Billiard Ball Tricks | 11 Inventions Ep. 10

11 of the craziest machine tricks I've ever built - featuring a new suggestion, new ideas, and a new aesthetic look to my machine style that makes for some amazing effects!
You can help support what I do by becoming a patron:
/ joelsinventions
Want me to plan/build a chain reaction project for you/your company? I'm available for commissioned work (live events, promotions, product placements, etc.): contact me at [e-mail]
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Want to see a more in-depth look at how I made this video? ‪@jackofallspades98‬ and I do a deep dive into the inner workings of this video on the newest episode of his series - Making Connections:
11 Inventions 10 Deep Dive: • Episode 12: 11 Inventi...
Making Connections Playlist: • Making Connections
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It's been a whopping 2 years since the last installment of this series, and after a failed attempt at the suggestion "Launching Tricks" (along with some other demotivating factors), I thought I was never going to make another one. Around late march of this year, I was scrolling through some of my old youtube comments, noticed a couple "billiard ball trick" suggestions, and the stars must have aligned because out of nowhere something just clicked for me! For some context, in 2020, two monumental machine videos themed around billiard balls were uploaded to the community: Billiard Ball Tricks by Sirgabealot G and the 8 Ball Machine by jackofallspades98. These two videos take very different approaches to presenting billiard ball tricks: Billiard Ball Tricks (mostly) delves into different ways of utilizing the billiard ball chain effect with quick, snappy motions and pathing systems. With 8 Ball Machine, even though the motions of the tricks are also snappy and satisfying, each trick acts as it's own intricate, self-powered one-ball path, and the tricks elicit the same "WOW" response from a viewing experience, even though each trick only makes use of a single ball. Here are the videos for reference:
☆ Billiard Ball Tricks - • Billiard Ball Tricks
☆ 8 Ball Machine - • 8 Ball Machine 🎱
After thinking of a couple ideas that involved one-ball paths, and remembering a billiard ball chain idea from a couple years prior, the thought occurred to me to effectively "combine" the styles of these two videos while incorporating my own machine style to create a completely new experience. 3 months later, this video is the result!
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Random Machine Stats:
○ "Types of Ball Trick" Ratio - 5 ball path tricks : 5 billiard ball chains : 1 newtons cradle
○ Order of Completion (by Clip #) - 1, 3, 6, 9, 4, 8, 7, (0 - intro clip), 11, 5, 2, 10
○ Personal Favourite - Either the Sliding Macaroni Tracks (clip 1) or the Synchronized Swimming Billiard Ball Circle Field (clip 7)
○ Most Fun to Build - Looping Billiard Ball Chain (clip 2)
○ Most Fails/Most Difficult - "IHOP Double Decker Hammer Slammer Pancakes" (clip 10)
○ Most "Working" Takes Overall (before I decided to use one) - X & Y Axis Chains (clip 6)
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I help run the official Domino and Machine Discord server! Come check it out if you wanna chat with other chain reaction enthusiasts or keep up to date with the latest projects in the community: / discord
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Music - Sonic Colors | Aquarium Park Remix by CloudNinja
• Sonic Colors - Aquariu...
Follow CloudNinja:
/ @cloudninjamusic
open.spotify.c...
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#rubegoldbergmachine #chainreaction

[@sirgabealot01]

