Where Can I Find a High Quality Newton's Cradle?

[astromajor]

As a future physics teacher I've been looking online for a good Newton's cradle. Unfortunately all the ones I come across are cheap and my prior experiences with them have obviously been of rather poor quality. I was wondering if anyone knows of any sources for high quality Newton Cradles; I'm certainly willing to pay more for a better-made device! Thanks for your time.

 

[JeffKoch]

I don't know where to buy a nice one, but your post reminds me of a Mythbusters show I saw a while back where they tried to build a gigantic Newton's cradle out of construction wrecking balls. Didn't work very well. Best to stick with small steel balls and forget the fancy designer cradles, otherwise it's hard to see how you could screw it up too badly unless it's due to the initial ball positioning.

 

[rcgldr]

Youtube video using something that looks like small bowling balls (you can also find a few full size bowling ball Newton's crade on youtube). This video was used in a previous thread on Newtons cradles.

 

[robphy]

You might want to look into these:

http://www.scientificsonline.com/Newtons-cradle-7-inch.html
http://www.arborsci.com/prod-Newtonian_Demonstrator___Newton_s_Cradle-286.aspx

Fun:
http://phyzblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/Newtons-cradle-telekinesis.html
http://www.instructables.com/id/Worlds-Largest-Newtons-Cradle-Assembly-Timelapse/
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/10/how-to-model-Newtons-cradle/
http://www.lhup.edu/~dsimanek/scenario/cradle.htm

 

[highpockets]

Just found a company that sells a very high quality giant Newton's cradle in two sizes. They look very nice. All metal with aircraft cable so no plastic or fishing lines. And made in the USA. I'm going to order the giant one. Will give my feedback once I get it. The website is giantNewtonscradle.com .