Homemade Tennis ball thrower

Inspired by other home made tennis ball throwers I decided to make my own! Remote control is on/off only, range 80'. Currently it's single speed but the ball feeder timing is manually adjustable. Cost about $180 but I had the extrusion and other raw materials already.
Wheels = 125mm PU
Throw wheel motors = 775 24v 7,000rpm
Hopper rotator motor = Uxcell 12v 2rpm gearmotor
3D model available on GrabCad:
grabcad.com/library/tennis-ba...
Music: www.purple-planet.com

[@DIYROBOTS]

Thanks for sharing, this is awesome project!

[@masterbard]

Thanks for this. you just gave me an idea for a ball thrower for my dog.

[@stephenmccrory6736]

Thanks for sharing all of the fabrication images and CAD. What boards did you use for the wireless switch?

[@frankm5150]

love stuff like this. You're the man.

[@francoisvailland1275]

Hello, very nice project ! I'm going to try it. Thanks a lot for sharing the design, it rocks ! Did you try to modify the speed of the wheels to generate slice/lift ?

[@adityaprajesh4639]

Hello man!! You are awesome I was looking forward to make it from soooooo long but couldn't find a good design but but but You just solved my problem man!!! Thanks brooo......

[@bernardomariano241]

That’s pretty good

[@mattwinkfield9924]

Any idea of the total current draw from both motors?

[@Swenser]

Waiting on a few bits and pieces . Am trying with two 775 motors. They take about 1 amp at 12 volts and spin high revs. I'm guessing 6000. Nothing to measure with. What's the ideal spacing between wheels? Almost ready to fly out my first ball. Heads up!

[@intrametaarchi1015]

could you please provide a sketch of your electric wiring including the remote control and batteries. upload as a picture onto Grabcad, thnx.

[@pauloesperon7697]

Outstanding!!

[@sabrinarae2964]

Thanks!

[@t4rif4ri]

Can you show pictures of your ball feeder wheels. I have no clue how this is workig, even after looking at cad files. My feeder always is getting stucked and wont feed balls anymore

[@coolestdadever]

Rich, one more question for you. Where did yo find the mounting plates for your motors to attach them to your extrusions? My ball machine today is mostly done in wood and after seeing your project, I'm thinking about converting it to extrusions as well (lighter). The structure seems fairly simple to be done (although I want to put a motor to move the bloc up and down as well) but where I get stuck is on the mounting plate itself. Did you made them? If so, can you share with me how you did it?

[@RichVideosNH]

I machined the mounting plates out of 6061 aluminum plate. I don't have any photos. I think maple or oak would be okay. They'd just have to be a bit thicker for rigidity, maybe 3/8-1/2"?

[@ramblinwreck1303]

How much did you end up spending on your machine?

[@seungkyuchoi8564]

Hello Is it possible to order you all the parts and the manual to assembly ? If yes, how much will it cost ? Many thanks Seungkyu

[@ashleywalls4097]

FANCY!!!

[@wfrasson00]

hello Rich how are you? how are you doing? I'm setting up my tennis machine project, I didn't quite understand how your tennis ball feeder works, can you share more pictures of it with me, how to attach it and what material is used to assemble besides the bucket? Thank you

[@RichVideosNH]

Hi! I added some photos to GrabCAD to which I think will help!

[@rosiefeord6600]

What did you use to make the Ryobi battery receptacle? Did you use the case from an old charger, did you find it premade somewhere, or did you do something very clever like 3D Print it? I've been imagining using a Ryobi battery for the power source on the science project I'm trying to help my grandnephew design and build, but short of cannibalizing my own tools for the receptacle or driving 60 miles to buy a not so cheap old tool off Craigslist, I'm darned if I can find something to work. I'd appreciate any advice you can give.

[@RichVideosNH]

3D printed and I used some wall anchors as the contacts. All of the red components were 3D printed.

[@rosiefeord6600]

@@RichVideosNH Would you consider sharing the 3D printer file?

[@RichVideosNH]

I just added the assembly to grabcad. See the link in the description. Enjoy!

[@rosiefeord6600]

@@RichVideosNH thank you so much!

[@LeandroTENIS]

Hello, beautiful design! But I would like to know how long these Screwdriver batteries last, and if it would not be interesting to use a UPS battery ??? thank you!

[@ashleywalls4097]

UPS is heavy... no? Maybe bigger 40v for a blower or weed wacker?

[@RichVideosNH]

Thanks! I get about 140 balls per full charge battery. A UPS battery would likely work just as good or better depending on the mAh size. I was planning on that originally actually, but thought it would be a unique project to try out my Ryobi ones.

[@broskandar2510]

Hi Rich, how did you get the wheels to stay in place on the , like what is that thing that you built or bought at 0:45 called? I'm not an engineer at all; I'm a kid who likes tennis. Please let me know. Thanks! Edit: Also, where can I buy the extrusions (the frame I am guessing) and what are the parts called, v-slots?

