• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Johnson Hobby

So Many Things Too Little Time!

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Contact US
  • Privacy Policy And Terms of Service

Blog

Pre-Order the Bob Ross Funko POP Doll today!

Last updated on April 25, 2019 By B. Ray

Oh, Snap! Did you see the Bob Ross Funko POP Doll?

Yup! you heard me right, Bob Ross funk Pop Doll. For those of you who have lived under a rock for the last twenty years, the company Funko makes iconic bobble-heads. They have somewhere around 1000 different licensed figures. You might have remembered when the movie “Captain America: Civil War” came out and everyone knows about ant-man going giant. This was because the toys for Civil War were released early and spilled the beans. So, yeah these are a popular line of toys.

Giant-Man



Who is Bob Ross?!?

Bob Ross was an American painter, art instructor, and television host. Bob Ross was raised in the city of Orlando, Florida. He only completed one year of high school before enlisting into the United States Air force at the age of 18. Before that, he was a carpenter with his father. He took a painting class provided by the U.S.O. in the 1960s while stationed in Alaska. Interestingly enough, he learned his technique from Bill Alexander. This is the wet-on-wet (alla prima) oil painting technique. It is funny because Bill Alexander also had a show on PBS, The Magic of Oil Painting, which aired on PBS from 1974 to 1982. The wet-on-wet technique means applying oil paint on top of wet oil paint. So instead
of waiting for the layers to dry, you just paint while everything is wet. Given the nature of a television show, his allowed the painting to be completed quickly. This technique was suitable for the 30 min television show on PBS. While serving in the USAF stationed in Alaska he perfected his technique. He would take the Alaskan landscape and make beautiful paintings and sell them to tourists. Bob Ross retired in 1981 from the USAF. He wanted Bill Alexander to be his private teacher. Bob Ross ended up taking his place on PBS and becoming a great success. The Joy of Painting premiered in 1983 and ran to 1994.

Bob Ross came out of the 60s and 70s with a hippie persona. He rocked a permed afro with denim shirts and jeans. Richard Simmons had a similar fro. His soothing and intimate speaking voice made everyone feel good. Like a patient uncle was teaching them a one-on-one painting lesson. Because he made it look so easy he also amazed viewers with his effortless painting method. Again he only had 30 min to create detailed landscapes. He used a house painting brush and a palette knife.

While the whole time letting you know that you could do what he did too. His references to “happy little trees” and “happy little clouds” became the quotes everyone knows. He had a folksy vibe when he did his show. Because he was so good at his show he started a company Bob Ross Inc. They sold books, videos, and art supplies. They even put together painting workshops with trained teachers that knew his technique. The company it profitable to till this day. Sadly he died of lymphoma at age 52.

Bob Ross POP Doll

I guess with the cult following he has Funko decided to make a Bob Ross Funko Pop doll. I’m not mad at them either. I grew up watching him paint happy little trees. Almost to frustration because he made it so easy. There are a ton of shows on youtube, you should check them out. I bet you are itching to see what it looks like? hehe.

Bob Ross Pop Doll

So I mentioned a pre-order. These are not even released yet as of this writing. I’ll try to update when it does. But right now these are going like crazy. This will be released August 22nd. So if you want to get one better order now or be sorry…lol I know I’ll be sending this to are my “artsy” friends cause it is so freaking cool! BUY it HERE!

 

UPDATE!!

The original Bob Ross Funko POP doll was so popular they added few new dolls. They are also both in pre-sell to be released December 29, 2017. I know I know, just in time to miss Christmas. But you can still ask for them after, I would. You can buy them HERE!

Bob Ross Funko POP Doll Bob Ross Funko POP Doll Bob Ross Funko POP Doll

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t forget to check out the rest of my toy posts HERE!




Filed Under: Collectables

Eachine | Drones For Sale!

Last updated on April 25, 2019 By B. Ray

Eachine

Eachine is a Chinese company that designs and manufactures quadcopters for drone sales. They also make other RC toys.  Eachine is located in Guangzhou. There are a lot of drone manufacturers in Guangzhou. Eachine sells some really good drones and quadcopters.

