The number of balls a pachinko machine has depends on its size, model, and purpose. 250 is the minimum number of balls that most pachinko machines can have. The traditional 27.5” x 33.5” pachinko machine has a capacity for 1,000 to 2,000 balls. They must be standard-sized balls, too – we’re talking about the steel balls that measure 11mm in diameter.
If you are planning to play at a pachinko parlor, balls shouldn’t be an issue to you. They are available to rent at the counter pachinko parlor. Although the rate varies, you can expect a small bucket of balls at 4 yen each.
Why Buy a Pachinko Machine?
Owning a pachinko machine is the ultimate boss move, and with good reason.
- Pachinko is a collector’s gem – Vintage models hold their value for decades. You can think of it as a valuable piece of painting.
- You can play Pachinko any time you want
- It’s free to play with your friends or family – make sure you have plenty of balls
- The machine provides you with an opportunity to improve your pachinko skills.
- Pachinko machine is a centerpiece that will look splendid in your game room, man cave, or garage.
- Supercharge your game nights – You can host pachinko tournaments and friendly competitions. Even more exciting, a pachinko machine can make your game nights livelier and more enjoyable.
Where to Buy Legit Pachinko Machines
From boutique web stores to eBay and Amazon, we’ve compiled a list of top 5 places where you can get authentic pachinko. Of course, you can buy a pachinko machine from an auction or land-based shops in Japan.
1- Alibaba (alibaba.com)
The Chinese e-commerce giant has several sellers that offer vintage and new pachinko machines. The best-selling point of Alibaba is bulk accessories — We’re talking about balls, spare parts, and tulips. Many users rave about the range of pachinko machines for fun available on Alibaba. We were particularly impressed with the quality and finish of pachinko.
We recommended doing some due diligence on the seller before going ahead with the purchase. This is especially true if you are after a vintage piece. In the past, we found vintage pachinko machines with tough exterior and amazing quality.
Speedy delivery of 3-10 days is one of Alibaba’s biggest bargaining chips. If you are looking to buy an affordable new or vintage pachinko machine, look no further than Alibaba.
2- Modern Pachinko (modernpachinko.com)
Modernpachinko.com is the go-to platform for premium pachinkos. The site makes it easy to order your favorite pachinko accessories. We have never seen such a huge selection of 1970s-style pachinko machines.
We appreciate that ModernPachinko.com also sells slot machines and pinball. The best part is that they ship directly to your doorstep for free.
3- Amazon (amazon.com)
Amazon needs no introduction. The ecommerce giant has pretty much everything, and pachinko machines are no different. You can choose from various options, including new, vintage, and slightly used. However, modern pachinko machines are where we give Amazon the highest marks.
Amazon’s blazing fast delivery and immaculate packaging make it an ideal choice for getting pachinko machines as they’re delicate yet bulky.
4- Pachinko Planet (pachinkoplanet.com)
Are you looking for refurbished or restored pachinko machines? If so, then head over to Pachinko Planet. The site runs like an auction, giving you a chance to negotiate the price. That interaction with the seller can also tell you a lot about the quality of the pachinko. That’s something you cannot do on Amazon and Alibaba. Things are not all rosy at Pachinko Planet, however. They charge very high shipping fees and a few quality complaints have been lodged.
5- Vintage Pachinko (vintagepachinko.com)
We all love vintage pachinko, and Vintage Pachinko is the ideal place to bring home one. As with Pachinko Planet, most pachinko machines on the site are mostly refurbs and restores.
How do you clean a pachinko machine?
Cleaning a pachinko machine is really easy…
- Open the front door latch to reveal the inner workings of the pachinko machine
- Dampen all the brass parts with vinegar solution. The home remedy will help loosen the patina and leave your pachinko whistle clean.
- Scrub the chrome frame with an ultra-fine steel wool soaked in cleaning vinegar. That’s the easiest way to clean grime and dirt from them.
- Scrub off any remaining patina from the brass parts using the Dremel tool
- Use a rock tumbler to tumble all the nails in your pachinko machine
- Clean your pachinko every 7-10 days, especially if it is used regularly
Keep your pachinko clean helps increase its value, performance, and longevity
How to Clean Pachinko Parts
The bad news: a pachinko machine doesn’t have a self-cleaning function. Hiroko Daiki, a Pachinko specialist, recommends disassembling your machine at least every year or twice if it gets a lot of action. It’s also wise to check and spot-clean visible parts when you get a chance. Beyond making your pachinko machine beautiful, deep parts’ cleaning will ensure it lasts a lifetime.
How to Clean Pachinko Balls
Pachinko balls see the most action – they tend to collect patina, rust, and occasional grime.
- Use soft cloth – While steel wool does a pretty good job of getting rid of patina on chrome frames, it will do more harm than good on pachinko balls. Instead, use a soft-lint-free cloth to clean pachinko balls every other week.
- All balls that have cracked, broken, or heavily rusted should be tossed in the bin. They can damage the machine or other balls.
- Rust-proof storage – When not in action, tuck away your pachinko balls in a sealed container or ball. Toss in a few silica gel desiccants.
How to Clean Pachinko Pockets
- Use your favorite cleaner to spray the pachinko pockets
- Use a firm brush to scrape off any dirt and grime
How to Clean Pachinko Faceplate
Faceplate is the centerpiece of your Japanese pachinko machines.
- Go for a soft cloth – A lint-free washing cloth should do a bang-up job of cleaning the faceplate.
- Lightly damp the cloth before using it to clean the faceplate
- Never use regular cleaners or brush on faceplate – They will leave nasty scratches on the plexiglass.
How to Clean Pachinko feeding tray and receiving tray
The feeding tray gets very dirty from all the pachinko balls going through it.
