Crystal Canyon Mine – Marble Run

This project combines 3D printing, laser-cut parts, acrylic and lighting to create a detailed miniature mining diorama. Follow the steel marble through the mountain, past old mine structures, tracks and glowing crystals hidden deep inside the rock. The mix of rugged stone, wooden mining structures and transparent acrylic gives the model a unique layered look — especially when the crystal cave lights up. Features Functional Marble Run – Designed for 8 mm steel marbles. Crystal Cave – Transparent acrylic crystals are integrated directly into the mountain. Illuminated Interior & Crystal Cave – Hidden LEDs light up the crystals and cave from inside. Hybrid Construction – Combines 3D-printed parts with laser-cut wood and acrylic. A Hybrid Maker Project Crystal Canyon Mine was designed around the idea of combining different fabrication techniques instead of making everything from one material and bring it to look like a mine-rollercoaster. The mountain and many structural elements are 3D printed, while the mining structures and track elements are laser cut. Transparent acrylic is used for the crystals, allowing the light and moving steel marble to become part of the design. Turn on the lights and the motor, drop in a marble and explore what is hidden inside Crystal Canyon Mine. Materials 3D Printed Parts Canyon: PLA Matte Terracotta - For a nice western canyon feel Windows and Carts: PLA Basic Cacao Brown - to have a matching wooden color Metalwheels: PLA Silk+ Silver Blue Roof: PLA Matte Dark Blue Plants: A Jungle Green from another brand   Lasercut Parts: Crystals: 3mm Clear Acrylic Tracks: 3mm Black Walnut Houses and details: 3mm Basswood Plywoood & 3mm Black Walnut   I tried it with Basswood for the Tracks. They already look great, but I wanted it darker. So I went for 3mm Black Walnut Sheets for Tracks and many other Lasercut Wood parts. For the Signs and the House-Walls I used Basswood 3mm. And Clearacrylic for the Cave-lake, the Cave-Track and all Crystals.    Black Walnut is also perfect for oiling after cutting. It gets noticeably darker and develops a really nice shine. I just used regular wood oil. Keep in mind that the marbles may run a bit slower afterwards, so the track might need some additional tweaking. Assembly The included PDF guide walks you through the assembly with step-by-step illustrations and supporting videos. Preparation: Test all Maker’s Supply components before installation. Have diagonal cutters, tweezers, a 1.5 mm hex driver, craft glue, and some lubricant ready. Assembly: Test-fit all parts first. Most connections work without glue; use a small amount where needed, especially on the houses. Handle delicate laser-cut parts with care. Lift: The chain should run smoothly. Add or remove a link if needed and lightly lubricate the wheels. Tracks: Follow the numbers and letters on the laser-cut sheets to identify and assemble the track sections.