 

They made various electronic equipment including power banks. What is also interesting is that they used  Samsung batteries. So not much was theirs. I am happy they switched to quadcopters and drones. I don’t know how long they will keep up their twitter but I took a screenshot here it is! Eachine Twitter

Eachine Twitter

Let us get back to the basics

Drones have been around for a lot longer than some people may realize. Up until now, however, the use of drones has been mostly restricted to military operations and other high-level government uses and was unavailable to the public. But times have changed and now virtually anyone can own a drone of their own. This has created a new, ever-growing market as more and more people are joining the drone craze for themselves.

Eachine Guangzhou

 

So what is a Drone?

A drone is a small aerial “unmanned” vehicles that can be operated from the ground via remote control or now a cell phone app. As mentioned before, drones were originally only available to the military and other government agencies, so their uses were limited to being unmanned missile-launching devices or intelligence-gathering drones, that get sent into enemy territory to gather all sorts of information without risking the lives of soldiers directly.

Companies like Lockheed Martin do well in drone sales to the military. Depending on the purpose of the drone, they range in size from being extremely small and hard-to-spot to being big enough to carry and launch a missile. Military drones are also very expensive compared to commercial drones, since they use advanced technology that is not readily available to the general public and require extra care when being built, to ensure they can get the job done safely and efficiently. You can see them now shown in many US military commercials.

US ARMY DRONE

It was not until around 2013 that people started hearing more about commercial drone use, or drones that could be purchased and used for different purposes by non-military personnel. In some ways, it all started with Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos talking about testing drone package delivery for his company—a truly revolutionary idea that would see people getting their packages in an even shorter period of time. It awakened a curiosity and desire for drones with the general public, and people began searching for drones that they could buy for their own personal use. In the two years following Bezos’s revolutionary idea, the requests for drone permits from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States skyrocketed, and countless companies rushed to join this new and growing market, hoping to benefit from this newest tech craze.

Now, there are hundreds of companies all over the world making and selling quadcopters for public consumption. One of these companies is Eachine, who specifically specialize in drones rather than just adding them to their existing product offerings.

 

Farm drone

But, the biggest uses for these non-military drones remain for photography and videography. Before the commercial availability of drones, in order to get some of those breathtaking aerial views of different places, your only option was to hope someone else with deep pockets was able to get the shots with the help of helicopters and other fancy technologies that a normal person would never be able to afford. Drones have changed that, though, because of their wide availability and differing price points. Now, just about anyone can send up a drone and get their very own incredible city and nature scape shots and so much more.

People who work in event promotions have also found that drones can make a more wide-sweeping video views of life events, particularly concerts and festivals. Rather than being stuck using multiple massive cameras that are limited in how they can move, a drone makes it possible to fly over the audience for close-up shots and get angles that a camera would not be able to get. They can even get close to the actual performers, so those watching online will be able to really feel as if they are part of the experience.

House Drone

Many drones are advertised as “selfie” drones, making them a cooler alternative to the previously very popular selfie sticks, and allowing them to take selfies in unique angles and ways that a selfie stick would not allow for. Others are geared more towards sports and are designed to be used as “racer” quadcopters, that can go through obstacles with ease.

 

Drone Sales
PrimeAir

Eachine’s Drones Are More Affordable Than Most.

If you look at the prices of civilian drones, they tend to range in price depending on their size, but can end up costing thousands of dollars—that kind of money most people do not have just lying around, right? Of course, some companies do offer more cost-effective models, but it sometimes means that the quality and features of the drone itself are sacrificed.

