Buried inside these approximately 3” solid wooden blocks is a steel ball. The ball can move, but there is no way to take it out.
Making this illusion is no simple feat. The ball bearing does not fit through any hole. Here’s how it was made:
Mill a square block of wood.
Carefully locate the center of each side, then using a forstner bit that’s slightly smaller than the ball, drill a hole in all sides down to the center of the block. The result is a block with holes on all sides and a cavity in the center of the block.
Next, submerge the block in water for a few days. Soaking wood in water makes its fibers softer, more flexible, and weaker, making the wood somewhat pliable.
Then, press the ball through the end grain using a vise. Pressing the ball through one of the long grain sides will cause the wooden block to split (experience talking).
Let the block dry slowly so it shrinks back to its original size, trapping the ball inside.
Lastly, sand the bejesus out of the block then apply a finish.
Like most of my products, these cubes are finished with a two-phase recipe I mix myself, resulting in a smooth, durable surface that enhances the wood’s natural tones while providing buttery smooth surface.
Buried inside these approximately 3” solid wooden blocks is a steel ball. The ball can move, but there is no way to take it out.
Making this illusion is no simple feat. The ball bearing does not fit through any hole. Here’s how it was made:
Mill a square block of wood.
Carefully locate the center of each side, then using a forstner bit that’s slightly smaller than the ball, drill a hole in all sides down to the center of the block. The result is a block with holes on all sides and a cavity in the center of the block.
Next, submerge the block in water for a few days. Soaking wood in water makes its fibers softer, more flexible, and weaker, making the wood somewhat pliable.
Then, press the ball through the end grain using a vise. Pressing the ball through one of the long grain sides will cause the wooden block to split (experience talking).
Let the block dry slowly so it shrinks back to its original size, trapping the ball inside.
Lastly, sand the bejesus out of the block then apply a finish.
Like most of my products, these cubes are finished with a two-phase recipe I mix myself, resulting in a smooth, durable surface that enhances the wood’s natural tones while providing buttery smooth surface.
