Shoot the Moon

[HandyDan]

I had seen as a child a Shoot the Moon game and was intrigued by it but never got the chance to try it.  Awhile back I came across the game again and decided to build one.  I looked for plans on the web and found some. So Here is my version.

 

 

Figured it may make a good conversation piece at our family Christmas party this weekend so instead of fighting over one I made 10.  The steel balls came in lots of 5 for some reason.  the smaller ball is 7/8" and is harder to maneuver than the larger ball at 1 1/4".  I used 1/4" stainless for the rods.

 

 

Figured I would give one to my brothers and sisters and the grand kids could play it when they come to visit.  The ball is made to go up hill which is 0ne inch higher.  Here is a video, not mine, for how it works.

 

 

 

Edited December 15, 2022 by HandyDan

[4DThinker]

I like your version better than the one in the video.  The one in the video looked like it could be a quick CNC project to cut out all the parts.  

Making several always has some economy to it as you can make each part for all with one tool setup.   Nice project, and thanks for posting it. 

4D 

[Cal]

Great project Dan.  What was your source for the balls?

[HandyDan]

2 hours ago, Cal said:

Great project Dan.  What was your source for the balls?

 

Thanks Cal

Walmart had the best on the 1 1/4".  2 bags of 5 was enough for their free shipping.  Other places wanted this much for one ball.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stainless-Steel-Chrome-Solid-Sphere-Balls/654894490?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1517

 

I went with Amazon for the Prime free shipping for the 7/8" balls.  Google brought up a lot of sources for these.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AX6ZF3M?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

[lew]

THose are fantastic, Dan!

 

I remember seeing those but never knew what they game was called.

[Grandpadave52]

Very cool Dan. Agree with 4D, I like your interpretation better. Thanks for sharing your work and the source links.

[Gerald]

Another kool project in your Christmas bag. wonders never cease.`````````

[kmealy]

I made some "Shut the Box" games for the ww club charity drive*.    A couple of my grandkids found it fascinating and I took it to a bridge game and one of the odd hands fell in love with it, too.   I thought it would be good for teaching elementary students about basic math and strategy.

https://woodworkingformeremortals.com/make-a-shut-the-box-game/

 

*Unfortunately, our usual target charity has declined, thinking their clients would rather have "electronic games."   So we sought out alternate sources.   I made about 80 games of 5 different types.   So frustrating that we had to ask in October to find this out.  When we started with them 30 years ago, "If it weren't for our donations, some of these children would not have a Christmas present."

Edited December 16, 2022 by kmealy

[John Morris]

I remember playing that in the 70's in various locations, friends home, a gift shop, etc, I had no idea it was called Shoot the Moon! I forgot all about these games!