But, Eachine refused to do follow that same approach. Instead, they worked to ensure that every drone that they make is top-notch quality, while still having affordable options at every price point. If you look at their website, you will find their casual quadcopters all cost less than $200 USD and some are as inexpensive as $25 USD. When it comes to racer quadcopters, prices go a little higher, but still stay under the $400 USD mark, compared to other brands which can end up costing much more. Check them out on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2CJkKEp

Eachine

They Have So Many Quadcopters to Choose From

One look at Eachine’s website makes it clear: their drone selection seems rather endless. They offer two main types of categories: RC (or remote control) drones and FPV (first-person-view) racer quadcopters. But, within each of these categories, there are many models that you can choose from, depending on what exactly it is you are looking for. Their selection is also constantly growing, with a number of new models that will be joining their lineup soon enough. The next few sections will go over their product lines

Remote Control Drones

Remote control drones, or RC drones for short, are also sometimes called quadcopters. These types of quadcopters are the most common, and can easily be distinguished from other types of drones by the presence of multiple propellers (four, as implied by their name) that help it to be able to take flight and move smoothly through the air. These are best for those cool aerial views you always see.

You will notice by looking at the various RC drone models that Eachine offers, that these type of drones come in different size options. Some are “micro” quadcopters, that are small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, you know tiny whoops. Others are bigger, but still very lightweight and compact and easy to take anywhere you want.

Here is their base model Eachine E010. I’ll talk more about the rest later.

First Person View Racer Quadcopters

The other main type of drones that Eachine offers are first person view (FPV) racer quadcopters. These quadcopters work the same way as RC quadcopters but tend to be used more for racing, as the name implies. Here is the Eachine 250 Racer. Drone racing is easily what it sounds like; people take their quadcopters through a set obstacle course, each trying to get the fastest time. It can be incredibly competitive and the quadcopters usually are required to meet certain specifications to qualify.

While most FPV racer quadcopters look like the quadcopters people are used to seeing, others take on an entirely different sort of appearance.  Eachine currently has four FPV quadcopters that are coming soon, which look more like smaller versions of military aircraft than they do actual drones.

eachine 250 racer

It’s Not Just Drone Sales, Though

Eachine does not just sell whole drone systems though, they also offer a large selection of spare parts and extra accessories. This means that if you need to repair something on your drone, or just want to create some sort of modification, you can get the parts directly from Eachine, without having to turn to a third-party company that may not work as well.

Whether you need new propellers,  a replacement or extra battery pack, or a camera to attach to your drone, you will be able to find what you need with Eachine directly. You also have the added benefit of finding these parts and accessories at incredibly affordable prices. If you know enough, you may even be able to create your very own drone creation with all the parts that Eachine has to offer. Check out this RC car: http://amzn.to/2BAoiYn

FPV car

What Type and Model of Drone Should You Go With?

The great thing about drones is that, even though they are split into different categories, they all are essentially capable of the same things, some may just be more high-tech than others. So, take your time in looking at all the different models that Eachine has to offer; consider how much you are willing to spend and what it is that you plan on using it for the most.

You can look up videos of the different drones on Eachine’s YouTube channel to have a better idea of how they look and operate, which could be helpful in making a final decision. Or, you can look up reviews on their different models and see what people say about them, in terms of the ease of use and what sort of use they feel that the different models are best for.

You can also just contact them via their FaceBook page or email and ask for advice, as a first-time buyer. They will be more than happy to answer your question to help ensure that you get the best drone for your needs and desire—both in capabilities and price point.

Eachine E59

They Have Distributors Worldwide For Drone Sales

Another great fact about Eachine is how widely available their products are. Machines RV and FPV quadcopters can be found in stores all over the world, from the Americas all the way to Oceania. But, if you do not live close to one of their authorized retailers, do not fear, as not all hope is lost! If you live in the US, UK, or within certain European counties, you also have the option to buy online via Amazon.

Eachine is always looking for new partners for drone sales in their shops as well, so if you know of a store looking to expand their drone product offerings, tell them to contact the team at Eachine. They would be happy to talk to them and see about getting their product in new locations for more people to see and buy!

Eachine distribution

Drones So Easy to Use, Even a Beginner Can Work Them

Drones can seem daunting to people who have never used one before. But, they do not have to be scary or difficult at all. Eachine’s quadcopters are proof of that fact. While they may use advanced technology, they are easy enough that even someone who has never used a drone before would be able to learn to use one without any difficulties.

