OT: How can I make one of these?
Tony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDwZfhdkA3M
(be sure to watch the last 30 seconds)
I thought of cutting down a 55 gallon drum with a bearing in the middle
of the bottom, but that's too small diameter.
Or start with a frame and attaching a bicycle wheel, then buliding onto
that. I can make big rings with sheet metal. Then light sheetmetal
strips welded to hold the two rings. The rear of the larger ones looks
like it could do harm if a cat fell out the other side. Poster board or
something like that would eliminate cats feet getting stuck in the spokes.
Another question, in the larger models, the "spokes" are curved. I've
seen that basic design over and over again throughout the ages. Is it
just for looks or does it have a purpose?
Smitty Two
Tony <tony....@gmail.com> wrote:
Wow, that thing is cool. And spendy.
Dean Hoffman
What about using a junk tractor, implement, or construction
equipment tire? You might have to cut one of the sidewalls off. Would
weight be an issue?
Would it work to make one side with plywood, then bend something like
Masonite around the plywood?
The only other thing that comes to mind off hand is a used wire
spool. The old ones at work are maybe 3 to 5 feet in diameter.
Tony
I think too much weight is a big problem. They advertise that the newer
ones have a tension control, I suppose to help them stop. Get a heavy
one spinning and the cat better learn fast how to bail out when he's
tired. I'm sure the cats in the video have been training on it for some
time. Pretty neat how they take turns hopping on and the other cat
jumps off.
I think I could make one out of metal and it be lighter than wood. The
spokes can be copper pipe, and the round frames could be some other
bendable tube Oh shit, I just saw some clearance stuff at lowes and
there are some nice $12 bearings for a buck or two each. I could start
with the bearings and an axle and go from there, that could be a good
gameplan. Oh, and BTW I don't even have a cat!
The Daring Dufas
Golly wiggle! I know cat people love their pets but that's a
lot of money for a kitty toy! Heck, just tie a rabbit's foot
to a cord and attach it to a ceiling fan or a couple of laser
pointers stuck to the blades. GEEZ!
TDD
tra...@optonline.net
>
> - Show quoted text -
And the other big unknown is whether your particular cat will even
like the thing. There are lots of crazy animal toys out there and
many of them certain pets just don't like. I can't think of any way
to replicate this one. My cat likes the motorized mouse that your can
drive by remote control. It's only $10. Even that, he enjoyed a lot
more the first couple months than he does now.
SBH
<tra...@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:3a569bcb-aba4-48b0...@33g2000vbe.googlegroups.com...
>And the other big unknown is whether your particular cat will even
>like the thing. There are lots of crazy animal toys out there and
>many of them certain pets just don't like. I can't think of any way
>to replicate this one. My cat likes the motorized mouse that your can
>drive by remote control. It's only $10. Even that, he enjoyed a lot
>more the first couple months than he does now.
My cat uses the treadmill.