Pachinko Machine - Top Feed Port and Funnel (Two Versions)

Update July 1, 2025 : Added a second funnel version.

My old 1970s era Pachinko machine was originally designed for arcade use, so adding balls to the supply tray is ordinarily done from the open back. However, for home use this is not a convenient arrangement, so I designed a top mounted port which can be closed when not in use, or can be opened and used with a matching funnel in order to refill the Pachinko machine from the top. The funnel can be stored inside the Pachinko case when not in use.

Assembly and Use - Port

The port assembly requires six #6 x ¾" (M3.5 X 20mm) flat head screws to attach the port to the Pachinko machine; the exact length required will depend on the thickness of the top of your machine.

You will also need to drill a 1.36" (1-23/64" or about 35mm) hole in the top of Pachinko machine. This hole needs to be located over the top of the feed tray, and should be far enough from the edge so that the inserted funnel does not overlap the front or back of your case (I wanted to be able to remove the slide-out back of my machine without bumping into the funnel. If you plan to use the second version of the funnel, be sure to leave enough clearance between the port and the side of your cabinet for the funnel “legs” (I suggest at least 10mm from the edge).

The port is assembled as shown in the included exploded assembly illustration. Insert the Base into the drilled hole, and line it up with your case in the desired orientation. Place the Cover on top of the base in the correct orientation, and then place the Top over the Cover. The Cover should slide easily back and forth. Fasten down all three pieces using the #6 (M3.5) screws, and again test that the Cover slides easily back and forth. 

Assembly and Use - Funnel

The funnel is composed of two separate pieces - the Stem and the Top; they are designed to be glued together. Note that Stem piece is made with three internal “baffles” - these are designed to slow down the balls when they are added, so that they do not crack or damage your ball supply tray. The two pieces should be a fairly close fit, but glue will definitely be required (I like to use - usually available at your local big box store - E6000 clear polyurethane adhesive, but any “gel type” glue should work).

To use the funnel simply open the sliding cover on the top port and insert the funnel.

Second Funnel Version 

While my initial version of the funnel worked pretty well, the opening on the top was a bit small. Also, I could not really rest my hand on top of the funnel to steady things while I emptied the ball cup. So I created a second larger “squarish” funnel with side supports with a larger top opening and sturdy enough to rest my hand on it. I also redesigned the funnel stem so that it would better feed the balls into the supply tray. Note that while gluing the stem onto the funnel top, the opening at the bottom of the stem should be directed towards the “deep” end of the supply tray.

Print Instructions - Port

Print in PETG using the 3mf files provided, otherwise :

• 0.2mm layer height
• 2 perimeters
• 15% rectilinear infill

Note - I opted to use PETG for the port assembly, as I felt it would be more durable than PLA.

Print Instructions - Funnel

Print in PLA using the 3mf files provided, otherwise :

• 0.2mm layer height
• 2 perimeters (round version)
• 15% rectilinear infill (round version)
• 3 perimeters ("square" version)
• 10% rectilinear infill ("square" version)

CAD

The OnShape 3D CAD files for this are here :

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/30356142d3a397ea4809d6ed/w/cbf261a5089119020496294d/e/45f49a41557fe35e711d3e48?renderMode=0&uiState=684f0763fd65250803c19452