Some models are, of course, easier than the others to learn. However, with a little patience, you should be able to figure it all out in no time at all. But, should you run into any problems, each drone comes with an easy-to-follow user manual that will help you through set up, flight, and any problems you may end up encountering.

Eachine is excellent

Eachine Drones Are All Highly Rated

There is a reason drone sales are good, so if all of that is not enough to convince you as to why Eachine is the best drone company out there, then maybe this bit of information will help: their drones all are highly rated. Just scroll through their project pages and see for yourself while they have a number of products still listed only as coming soon, the available products all have five-star ratings on their website. Consumers praise their brand for the quality and attention-to-detail for each drone and love the way they work as well as the quality of the cameras that can come with them.

Quadcopters are becoming increasingly popular, with their wide-range possible uses outside of the military’s espionage and combat missions. Regardless of the reason, someone may be looking to buy a drone of their own. Be it solely for entertainment or to help with their line of work. Eachine is the best seller to turn to. Between their incredible prices, a wide selection of products, ease of use, and general availability, you cannot go wrong with this great company. So when you are ready to join the drone revolution, don’t look further than Eachine! Check them out for yourself, and you will not be disappointed by everything they have to offer.

Filed Under: Eachine, Quadcopters and Drones, Technology

Wacom Cintiq Issues When You Don’t Want Them?

Last updated on April 25, 2019 By B. Ray

Wacom Cintiq 12WX

The Wacom Cintiq 12WX

The Wacom Cintiq is a super cool pen and tablet. Being able to draw directly on the screen is one awesome feat. It may not seem like much with all the new tablets and laptops out, but it still amazes me. But if you are anything like me you don’t use it all the time. I use is for the occasion drawing project. Seriously I use Gimp for my editing software. I would shoot myself if I had to pay for Photoshop. Don’t get me wrong it is a great product. If you are not a complete computer wiz then you might have ran into the same issue as me. I didn’t want the Wacom Cintiq 12WX on all the time so I’d obviously turn it off.

Fun story with the Wacom Cintiq!

While the actual Wacom Cintiq 12WX screen was off the controller box wasn’t. Any time I would shut-down or restart the sign screen would switch. But I thought the display was off!?! You actually have to disconnect the display cable so your graphics card does not not recognize the Wacom Cintiq. I am assuming that you have a nicer graphics card like the GTX 1070. It can auto detect monitors, which is what lead me to my solution. But the GTX 1070 is for another post.

The Wacom Cintiq was so frustrating.

I mean it wasn’t too bad and I was able to solve it. So no real harm was done. But if you have this same problem now you know. If you don’t not use it a whole lot then just disconnect at the control box and save yourself some stress. If none of these scared your off it really is a great product. It is the full size Wacom but it will do the job for the budding designer.

 

Buy it here:

Filed Under: Computers

CEO of General Electric Jeff Immelt

Last updated on April 25, 2019 By B. Ray

Jeff Immelt is leaving.

 

GE is losing money right now. Well at least in the form of stocks. I wish that wasn’t so much a metric for success of a company. There are too many ways to hide loss in profits when dealing with stocks. For the general public it is a losing battle.

When the stock drops most CEOs run away. But they can still say they were a CEO. Making mistakes is not something the little guy can afford. I wish the guy make 50K could cause the company to loos money and still be looked favorable at a new company. We all know that won’t happen and they likely would have a hard time.

source: https://seekingalpha.com/article/4076690-general-electric-ceo-jeff-immelt-just-tapped

Filed Under: News

Woodworking Tools | ~~Best Tools!~~

Last updated on April 25, 2019 By B. Ray

Woodworking Tools

Here are the best woodworking tools. Once you find learn about this you will be ready to buy woodworking tools like a champ. I get a lot of questions about what woodworking tools people should use to start woodworking. Come find out what the best woodworking tools are to get the job done. I’m going to go over the best woodworking tools. The most common one is what tools do I need? If you are trying to start woodworking there are a few tools you will want.

Woodworking Tools by Hand

Best Woodworking ToolsThere are power woodworking tools and hand woodworking tools. The hand woodworking tools are a little safer but more importantly, make your pieces look handmade. Well…Let us dig into the hand woodworking tools. They are all pretty self-explanatory but I will give a brief description of them. These are in no particular order.

