Phantasm fans -- I found something...

[PHArchivist]

My local Pier 1 Imports store (national chain, I'm not sure...) had a garden decoration; a polished steel ball between the size of a softball and a baseball, with only a 1/8 inch thread steel rod attached.

Pics later, maybe

 

[Funky]

Ooooooooooo...how much? Was it heavy?

 

[dropshipbob]

And of course this info comes out just when my local Pier 1 decides to close.

 

[PHArchivist]

Ooooooooooo...how much? Was it heavy?

Ah! Good question! And I meant to include it.

Regularly $8.00, on sale for $5.20!

Not terribly heavy, as its hollow, but sure beats a vacuum-metalized Christmas ornaments!

 

[patsmear]

Very Cool!

I have one of Rylo's but could always use more!

Pat

 

[patsmear]

Here it is!

http://www.pier1.com/catalog/produc...h=metal ball&fh_start_index=0&fh_view_size=71

Looks like it is in store only. There is a stock check by zip code so you don't even have to drive around!

pat

 

[PHArchivist]

Here it is!

http://www.pier1.com/catalog/produc...h=metal ball&fh_start_index=0&fh_view_size=71

Looks like it is in store only. There is a stock check by zip code so you don't even have to drive around!

pat

To quote Capn' Jack (wrong movie - I know!) "That's the one!"

And thanks for the link - can't seem to get my pics to download off the memory card tonight...

 

[howlingwind13]

oooohhhh! Very cool find...I always saw the bigger ones, thanks for the tip
mike

 

[Rylo]

In October, my friend. In October if all goes as planned.

Round 2

Very Cool!

I have one of Rylo's but could always use more!

Pat

 

[dropshipbob]

Does the metal rod go all the way through the sphere, or is it attached to the outter surface only?

And is this the right diameter? Anyone willing to help a fellow RPF'er out by picking one up and shipping it?

 

[Jayn]

Thanks for the tip-off! I found them and they're perfect for a project I'm working on..not Phantasm related PM me & I can go get more..
J.

 

[motman241]

I was able to pick one up today. The girl said they are pretty much on clearance. Get them now, before they're gone. Cost about $5.50

 

[PHArchivist]

Does the metal rod go all the way through the sphere, or is it attached to the outter surface only?

And is this the right diameter? Anyone willing to help a fellow RPF'er out by picking one up and shipping it?

The rod does not go all the way through. Man I was just near a P1I today, thinking about getting more! I'll try to grab one, but if you have other leads, follow them too (if someone else offers).

 

[dropshipbob]

No other offers other than Jayn?

And I have no sources near me...well, not near enough that it would be worth the drive for that alone.

 

[Cenobyte]

No other offers other than Jayn?

And I have no sources near me...well, not near enough that it would be worth the drive for that alone.

I will hit a pier 1 near me and buy as many as I can.

If I get some, I will offer them here for exact cost and shipping.

Brandon

 

[dropshipbob]

Awesome, thanks Cenobyte.

 

[Jayn]

I only have one extra of the smaller ones. PM me if you want it..
I wonder how well these would work for thermal detonator bases? hmm...
j.

 

[Cenobyte]

I went and picked up 8 of the larger ones. They are just about the right size if not exact.

The smaller ones were the size of a baseball and the larger about softball size if not just a touch larger (Not by much at all, but I do not have a softball here for comparison)

The larger ones were $6.50 each and the smaller ones were $5.50 each.

Here is what I have done.

When I bought them, they have steel rods screwed into them.

This is what they look like..

I removed the rod to see the exposed screw that is attached to the ball..

I noticed that the threads are soldered into the ball.
I placed the threads in a vise and twisted hard, thus breaking the solder.

It seems that the threads have a flat top on them that are inside.

I let the threaded part slide inside of the sphere and used a 3/8" drill bit and drilled a hole..

And here was what was attached..

Now you have 2 ways to get around this.

1. Grind down the threads to get it flush so you do not have to drill the large hole (I wanted the hole as I want to do the version with the drill bit coming out as well as the blades so this worked perfectly)

2. Use a 3/8" drill bit and drill a hole. The "screw" comes out with a hole that large perfectly.

Hope this helps you all that will be doing this.

Brandon

 

[M Bison]

I thought the Phantasm spheres were more baseball sized than softball sized, they always seemed that way in the movies.

 

[TK1536]

Very cool!! I may have to make one of these! Do you think you can cut the notches for the blades with a Dremel?