[@RichVideosNH]

That's the shaft to mount the wheels. The pin is what drives the wheels with the shaft. Square shaft keys are more common but round was just easier to fabricate since I didn't have a broach to make the square feature on the wheel. Google shaft keys for more info.

[@t4rif4ri]

How did you fixed the wheels on the axis where the motor is connected to?

[@RichVideosNH]

at 0:45 there's a photo of the shaft with an 1/8" pin. This acts as a keyway to drive the wheels. I didn't have a broach so instead of a square drive key I used a dowel pin and milled a 1/16 radius inside the wheel bore. Unfortunately I didn't take photos of that to add to the video. Hope this helps though!

[@shahrulaminuddin2111]

Hello sir can I know the dimensions for all those aluminium you used?

[@ES-wp4bi]

How do you attach the thin fragile motor shaft to the wheel without it having the risk of breaking

[@sabrinarae2964]

i have no idea soory :(

[@abhaijawa]

I had the same doubt. I'm planning to use GT2 pulleys (thicker bore dia for wheel, and 5mm bore dia for motor), with a closed loop timing belt.

[@driveinstructordrivingscho8233]

Hello there RichVideosNH,,,can I use your new dashcam clip in my compilation? Any comment what happened? Thanks

[@Swenser]

Im progressing with my own project. Instead of the tiny 775 am using the heaftier my6812 motors. Using a car window winder motor to turn the disc. Am wondering how troublesome the disc mechanism is and how prone it is to jam ups. Im almost done and will post my own video soon. Hoping within 6 months anyways. Just a pet project.

[@chevy4x466]

How is ur project going?

[@Swenser]

@@chevy4x466 ok. Balls are shooting out with MYxxxx type motor well. I am modifying hopper at the moment to make sure I can put 30 balls without them jamming. Eventually I hope to have a video showing all along the way.

[@Swenser]

Looks like you could use stronger motors . The MY motors would be more suitable.

[@chevy4x466]

I am building a machine. I have 2 3500 rpm motors at 12v. Hope it is enough. I think his battery system was a short cut not worth taking

[@chandrucv8131]

Plz give motor purchase link,

[@tiagoortigara8283]

Hello Rich, congratulations for such nice work! I've accessed all the files you provided in order to build a machine like yours. But I'm afraid I'm not capable to develop the Arduino code to control the device. Would it be possible if you share it too? I suppose you don't have commercial intentions with this project. Me neither. Thanks

[@maxk5065]

it doesn't seem you need much code, you just plug a switch from the arduino to the motors and let them roll, you could even do it without the ardruino it's just battery/motor/switch, the ardruino part is if you want remote control

[@coolestdadever]

Rich, I'm trying to do a ball thrower myself and I'm almost there. The problem I am having is to find a motor for the feeder that can rotate all the balls 45-50 in the bucket. As you said, yours probably holds 35, any suggestion of a motor I could use? Great work btw!

[@RichVideosNH]

The one I used has 13 in*lb of torque. I wish I had gone double that. If you can find one at least 30 in*lb I think you'd be good. ROB-12154 is a part# you can google, it has plenty of torque (94 in*oz) but not sure of the quality. Best of luck!

[@coolestdadever]

@@RichVideosNH Thank you Rich. I've used this one www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071NDGSBB/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 34.7 in*lb and still my feeder "stops" after 35 balls... I'll try the one you mentioned

[@wfrasson00]

Hi Rodrigo Im from Brazil, i will make same tennis ball machine, you can share your contact (email, WhatsApp) to discursa project? My email [e-mail], my WhatsApp [phone] Willian

[@wfrasson00]

I have this motor with high torque m.pt.aliexpress.com/item/32668875420.html?spm=a2g0n.orderlist-amp.item.32668875420&aff_trace_key=&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=442amp-uBVlxq86J-1YDL0OyFNRzw1551006055583

[@Peacefullsound1]

Sorry last question Where did you purchase your extrusions?

[@sabrinarae2964]

from deez

[@januszh.124]

Great job! What kind of motor did You use?

[@RichVideosNH]

Thanks, Throw wheel motors = 775 24v 7,000rpm Hopper rotator motor = Uxcell 12v 2rpm gearmotor

[@XAWoke]

I like the fabrication of the end product very much and regarding 775, with your experience can it sustain continuous usage of 30 minutes? Hope it's 60~70 feet of throw but have you had a chance of measuring the speed?

[@antoniov8542]

Hola ,podrías mandarme algún manual de la electrónica sobre todo

[@orcunkocaoglu]

Hello, Amazin project. How can we find STL files of 3D prints parts?

[@RichVideosNH]

Thanks, All models are on grabcad. Click show more and you'll see the link.

[@svenmeeuwissen3567]

How do we get the dimensions from the model?

[@thejasonrk]

does it ever jam?

[@Swenser]

So, I need two motors, 7000rpm what wattage?

[@Swenser]

How often are balls jamming up?

[@nickwittendorf949]

How did you do electronics and programming?