Hand Saws

  • Hand Saws: A wood saw worked by one hand. Not sure if there is a better way to say that…This is more technical…though. This is used for straight rough cuts. Most should recognize this woodworking tool as it is very much so commonly used.

Stanley Hand saw

Planes

  • Planes: A hand plane is a woodworking tool for shaping wood using a cutting blade over the wood surface. This woodworking tool helps you flatten the piece of wood. Think if you had a piece of wood that had bark on one side. This woodworking tool will remove the bark. At the same time, it is removing the bark it is also starting to flatten out the piece of wood.

Hand Plane

Chisels

  • Chisels: A chisel is a woodworking tool with a characteristically shaped cutting edge of the blade on its end, for carving or cutting. You can use a mallet, or hammer to help aid in cutting. This is nice for taking out chunks of wood in slim spaces. If you have a smaller chisel you can use it for better contouring. Chisels are often used to carve out dovetails.

Stanley Chisel

Hammers

  • Hammers:  This is a woodworking tool with a heavy metal head mounted at the end of a handle. Since this is woodworking some would prefer using an all wood mallet. It can be used to drive nails or with a chisel. Some hammers have the ability to remove nails too. Pretty nice to know you do not have to be perfect.

Stanley Hammer

Rasps

    • Rasps: This can be a file or similar tool with a roughened surface for scraping, filing, or rubbing down wood. You might see this used on other materials too. I would think of this as a big nail file for woods and metals.
      Rasp

Leveling Tool

  • Leveling tool: Use this woodworking tool for establishing a flat plane. The rudimentary models use a small glass tube containing colored alcohol or similar liquid and an air bubble. There can be multiple tubes sealed and fixed horizontally and vertically in relation to the flat plane. The block or framing is usually made of a composite material or metal but sometime you will still see them made out of wood too. Both the upper and lower surface are smooth. Some models come with a scale as well.

Stanley Level

Other Basic Woodworking Tools

  • Basic Woodworking Tools: This is a catch-all. I would include screwdrivers, both Phillips, and flat head. Any miscellaneous sandpaper or glue. I would also put in here a socket set for when you are putting together furniture with various hardware.Stanley Tool Kit

Those are just the hand woodworking tools. Now here comes the power woodworking tools…. Be careful, more power isn’t always needed.

Woodworking Tools w/ Power!

Milwaukee Woodworking toolsThis is another resource for power woodworking tools if you are beginning. But back to the best woodworking tools. Like the show more power is better. Here is a list of power woodworking tools that once you get going to will need to gain perfect pieces with less effort.

Woodworking can be a lot of fun. But again I want to say be safe. Keep your hands away from moving parts. Use common sense, plan ahead and never rush.

You don’t want to be the guy selling a cabinet stained in blood… YUCK! All jokes aside be safe and keep all your digits. A good set of ear protection would be worthwhile to invest in as well.

 

Hand Drills

  • Hand Drills: While these can be non-powered, I’m specifically speaking about the powered version. No in days you can find these cordless with a lot of driving force. A hand drill generally limit the hole size that can be made with the drill bits.

Routers

  • Routers: This is a woodworking tool used to “rout” out an area in the face of wood. You find this used to create bevels too.

Sanders

  • Sanders: Power sands use a reciprocating motion to get more “strokes”. This is much faster than hand sanding but you will have to be careful because it can go fast…yikes!

Lather

  • Lathes: I had to look up the best way to say this one. “a machine for use in working wood, metal, etc., that holds the material and rotates it about a horizontal axis against a tool that shapes it.” -dictionary.com

Power Saws

  • Power Saws: Similar to the power sander, it uses a reciprocating motion to speed up the sawing process.

Planers

  • Planers: You use this to flatten a surface. You can also cut to thickness. They come in both a portable version about the size of a hand plane but most use a small table planer.

Drill Press

  • Drill Press: This is like the big brother to the hand drill. You will use this to make large holes. This woodworking tool is stationary, either on a table or it has it’s own stand.

