I want to build a PLINKO game.

[renobastian100]

Yep... the game that's played on the Price is Right (i think)...I want it to be a credit-based bar-top game as well. Just seeking ideas/input on materializing my idea.

 

[Octo]

Pretty simple setup, really. You just need to know the size of the puck you want to use, and then place the pegs in a hatch pattern that allows it to move within them. If you want it bartop size, I'd suggest just making it use coins or tokens, rather than mess with a coin door.

For the pegs, I'd use threaded rod dipped in the rubberizer they sell at HD for tool handles. Drill your pattern on the backboard and insert T-nuts in the back, then run the rods in from the front. The rubber gives enough bounce to keep the token moving, without scarring it.

Hope some of that was useful, I'm sure someone will post a better idea soon

[severdhed]

awesome idea...it shouldn't be too difficult, once you figure out the scale.  worst part will be drilling all of the holes for the pegs and trying to get them to be all evenly spaced. 

i like the idea of using tokens as the pucks, it makes perfect sense for a small bartop unit.

good luck

[Chris]

But with the rubber will you get a satisfying "plink" sound?

[Beretta]

sounds cool..

i tell you what i wouldn't mind building is one of those coin pushers.. where little shelf or sometimes arms push at the coins, you put a coin in and hopefully it lands in the right spot and causes the other coins to get pushed over the edge.

you win what ever goes over the edge.

those are pretty neat although horrible if you're a gambler.

[Ed_McCarron]

worst part will be drilling all of the holes for the pegs and trying to get them to be all evenly spaced. 

Nah, thats the easy part.  Lay a piece of pegboard over your baseplate.  Choose which holes fit your pattern.  Drill.

[severdhed]

worst part will be drilling all of the holes for the pegs and trying to get them to be all evenly spaced. 

Nah, thats the easy part.  Lay a piece of pegboard over your baseplate.  Choose which holes fit your pattern.  Drill.

brilliant!!!

 

[renobastian100]

ideas sound excellent thus far... I intend on using quarters as the "plinko".  Quarter goes in, and if it lands in the right box (triggering a microswitch), you win a prize....
I'll have to check out gambling laws in certain states but I think it can be successful.

On another note, I suck at making things (I couldn't freeze water if I tried) so assistance will be greatly appreciated. I can get any/all materials. PM me if interested.

[Octo]

I don't think it would be considered gambling, more along the lines of a claw game, sometimes you win, sometimes you don't...

[Beretta]

im not sure rubber would work.. i think that would actual rob a lot of energy from the quarter, i would use some stiff plastic.. can you buy plastic rods?

i think the plastic pegs would not only give you the "plink" you're looking for but also due to it's springy nature give some bounce to the coin.

[Chris]

Have you seen the PLINKO plans at http://www.uniqueprojects.com/projects/plinko/plinko.htm ?

[Octo]

im not sure rubber would work.. i think that would actual rob a lot of energy from the quarter, i would use some stiff plastic.. can you buy plastic rods?

i think the plastic pegs would not only give you the "plink" you're looking for but also due to it's springy nature give some bounce to the coin.

The rubberizer I was referring to dries to a semi-stiff consistency. I only suggested it so as to keep from marring the edges of the puck/coin/token. You can get plastic rod online from some suppliers, and possibly some hobby shops. Also, if it really will be using quarters, you can buy 8' lengths of 1/4" steel rod from Home Depot on the cheap. Cut it into 1 1/2" pieces and epoxy it in place, should hold fine.

[Chris]

Assuming there will be plexi over the unit, remember that the pegs only need to be as tall as the thickness of a quarter.  The plans I posted used small segments of dowel hammered and glued into holes in the plywood base.

[RandyT]

No, plastic and rubber coatings aren't what you want here.  Take a note out of the Japanese book of Pachinko (the obvious inspiration for "Plinko").

Look for shiny brass nails called Escutcheon Pins.  I would get the thinnest ones you can reasonably install in your panel, and leave a little extra length so you get some bounce.  Using a glass cover plate and leaving a very small gap between the heads and the plate will also help.  Also remember that you might have to tweak them a little in order to make the quarter actually fall randomly.  If they aren't perfectly straight, it will affect the path the quarter will take.

RandyT