[@sabrinarae2964]

yeah

[@wfrasson00]

Hello, Amazin project. You can share more details of wheels, motor e dimensions? Thank you so much

[@RichVideosNH]

Thanks! Wheels = 125mm PU Throw wheel motors = 775 24v 7,000rpm Hopper rotator motor = Uxcell 12v 2rpm gearmotor

[@elgatogaming9891]

@@RichVideosNH which Material use…??

[@WorkoutGlue]

#BOSS

[@god-son-love]

Thanks. This is very helpful.

[@sabrinarae2964]

Thanks!

[@ranelisha6914]

Hey rich, There is an option to share all the assembly files ?

[@RichVideosNH]

Sorry, the current files in grabcad are the only files I'm uploading.

[@Peacefullsound1]

Can you give the 3D printed file for the step motor for the ball feeder

[@RichVideosNH]

The 3D model for the whole assembly is in grabacad, see the link in the description. You can isolate any part you want and re-save as an stl.

[@Peacefullsound1]

RichVideosNH can I do the same with the shaft that you built for the center of the wheels?

[@Peacefullsound1]

RichVideosNH dude I love the fast response as well! Thank you so much

[@Peacefullsound1]

RichVideosNH also what part name did you use for the ball bearings inside the bucket?

[@RichVideosNH]

@@Peacefullsound1 Ball Transfer 1.5 Tall

[@user-fd5lf1cc4i]

Your work is cool. I'd like to make a ball machine with my school work, can I get a drawing by e-mail?

[@volleyball7797]

where do you get the wheel?

[@sabrinarae2964]

shopping cart :)))

[@thomasboldt4669]

I'll give you $300 for one. When does the shop open?

[@ibrahimsameer5881]

What is ball the speed?

[@sabrinarae2964]

VERY FAST

[@wfrasson00]

Hi Rich, Don't you want to sell your tennis machine?

[@sabrinarae2964]

not to you

[@artefak7821]

Hello.Really great your ball thrower. I would like to make one for my son, is it possible to have the file solidwork or plan? thank you

[@wfrasson00]

Hi, if he sent you I would also like [e-mail], thank you so much

[@RichVideosNH]

I'll upload to grabcad as soon as I have a moment and email it to you

[@RichVideosNH]

3D model uploaded to grabcad. See the link in the description.

[@artefak7821]

Thank you for your plans, I ordered the parts, I will keep you informed of the progress, for the support engines and wheels I will print them in 3d, I hope that it will be solid enough, otherwise I would make them in aluminiun like you...A bientot

[@susanthamapalagama1805]

Hey brother can you give me a drowning this matching...I like it.. that's a good job.. thanks..

[@RichVideosNH]

Thanks,, You can download from Grabcad. The link is in the description, click 'show more'.

[@tonyadams09]

RICH I'm a 100% Disabled Veteran and was wandering if you would sell all the fab parts to build one like this on thing I do is train dogs but it gets so harder than it use to. .I could really use this in making me able to do more and if possible please let me know. I could buy the motors and all but I cant fabricate parts I dont have that equipment and if I did I'm sure I would not be able to operate.

[@RichVideosNH]

Sorry, I don't have access to a machine shop at the moment. Check amazon though, they have some inexpensive dog ball throwers that might work for you and be cheaper too.

[@tonyadams09]

@@RichVideosNH Ok I have looked but they have like baseball throwers that are better buildt but would still need some modificact to set it up to hold more tennis balls and they are remote controlled in the 70 dollar ranger I will get one and see about getting it modified. Thanks Tony

[@abhinavyadav6821]

Hello sir can you provide videos of how to make it myself, I will pay your fees for guiding me how to make it .

[@tonyadams09]

Could i possibly you get you to make the parts if i pay you and i can assemble 9here maybe or i could pay for intire build if possible

[@RichVideosNH]

sorry, this was a one-off fun project only

[@janettelanuiki]

Someone knows a machinist!

[@ibrahimsameer5881]

Can you tell me the ball speed?

[@RichVideosNH]

Great question. 7,000rpm with 125mm wheel should be 99mph at discharge but I never measured the actual rpm with the wheels. It's likely much less, maybe 50-60mph if I had to guess. I'll get a tachometer one of these days.

[@Electronickit]

@@RichVideosNH You could determine an estimate of average ball speed by looking at the video and measuring distance travelled (80' ) over time of travel (video frame count at 1/24 sec/frm?) from the "Pop" the ball makes at launch to the ball hitting the ground. The lower the launch angle the better.

[@deanfreeze8809]

CRAP....YOU CANT BUILD THIS FOR EVEN 400 DOLLARS EVEN IF YOU HAVE THE EXTRUSIONS.....THERE IS AT LEAST 100 HOURS WORK IF YOU START WITH NO PLANS....

[@VOGTLANDOUTDOORS]

So.... ... you REALLY spent about $2,000 in labor & high-cost machining capabilities in order to build a tennis ball shooter? Hmmm...

[@sadietaylor7784]

That kinda sucs

[@sabrinarae2964]

^^

[@wfrasson00]

Hi, How many balls does the feeder support?

[@RichVideosNH]

I use about 35. The bucket will hold 45 or so but the gearmotor torque is low for that many.