Joiner

  • Joiner: Don’t confuse this with a planer. While you will use the planer to flatten your work piece, a joiner is be used to get the angle in relation to that flat surface you created with the planner. This one is a little confusing I know.

CNC Machine

  • CNC Machine: This will require you to learn com CNC code. Also much easier if you use CAM software. I wrote a post about how to make your own CNC machine. But honestly, it would probably be easier to buy one. PureWoods makes a line of CNC machines that are worthwhile to look at.

Not Just The Best Woodworking Tools

Phew, that was a lot about woodworking tools!

Now you know most of the best woodworking tools, next it is time to go out and get started making something. Check this out, Ted McGrath has put together some plans. That post gets into it a little.

That is it for the woodworking tools for now. Check out the rest of the Woodworking, we do more than just woodworking here, but you are here because this is what you love!

Filed Under: Woodworking

What Are Marbles Made Of?

Last updated on April 25, 2019 By B. Ray

Who invented marbles?

Marbles, the popular children’s toy and game have a long history. But, nobody is quite certain when they truly originated. Though, many feel that it is safe to assume that marbles have likely been around nearly as long as mankind itself.

Archeologists have found what they believe to be marbles in grave sites of Ancient Egypt, the Middle East, and other parts of the world. Other marble-like objects have also been found in Austrian caves which were once inhabited by Palaeolithic-era humans.

Antique Marbles

The early Greeks also mention games similar to today’s Ring Taw—a common marble game—which they played using rounded nuts. The popularity of marbles continued well into the Medival times, with mentions of the game in works by William Shakespeare, Johan Comenski, and Pieter Bruegel.

These early medieval European marbles were made of common stones, clay, and sometimes even actual pieces marble. It isn’t until the 15th century where mentions of colored glass marbles are seen in German literature, having been made in the areas of Venice and Bohemia, though the true original origin of glass marbles is still debated.

These marbles were probably not available commercially, however, and were made by glassblowers as simple toys for their own children.





It wasn’t until the 1800s that marbles—China and crockery marbles, specifically—began getting produced in larger quantities. Mass production of glass marbles further increased during the middle of the 19th century, when German glassblowers invented a special pair of scissors that cut marble canes more easily. This helped to spread the popular toy throughout the rest of Europe and eventually even America when the early colonist brought them back from England.

While today marbles can be found in a wide variety of materials, glass marbles still remain the most popular kind available on the market.

Glass marbles can be produced both by hand by glassblowers and by machine, they are not overly expensive, and are also usually unique in appearance, as they can feature small designs within the core itself.

They also can be a multitude of colors, rather than single, basic colors.

These days, old-fashioned clay marbles and other old versions are considered vintage collector pieces and can be highly valued. Old glass marbles are especially popular with collectors, as they came from Germany and were considered some to be the “original” glass marble.

Many marble collectors are willing to pay a lot of money to be able to add these older types of marbles to their collections.

Types of marbles.

As mentioned before, there are countless different kinds of marbles that have been made over time, in all sorts of materials, including clay, stone, and glass. While some are types are antique and no longer produced today, making them valuable and hard-to-find, there is still a number of other different kinds still being produced today.  

Some of these common marble types include the following:

  1. Aggie: These marbles are made of a type of quartz stone called agate, which was quarried in parts of Germany. Aggies were formed and then dyed various colors using mineral dyes.
  2. Alley or Real: Is a type of glass marble made of marble or alabaster, a type of gypsum. These marbles tend to have a wavy pattern inside them to give them a more unique and interesting appearance.
  3. Benningtons: Named after the pottery company of the same name, located in Vermont. These marbles are not perfectly rounded and are usually glazed using brown or blue.
  4. Bumboozer: These are larger versions of the classic agate marble.
  5. Cat’s Eyes: Are clear glass marbles that have different colored veins in the center core.
  6. Chinas: China marbles tend to be made of a porcelain clay and can be glazed or unglazed.
  7. Clearies: Are glass marbles made of a singular, transparent color.
  8. Clouds: Are glass marbles that have colored flecks on them, and are not stretched, making it look like they have clouds in their core.
  9. Commoneys: As the name implies, these are so e of the most common kinds of marble you can find. They were originally made of clay and glazed in basic colors, making them the least expensive kind and most easily mass produced.
  10. Corkscrews: Which have two, sometimes more, colors melded together in a spiral pattern, starting at one pole of the marble and ending at the other.
  11. Glassies or Puries: Are a more basic glass marble that are more translucent, but still brightly colored.
  12. Immies: Is short for imitation; these kinds of glass marbles are streaked with different colors to make them look more like agate stone marbles.
  13. Milikies: An opaque glass marble that is a milky white in color.
  14. Onion Skins: A kind of end-of-day marble, where colored specks of glass get stretched so that the colors swirl together the way an onion does.
  15. Peewees: These are smaller than the average marble, at less than a half inch wide.

Handmade marbles

Although marbles in the Ancient times were made using rounded nuts, in medieval times they began getting produced using clay.

Then, in the 1600s, with the help of water-powered stone mills, Germans began producing marbles made from polished alabaster and marble, before adding other types of milled rocks, including limestone, brass, and some types of gemstones.

Handmade marble

Handmade glass marbles were made through glassblowing at first. A piece of glass would be heated to extremely high temperatures and then pierced with a special rod so the glassblower could begin forming the small marble spere using a special set of tools.

They would then cut it using a pair of scissors made specifically to help cut molten glass as it cools, without breaking the final product. The marbles would then be placed in a special barrel, which helped to cool them down enough to be handled by hand. 



Factory marbles

While all marbles were originally made by hand, in the 1900s, Americans began mass-producing marbles in factories. Martin Frederick Christensen was granted a patent for a special machine which made almost perfect spheres of steel ball bearings.

He made his first marbles using his machine, and by 1910, he had an entire company that produced 10,000 marbles a day. Although production of marbles suffered due to the breakout of World War I, other factories eventually came about and began producing their own marbles.marble factory

These days, these marble factories have been moved away from American soil, and are found in countries all over the world, including Mexico, where they produce around 12 million marbles a day. This factory shown was in China.

National Marble Tournament

Marbles are so popular that they have even garnered their own competitions, one popular one being the National Marbles Tournament. This tournament was first held in 1922 and has become a special time for marbles lovers to show their skills in the game.

Competitors as selected from top players in local tournaments held throughout the United States. During the multi-day tournament, over 1,000 marble games will be played by competitors, until the new “King and Queen” of marbles has been decided.National Marbles Tournament

Beyond the honorary titles, competitors are also competing to earn other national honors, scholarships for college, and other sorts of prizes and awards.

This year’s tournament will take place between June 18, 2018, to June 21, 2018. Let me know if you will be there in the comments.

Where to buy marbles?

Simple, cheap marbles can be found in virtually any store; from places like Target to craft and hobby stores. Here are some bulk clear marbles. Or if you just want a variety of marbles.

But, if you are looking for something special or collectible, your best bet is to find a retailer that specializes in marbles.

Moon Marble Company makes both handmade and machine-made marbles. You will end up having to pay more, but their selection will be geared to someone more who are looking for something beyond the basic factory-produced marbles.

So, whether you are just a hobbyist or a true marble aficionado, there is a store that has the right type of marbles for you. Maybe one day you’ll find yourself competing in one of the popular Marble Tournaments!

 

Check out the best hobbies. And don’t forget the rest of the site.



Filed Under: Gaming

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to page 4
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Search

  • What Are Marbles Made Of?
  • Pre-Order the Bob Ross Funko POP Doll today!
  • Who Invented Puzzles?
  • Woodworking, do you enjoy it? Do it hands free!
  • Woodworking is not hard, get ideas now!
  • Eachine | Drones For Sale!
  • Best WRX Suspension Upgrades
  • Contact US
  • Privacy Policy And Terms of Service
  • CEO of General Electric Jeff Immelt
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Contact US
  • Privacy Policy And Terms of Service

Copyright © 2021