Duncan Brown
OK finally got some wood, ready to start drilling and routing this
weekend. My plan is to do a bunch of playfields all at once, so I can
then put away the woodworking tools for a few years and just concentrate
on building up the games. On the other hand, I'm behind schedule to get
Firefly completed by Expo so I can't spend *too* much time on additional
playfields right now.
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/blank_playfields_edit_01.jpg
Duncan
wow
thats a lot of wood
20 playfields' worth!
At close to a c-note per each, for quality no-void A1 face .75inch 9- or 13-ply.
Duncan Brown
2017-05-25 18:25:38 UTC
Permalink
Post by Scott Lurndal
Post by Duncan Brown
Post by pinballtom
Post by Duncan Brown
OK finally got some wood, ready to start drilling and routing this
weekend. My plan is to do a bunch of playfields all at once, so I can
then put away the woodworking tools for a few years and just concentrate
on building up the games. On the other hand, I'm behind schedule to get
Firefly completed by Expo so I can't spend *too* much time on additional
playfields right now.
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/blank_playfields_edit_01.jpg
Duncan
wow
thats a lot of wood
20 playfields' worth!
At close to a c-note per each, for quality no-void A1 face .75inch 9- or 13-ply.
The finished thickness of a playfield is 1/2" so 3/4" is way too thick
to start with; I paid a pretty penny for this stuff, but not close to
$100 each.

Duncan
The_Black_Knight
2017-04-25 23:15:08 UTC
Permalink
Bravo.
pinballtom
2017-04-26 00:16:23 UTC
Permalink
Post by Duncan Brown
I don't have to be quite so tease-y this year, since everyone knows the
backstory now. I'm gathering tools, parts, and techniques applicable to
this year's entry, "Firefly" - this is one of the games with the "magnet
thingies" that confused me at first. Last night I did my first test of
the cuts and parts, on a scrap bit of playfield, and I'm happy with how
it turned out.
Here is how Harry drew it (and yes, that magnet is located where it
looks like it's located. Should be interesting...)
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_drawing_01.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_plate_01_100.jpg
My 3/4" hole saw was a little wandery, so that center hole isn't quite
centered. I'll have to address that before I do the real parts. And I
wish the 3-3/8 hole saw I cut the aluminum with didn't have such a big
kerf, but a ball rolls right over that gap just fine. It's more of a
cosmetic thing.
For anyone that DOESN'T know the backstory, here's the web page I put
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo2016/
Duncan
Can not wait for future updates and progress.
The Junkman
2017-04-26 23:09:58 UTC
Permalink
Post by Duncan Brown
I don't have to be quite so tease-y this year, since everyone knows the
backstory now. I'm gathering tools, parts, and techniques applicable to
this year's entry, "Firefly" - this is one of the games with the "magnet
thingies" that confused me at first. Last night I did my first test of
the cuts and parts, on a scrap bit of playfield, and I'm happy with how
it turned out.
Here is how Harry drew it (and yes, that magnet is located where it
looks like it's located. Should be interesting...)
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_drawing_01.jpg
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo/firefly_magnet_plate_01_100.jpg
My 3/4" hole saw was a little wandery, so that center hole isn't quite
centered. I'll have to address that before I do the real parts. And I
wish the 3-3/8 hole saw I cut the aluminum with didn't have such a big
kerf, but a ball rolls right over that gap just fine. It's more of a
cosmetic thing.
For anyone that DOESN'T know the backstory, here's the web page I put
http://backglass.org/williams/tlpdohw/expo2016/
Duncan
Cool very nice:)Great work!!!
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