How to Fill a Kaleidoscope With Mineral Oil

Adding Mineral Oil When Constructing a Kaleidoscope

• 1

  Attach one end piece to an acrylic tube with epoxy glue, forming a cup that is open on one side.

• 2

  Place glass, beads, shells or whatever your filler is into the acrylic cup you have created and fill it about two thirds full with mineral oil. Don't fill it completely or there won't be enough room for the beads to move properly.

• 3

  Attach the second end cap to the chamber with epoxy and let it cure for 24 hours, or according to the epoxy's instructions.

Adding Mineral Oil to a Ready-Made Kaleidoscope

• 4

  Drill a small hole in the kaleidoscope's chamber.

• 5

  Use a syringe or dropper to inject mineral oil into the chamber. Again, only fill the cell about two-thirds of the way.

• 6

  Cut a small piece of the plastic transparency sheet just larger then the hole and use epoxy to seal it over the hole. You may also be able to use a small plug or cork; however, this is a less permanent solution and could result in leaks over time.