Even though the last 11 Inventions came out two years, this video genuinely felt worth the wait. I've explicated before how much I'd wanted to see a Billiard Ball themed video from you, and this video was everything I hoped for! I enjoyed the combination of chain tricks and ball path tricks, as it showcased all the capabilities of billiard balls well. I haven’t really written many of these long comments for a machine video in a while seeing how that trend has died out over time, but this video is absolutely worthy of one. Without further ado, here are my thoughts on individual tricks. Macaroni Tracks: I like the idea! I’ve had a similar idea to this one for a while. The execution of this trick is incredible. Everything is incredibly sturdy - nothing shakes or wobbles at all, and the timing of the moving tracks is perfect. Definitely a great trick to start off the video. 4X Billiard Ball Chain: I love this! It reminded me a lot of TheContraptionKing’s last clip in Machine Madness. I’m impressed by how many times you were able to topple the chain as well as how clean the trigger mechanisms for each topple are. I also enjoyed the Knex roller coaster and ball launch - two neat implementations into the machine that standout when I rewatch the video. Rotating ¾ Circle: What a cool idea! I am amazed by how you managed to execute this motion twice! Billiard Ball Chain w/Gear: Now this is when the video really heats up! I have always wondered how you could combine billiard balls and gears together to make an interesting trick with them but was never sure how to do so considering the fragility and weakness of the gear in contrast to the prominent weight of the billiard balls (this was actually one of my first recommendations to Lyle for JOAS). However, this trick executes that challenge beautifully! My jaw dropped when I saw the gear tilt and roll in a diagonal position to dispense each ball into the chain one by one - it’s an idea I wish I’d thought of myself! Not to mention the billiard balls falling around the chain is a nice touch, and that the quick timing between that chain and the actual trick brings a nice element of surprise to it. The sequence of balls was also executed perfectly. Definitely one of my favorite tricks in the video. Dual Newton’s Cradles: Going into this video, I was curious to see what you’d do with the Newton’s Cradle concept in this video. I had intended to do a Newton’s Cradle trick myself for Billiard Ball Tricks but ended up favoring other ideas and just building a mini trick at the end of the video instead. Of course, you knocked this concept out of the park - the idea of dislocating each ball from the Newton’s Cradle and having them roll perfectly into a new one is incredible! Another idea I wish I’d thought of myself. It reminded me a lot of when you did something similar to this for TMCSE so many years ago. The cleanliness of this trick compared to the one from TMCSE really shows how far you’ve come as a builder. Additionally, I appreciated the multi-use pathing of the red ball - something that was fun to notice upon rewatching the video. I’m still in shock that you ranked this clip so low on your 11 Inventions clips ranking list - this trick is phenomenal and is not held back in any way by the 5 ball rushing a little ahead (which I didn’t even notice until you pointed it out). X and Y Axis Billiard Ball Chains: Another great clip! I always love to see people spicing up my old tricks, especially considering how this concept from my DW19 table had so much potential. I’d thought about doing a version of this trick that formed a ball chain myself but never wanted to pursue it since it seemed to similar to the trick I already did. Fortunately, if there was anyone to execute that vision of mine in the cleanest possible way, it would have to be you. I love watching the rhythmic sequence of events in this machine as well - the viewer never has to wait for the next part of this trick to happen. I was also amazed by the steady motion of the Trix Trax trick - not an easy thing to accomplish considering its change in weight as it moves to the right. Beautiful trick overall. Synchronized Swimming Circle Field: Definitely my favorite trick in the video, if not of all time. It accomplishes the goal I always try to accomplish in my machines of satisfying both standard audiences and experienced chain reaction artists watching the video. The motion of the five billiard balls alone could have made for an acceptable clip because it’s so satisfying to watch. The moment the five tracks all rotated in perfect sync probably gave me the most excitement I’ve had from watching a machine video in a long time. The complexity behind making each ball sequentially trigger the next when the Trix Trax curves are in their final positions also amazes me. Excellent work here. The slinky transition was also a nice touch. Self-Powered Car: Very clever! It’s always fun seeing self-powered car mechanisms, as it’s an underused concept with a lot of potential in chain reaction machines. I also enjoyed how you reused the same ball for each incrementation in the car’s movement - the flexing parallelogram lifts were a clever design choice to deposit the ball into the successive cups. A lot of builders just would have used different balls here, but I admire that you went the extra mile to make it a one-ball path instead. Also, I love the folding card transition here! Quintuple Billiard Ball Launch: I can’t believe I accidentally predicted this idea, lol. I really liked how, rather than having the billiard ball chain trigger all the way and then firing the launchers one by one, you fired the balls as the billiard ball chain was still going. I also enjoyed how you launched the billiard balls over a track that is later used by another ball. It’s such a simple concept (one that I’d actually thought about doing myself in the past) but it still looks magnificent. IHOP Double Decker Hammer Slammer Pancakes: I cannot imagine how difficult this trick was to execute. Reloading those launchers alone is already somewhat difficult. The layers of complexity in this trick are insane - from the hammer sequence to the rotating launchers to the resetting launcher mechanisms (and it’s a one ball path too?!). I can’t believe you managed to pull this ludicrous idea off. This video gave me the most excitement and enjoyment I think I've had watching a new chain reaction video since the TK4/ISMWE era. It's the first one in a while that increases the caliber for chain reaction art as a whole and makes me feel like I’m getting a glimpse into the future of chain reaction art because all of the tricks are so technically advanced and gloriously designed. As Chase stated in his comment, it’s amazing how, despite the complexity of these clips, they’re executed elegantly, with the viewer only seeing what needs to be seen. I can say with confidence that this is my favorite machine video of all time, and I am honored to have been able to play a meaningful role in its creation. I hope that you continue to build more machines in the future.

