Assembly Instructions - Orrery Rotating Solar System

Welcome, cosmos lovers and future astronauts! Thank you for choosing our DIY Wooden Orrery—a hands-on STEM build that models planetary motion with simple mechanics.

This page shows you the step-by-step assembly instructions for the Orrery Rotating Solar System. Watch the video and find materials needed and extra tips below. 

▶️ Watch the Assembly Video

Follow along with the embedded tutorial. Pause at each step to match parts and orientation.


📦 What’s Included (from me)

I provide digital files only: laser‑cut layouts for wooden parts (base, support, beam/arm, hub layers, turntable disk, spacers, pegs, belt guides, side platform).


🧰 What You Need to Source

Materials

  • Sheet wood for cutting (e.g., 3–4 mm birch plywood). Match thickness to the file version.
  • Elastic belt/bands or a thin O‑ring (drive between the turntable and the beam).
  • Polystyrene spheres: 1 large “Sun”, 1 medium “Earth”, 1 small “Moon”.
  • Metallic rods with a 2 mm diameter for the axis. 
  • Wood glue (PVA) for laminations and pegs.

Tools

  • Laser cutter (or a service) and sandpaper (320–600 grit).
  • Small screwdriver or awl; needle‑nose pliers.
  • Light machine oil or PTFE/silicone lube (1–2 drops max).
  • A square/ruler and a soft cloth.

💡 Tips: Account for laser kerf in fit—test on scrap and tweak slots in the files if needed. For EU/DE builders, parts are easy to find at local Baumarkt or hobby stores.


📝 Prepare and Organize

  • Cut the parts for your chosen thickness. Keep groups separated (base/support, turntable, hub stack, beam, spacers, pegs).
  • Lightly sand charred edges where pieces rub or rotate.
  • Dry‑fit critical joints before gluing; aim for snug friction fits.


🧩 Step 1 — Assemble the Upper Part

  1. Follow the steps shown in the video above
  2. Make sure that everything is fixed, but at the same time, it turns freely


🔗 Step 2 — Connect Upper and Lower Parts

  1. As shown in the video, connect both parts of the Orrery
  2. You can paint the spheres to have a nicer effect
  3. Your STEM toy is ready to turn and enjoy!


🧪 Testing and Use

  • Place the orrery on a flat surface. Turn the disk by hand to observe motion.
  • After a few minutes, recheck belt tension for smoother operation.


🛠️ Troubleshooting

  • Beam stops or drags: Reduce belt tension; ensure the hub isn’t rubbing the turntable.
  • Belt slips: Slightly increase tension; clean the belt path; try a different elastic.
  • Wobble at hub: Verify laminated hub layers are flush; add the thin spacer from the files if provided.
  • Spheres collide: Use taller pegs or reposition along slots. Check that the beam is straight.


🛡️ Safety

  • Adult supervision recommended for young builders.
  • Mind small parts and elastics—do not overstretch.
  • Keep away from flame; allow glue to cure fully before use.


🧹 Care

  • Dust with a soft brush; avoid solvents on painted spheres.
  • Re‑oil pivot points every 6–12 months.
  • Store away from direct sunlight to prevent warping or fading.

 

Notes for Makers

  • Fits depend on laser kerf and sheet thickness. Choose the correct file version or adjust slot widths by ±0.05–0.15 mm.
  • For a no‑glue build, use snug press fits and a tiny drop of wax on moving interfaces.

Questions or improvements? Contact us and share photos of your build!

Back to blog