- Use a brush and a generous amount of multi-purpose cleaner to clean every corner of the feeding tray.
- The same goes for the receiving tray
How to Clean Pachinko Buttons and Levers
- If your pachinko machine has chrome parts or a lever, clean them using a soft, slightly wet cleaning cloth.
- Make sure to dry them well after cleaning.
- The face of the pachinko machine should be cleaned using a multi-purpose cleaner and a sturdy brush.
How do you make a pachinko machine?
It is relatively easy to make a homemade pachinko machine …
Step #1: Gather the tools and materials you need
- A drill
- A wood cutting tool like a saw
- Wood glue
- Pachinko balls (you can swap steel metal balls for bouncy balls)
- Strong wood (preferably hardwood or treated wood)
Step #2: Build the walls and the base
First, you will build the base, which should measure 18 inches by 14 inches. It must be made from smooth wood for balls to roll through.
Glue the walls to all sides of the base, with the exception of the bottom. The walls will be the length of the board, both vertically (18 inches) and horizontally (14 inches). Leave a space of no more than 2 inches to prevent balls from coming out.
Step #3: Add the inside walls
The inner walls will serve as a tunnel for the balls to pass through before rolling down the mainboard. For this, you will need a piece of wood measuring 1.5 inches wide by 15 inches long. Glue it onto the board, leaving a space of 1.5 inches in between from the outer wall.
Place a smaller piece of wood 1.5 inches long by an inch wide in the corner created by the top-side and right-hand walls. It will serve as the backstop for the balls.
Step #4: Make the pachinko pins
You will require several dowels to act as pins for your pachinko machine. They should be about a quarter-inch each. Glue the dowels to the board with a spacing of an inch to 7/8 inches in between. In this way, they are tall enough to prevent the ball from bouncing over them.
Step #5: Add more inner walls
It would help if you created several tunnels for the ball to roll through after navigating the pins. You can use three-ply wood measuring 5.25 inches long and an inch wide. Glue them to the board, making sure they are run parallel to the longer inside wall. They should also be uniformly spaced.
Step #6: Add mechanism for propelling the balls
This may be the easiest step so far. Join a small piece of wood (the size of space between the inner and outer wall) to a dowel. To the other end of the dowel, glue or nail a stopper block.
Step #7: Ramping the pachinko board
The last step is to install small wedges or ramps to the bottom of your pachinko mainboard. They will create an incline and allow the balls to roll downwards. You may or may not add LED lighting to the top or bottom of the board.
How many Pachinko balls do I need?
You will require at least 250 pachinko balls. However, for optimum play, you must purchase anywhere from 500 to 2,000 pachinko balls for your machine.
Numerous factors influence the number of pachinko balls you need:
- The size of your pachinko machine. A standard machine needs about 500-1000 balls. Large machines could take up to 2,000 pachinko balls.
- How often do you use your pachinko machine? You need extra balls if you play often.
- Your preference. If you don’t mind loading your machine often, you can get the minimum number (which is about 250 balls).
Where can I buy pachinko balls?
Where you can buy pachinko balls are aplenty. We are talking about large ecommerce platforms like Amazon, boutique webstores like Daikoku, and pachinko restoration websites like Pachinko Planet. You must first determine the model of your pachinko machine. Most models require the traditional 11mm stainless steel balls.
We all are aware of the best places to buy pachinko balls…
- Amazon
- Alibaba
- eBay
- Pachinko Restoration
- Pachinko Planet
- Modern Pachinko
- Wish
- Daikoku
How much do pachinko balls weigh?
How much pachinko balls weigh depends on size, materials, and newness. Standard-sized 11mm steel balls have a regulation weight of 5.75 grams. That being said, the weight of each pachinko ball normally ranges from 4.7g to 6 g. Rusted balls can weigh more than non-rusted ones.
How much does a pachinko machine weigh?
A pachinko machine weighs 40-55 pounds. That’s the average weight of a 7” x 8” model.
What are pachinko balls made of?
Pachinko balls are made of rustproof, hard-wearing steel. It can be carbon, chrome, or stainless steel, depending on the manufacturer. Most pachinko parlors engrave their balls with their name and logo to create a unique brand and prevent theft.
Who fixes Pachinko?
Pachinko technicians, restoration services, and manufacturers fix pachinko. If you are in the US, Taiwan, China, or Japan, you are in luck because most pachinko repair services are located here. You can still ship your pachinko to the manufacturer, which we recommend especially if it is a vintage machine worth a lot of money.
What size balls do pachinko machines use?
Pachinko machines use 11mm-sized balls.
What are pachinko balls?
Pachinko balls are round beads that are shot into the playfield when playing the game of pachinko. They look like metal bearings you can find in American pinball machines. The standard size for pachinko balls is 11mm.
How do I identify a pachinko machine?
The best method to identify a pachinko machine is to check its expiration tag. This is a stamp-like sticker that appears on the pachinko playfield. Most expiry tags are attached to the playfield using glue, but others use staple and small nails.
The expiration tag tells you about the pachinko’s model, year of make, and manufacturer. They also serve as Gaming Authority certification. If a pachinko machine doesn’t have one, you should be worried about its authenticity – it could be fake!
How much are old pachinko machines worth?
Old pachinko machines are worth upwards of $2,000.
How much is a pachinko ball worth?
A pachinko ball is worth 4 yen at a pachinko parlor in Japan.
What voltage are pachinko machines?
Most pachinko machines are rated 10V.
Can you buy a pachinko machine?
Of course! You can buy a pachinko machine — be it new, second-hand, or vintage. Pachinko is a beautiful and exciting Japanese game similar to both pinball and casino slot machines. Thankfully, you can purchase a legit pachinko machine online so that you can play at the comfort of your own home or garage.