[@DoodleChaos]

I'm speechless once again and had a massive grin on my face the whole time.

[@StickTrickDominoDude]

Every time, every fucking time you amaze me with these things. I don't get emotionally stimulated by dominoes or machines much anymore, but this was absolutely incredible! I'll be rewatching this after work multiple times.

[@tux1468]

THE LEGEND IS BACK!

[@daxterquiny]

+

[@Kaplamino]

Everything is so complex and easy to understand at the same time, insane

[@saddlebag]

It’s been quite some time, but your tricks haven't degraded in quality in the slightest!

[@nathanielhamovitz4010]

"babe wake up new 11 inventions" more seriously this was incredible. the hammers?? the cups?? massive props as always, these are a delight to watch

[@Taikamuna]

You are a genius

[@thisrandomdude_]

Holy shit, what a rollercoaster. All of your machines make my eyes stay wide-open. I can't decide what my favourite part was, maybe the one with the gear dropping the 5 balls into position. The bit with the hammer was really clever, and I loved basically every instance of a ball getting launched into the air lol. Your awe-inducing creations will never not make me smile :)

[@flippycat]

Wow!

[@teddytron2000]

DANG! That was absolutely insane! As usual, your 11 Inventions videos just get better every time! Those tricks were all super unexpected and super mind-blowing! I applaud anyone whose mind is still intact after watching this video!

[@Spolt_main]

"Hello everyone, this is your daily dose of internet."

[@TheRGMGuy01]

I absolutely LOVE the doubly-layered nature of your videos. The main idea itself is almost immediately clear, but the extensive framework that goes into setting it up is much harder to notice, and that's part of the beauty of your machine aesthetic. The stuff that needs to stay out of the way stays out of the way. It embodies good design; it's 99% invisible. Nice work!!

[@chillphil_]

I'm not proud to admit this video made me mouthbreathe

[@KineticArt-nc8gt]

Oh my gosh this is incredible... Ever single trick is mind-blowing, this is definitely your best video yet. Keep it up 👍

[@berlagawesome]

The extent to which you're willing to apply the machine equivalent of a brute force algorithm in the double launcher chain trick is the most impressive thing about this video. Amazing job!

[@edvaira6891]

Wow! Can’t think of much else to say but….Wow!

[@TwigTheThird]

Theraprist: the solo cup swastika isn’t real, it can’t hurt you

[@joelsinventions]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@danmasters1568]

You're a genius. You must have a degree in mechanical engineering.

[@lorennzolictao5019]

That was INSANE! Those tricks made my mind explode!

[@prodbyrosez]

11 inventions 11: All tricks in this serie.

[@RadicalReactions99]

For the next 11 Inventions, I suggest that you use a flexing parallelogram/flexogram in every clip. I can only imagine how cool this would be :)

[@NanoDomino1]

I didn't know billiard balls could move like this. Incredible work!

[@chineason]

I enjoyed the symmetry in the clips: how they moved together and how they moved separately.

[@nishantmiglani1952]

dudddeeeeeeeeeee , ur channel is literally the coolest thing in existence , like bruh how the hell do u make such stuff , u always leave me speechless like daaaaamn

[@DakSenTheFox]

Absolutely insane.

[@B16Dominoes]

Aaaaahhhhh my mind is blown !!!!!!!

[@melodiquest]

YEEESSSSSSS NEW 11 INVENTIONS!!!! This is one of your best yet, WOW. The beauty of these machines is off the charts. Big grin on my face while watching, and a couple loud bouts of shouting. So glad to see another video from you. Thank you for this beautiful art. =)

[@Mallory-Malkovich]

This is fantastic! I was gaping with amazement the entire time!

[@DjRapitops]

Holy shit the one with the hammers and cannons was so sick!

