How to Make a Domino

Domino is a small block-shaped toy that can be stacked on end in long lines. When the first domino is tipped over, it triggers a chain reaction that leads to the rest of the dominoes falling in rhythmic motion. Dominoes are used for a variety of games, from simple line-ups to elaborate patterns and structures. Because of this, dominoes are a good example of the principle of cause and effect, in which one action has many unforeseen consequences.

Dominoes can be made of different materials, but the best ones are usually made from either ivory, bone or a dark hardwood such as ebony. They are typically marked on one side with a pattern of spots, similar to those on dice, and blank or identically patterned on the other. Dominoes can be bought from most toy stores and some online retailers. They are also available in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Woodworker Nick Persico stumbled upon the concept of building Dominoes when he was searching for a project for his garage workshop. He found that the process was both challenging and rewarding. The pieces were small enough to manage in a confined workspace, but detailed enough to command respect for the craftsman. He developed a method to build the pieces using a drill press, radial arm saw, scroll saw, belt sander and welder. This is not the only way to make a Domino, but it is an excellent example of the creativity and ingenuity that can be accomplished by anyone with a little time and the right tools.

Creating a mind-blowing domino setup requires careful planning and execution. The best sets are based on a theme or purpose. They feature straight or curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, 3D structures such as towers and pyramids, and intricate designs. When creating a domino art piece, it is important to set up the entire design on paper before beginning. This helps in estimating how many dominoes are needed and allows for easy corrections if the layout is off.

When Hevesh begins a new set, she considers the goal of the creation and brainstorms images or words to use in the design. She then creates a diagram that shows how the dominoes will fall. She may use a ruler to measure the dimensions of each domino to ensure they are evenly spaced and symmetrical. She then draws arrows to indicate how she would like the dominoes to move and marks the placement of each piece.

For her most complex constructions, Hevesh often spends hours laying out the pieces and then reworking the arrangement until she is satisfied with the results. She has a unique talent for understanding how each domino will react to its neighbor. She likens it to the function of a neuron in the brain, a series of impulses that lead to the next nerve impulse. This allows her to predict the outcome of each domino and prevents surprises that can occur when working with an unpredictable system.