[@MrJ01]

How the hell do you make these tricks I personally can't do machines coz I don't own any knex But I do have dominoes and I make content, I invented a trick a while ago called "the billiards" and I'm surprised hardly any chain reactionist does my tricks that I invent, but you bub, you made a load of inventions also your channel name fits everything with HQ perfection I wanna see more son God bless you

[@dominoperson5]

What in the actual heck 🤯

[@HarmoniChris]

Fantastic mechanisms!

[@tricky-life]

Suggestion: 11 foreign objects for episode 11!

[@camedm58171]

Yooo that was the raddest one yet!

[@gavinreid7442]

Incredible!

[@imaginerinify]

Absolutely unreal as always, loved the rotating cups and the incredible hammer trick!

[@shazwansmachines]

This is insanity!

[@김재성-c9l]

Omfg!!!!!!!

[@FlorianLatapie]

I love it !

[@jurjenbos228]

My favourite is using the hammers to reset the springs

[@DakSenTheFox]

I would love to see an 11 inventions - launching tricks. =33

[@The_Releveler]

Mesmerizing, if I hadn't subscribed months ago, I surely would after seeing that

[@d00mraptor]

WOW. These are by far the most impressive machines I've ever seen.

[@micajodomino]

As to be expected, that was incredible! Every clip is highly impressive but the one with the hammers and the launchers is probably one of the most mind-blowing things I've ever seen.

[@robbys5236]

My suggestion? Use candy canes in your next 11 Inventions video. You could probably get many uses out of that.

[@lewiscoder7516]

For the last invention include a path machine for every clip like a ball,domino,toy car,track or gear

[@danmasters1568]

Unbelievable! My jaw's on the floor.

[@thellamacraftsguy9577]

This is too good!! This is something you got to watch several times to Understand what’s going on. ❤️❤️

[@sky5d]

this is actually insane, amazing

[@HenryBanks33]

I don’t know how you come up with these brilliant inventions man

[@vibhanshulbisht2080]

For next video you should use slingy or spring for the tricks.

[@froggary]

Watching this again, I'm starting to think this is the most satisfying video on the internet.

[@cameron9830]

This video has me want to be a mechanical engineer more than any rational argument ever has

[@joelsinventions]

Sadly I know literally nothing about mechanical engineering haha, some other creators in the community are studying it though

[@cameron9830]

​@@joelsinventions For the record, I'm not making career decisions based a 3 minute youtube video, just in case you were worried. I was already going to be starting an engineering degree this fall, but damn this video made me more excited for my future career than anything else lol. Keep up the good work.

[@jackofallspades98]

It's actually a pretty common misconception that machines are more akin to engineering than to art. What Joel does has elements of mechanical engineering, for sure, but chain reactions are primarily an art form, not an engineering exercise.

[@cameron9830]

@@jackofallspades98 That's a false dichotomy. Painting is both an exercise in hand-eye coordination and art. It's not one or the other or some 80-20 mix. How is this different?

[@joelsinventions]

@@cameron9830 No we literally mean there is essentially no connection to modern mechanical engineering and chain reaction building (from the perspective of builders at least). You could absolutely analyze machine videos from an engineering perspective, and obviously the use of simple machines is everywhere, but I can confirm that none of us use physics or mathematics to determine how we're gonna build something, and you will rarely ever see any of us use any complex form of electronics, robots, hydraulic systems, engines, etc. Chain reactions are an artform just like you would commonly describe painting as an artform if you were talking about it with other people, we're not saying there's some definitive ratio of everything that you could describe it as

[@cloudninjamusic]

I love shit like this lmao

[@Artyombrownquiz]

Illusion machine

[@terrariaOfficial]

He has returned! I missed these so much.

[@philthehexagon2989]

This is incredible

[@flog4368]

I... I am speechless

[@SEH221]

This is so amazing!!

[@DominoChallenge]

That's insane!

[@goutham6160]

👍🏼

[@toss4409]

Goat

[@gillesgobeil1107]

Super 👍

[@Spolt_main]

This is amazing,

[@donlyphans7801]

Wildly impressive! I somewhat wish all of these tricks could be combined in one massive machine, but there's no camera angle that'd capture the close up intricacies of whats really happening. Flawless tricks as always

[@milo3733]

wow, these are incredible! so satisfying to watch

[@JorWat25]

Ah, welcome back!

[@sharonleighfield6487]

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[@crystalnewwaters]

amazing

[@btchpants]

INCREDIBLE!

[@eduardotapiasaez]

increíble!... thanks!