Too Much Coffee - paper automaton kit

Here is a short video of Rob Ives's latest paper animation kit called "Too Much Coffee". I feel for this guy; I've been there!

Here is the link for purchasing and downloading the files for the Too Much Coffee automaton.

---

Zany Wooden Toys That Whiz, Spin, Pop, and Fly

This book looks fantastic! I just ordered it.

From the book description:

Inventive and unique, this dynamic collection of woodworking projects teaches the basic skills needed to make exciting, action-packed toys. From rapid-fire nickel launchers and ball-and-socket robots to a monkey-toss gumball machine, each project includes a color photograph, a tools and materials list, a full diagram, woodworking plans, and instructions for using the finished product. Covering all the methods necessary for creation—selecting wood, drilling and shaping, making wheels and axles, and decoration—these constructions are simple enough for children and parents to complete together, all in an afternoon's time.

Here is the link to Zany Wooden Toys That Whiz, Spin, Pop, and Fly: 28 Top-Secret Projects You Can Build from the Toy Inventor's Workshop

---

Hand-cranked mechancial laughing device

Take a look at this beautifully made mechanical laughing machine. The Pink Tentacle web site does such a nice job with the description that I will just quote them (below.) I love this thing!

Description of WAHHA GO GO from Pink Tentacle:

According to the video, WAHHA GO GO is activated by spinning the torso-mounted metal disk (an optional crank arm can be used for greater speed). The disk's rotational energy is transferred to the machine's left and right arms via a gear assembly in the lower back. As the arms rotate, the accordion-like lungs expand upward, drawing in air that is then exhaled through the machine’s artificial vocal cords.

Another set of gear wheels in the spine transfers some of the spinning disk's rotational energy to the head assembly, which includes a pair of tiny arms that stretch and relax WAHHA GO GO's artificial vocal cords (thus regulating the pitch), as well as an arm connected to a valve that controls the flow of air from the lungs. This arm also opens and closes the mouth, which alters the so-called "formant characteristics" (resonant frequency) of the laugh, producing the "wa" and "ha" sounds.

By incorporating a series of mechanisms that work together to control the pitch, resonant frequency, and amount of air supplied to the artificial vocal cords, WAHHA GO GO is able to produce an uncanny human-like laugh.

Here is the original post: Video: Anatomy of WAHHA GO GO.

[ Thanks Joanne! ]

---

Hand-cranked bell ringing cat automaton

Another great piece by Osamu Kanda, or Okan.

---

Green Science's Amphibian Rover kit

Create your own motorized amphibious vehicle using 4 recycled plastic bottles and this kit which includes plastic body parts motor, battery case, wheel hubs, paddles, screws, terminal caps, and instructions. You will also need to supply 2 AAA batteries and a small Philips screwdriver.

Here the link for the Amphibian Rover Kit

---

Sand-powered acrobat automaton

'ALFRED THE AMAZING' is a sand-powered acrobatic automaton currently available on eBay.

From the eBay description:

When the box is rotated and set down, the sand turns a wheel (axle) and the trapeze guy does his acrobatic wonders, and extremely dangerous feats of daring and thrill, and he doesn't use a net.

Here the eBay listing Alfred the Amazing sand-powered automaton

---

Solar powered rolling ball track kit

Here is a simple kit that allows you to make a solar-powered rolling-ball track. Once assembled, provide the little solar panel with some sunlight and the machine will sending the balls cycling around the track.

Here's the link for this kit that is called the Solar Roller Coaster

---

Swine Flew paper automaton kit

This little play-on-words is the latest downloadable automaton kit available form Flying Pig Paper Animation Kits: Swine Flew.

Here is where you can get the Swine Flew paper automaton download (for just over $4 US Dollars).

---

Proxxon Scroll Saw for model and toy making

I already own a decent scroll saw so it would hard to justify this purchase. But...maybe it's not to late for you!

From the product description

This is the ideal machine for that delicate project: model building, toy manufacturing and precision work. It cuts soft wood (e.g. bass wood) up to 1 3/16" (30 mm), hard wood up to approx. 25/64" (10 mm), plastic (including circuit boards) up to approx. 5/32" (4 mm) and non-ferrous metals up to 5/64" (2 mm) with standard scroll saw blades. The machine has a very stable ribbed die-cast aluminum saw frame with 11 13/16" (300 mm) throat. The blade guide is equipped with an integrated blower. The patented head-part is height-adjustable in 3 positions and offers numerous advantages: The lifetime of the saw blade is tripled after shortening it twice (teeth in the middle part of the saw blade are finally used, too). With the head in the lowest position, working with a blade shortened to 2 23/64" is even more precise. The machined worktable of die-cast aluminum has a size of 6 19/64" x 6 19/64" (160 x 160 mm) and is equipped with an adjustable longitudinal stop and graduated miter gauge (0-90°). The ABS plastic body provides a very practical sliding door on the right side of the housing for the removal of saw dust. The saw is powered by a 110 - 120V motor (85 W) for prolonged use, low noise performance and even supported by a quiet and wear-resistant toothed belt drive, running in a ball bearing assembly. The machine offers an electronically controllable stroke rate from approx. 150 - 2,500 strokes/min.

Here's the link to the Proxxon 37088 DS 115/E Scroll Saw

---

The Crocodile paper automaton kit video

This funny and macabre automaton is available as a kit from the folks at cool4cats.

Here's the page where you can order The Crocodile automaton kit (scroll down to near the bottom of the page).

---

Green Science Windmill Generator by Toysmith

I am pleased by the fact that many of the newer mechanical toys have "green" theme. Take this small scale wind generator. The Windmill Generator has a gear motor (which serves as a generator) and 6 inch propeller with a tail. After a bit of assembly you can watch the wind light up its LED bulbs.

From the product description:

How is energy produced by using windmills? Build this amazing wind generator and learn about renewable energy/ "green energy". Watch the LED glow as it is powered by free energy from the wind. No batteries required! Help save the planet by using a recycled plastic bottle to support your wind generator. Ages 8+

Here is the link to the Green Science Windmill Generator

---

Making Mobiles: a step-by-step instruction book

Here is a book that provides practical step-by-step instructions for making horizontally balanced mobiles. Though only 80 page long, the book covers materials, tools, designing, fabricating, assembly, painting, and hanging of mobiles.

Product Description

...19 carefully written chapters and 190 color photographs let you see and understand all the stages toward creating your mobiles. He even shows you how to fix a mistake and pack it for shipping. By following Bruces steps and positive attitude, hours of fun and challenge will be rewarded with art you are proud of.

Here is the link for Making Mobiles

---

How to make a super accurate vernier protractor

Check out this cool DIY article by Steve Garrison on how to make a protractor accurate up to 0.1 degree.

How it Works (from Steve's site):

Since this protractor uses a bubble level it can only measure vertical angles. The bubble is zeroed up on a reference surface by rotating the disc that the vial is attached to until the bubble is aligned with a mark and the front wing-nut is locked down. Then the protractor is placed on a tilted surface and the larger disc is unlocked (using the wingnut on the back) and the disc is rotated until the bubble is again aligned in the same position, then the rear wingnut is locked back down. The angle is read to a degree where the long line on the left side of the vernier points to the degree scale - read the smaller number. The angle is then read to a tenth of a degree by seeing which of the vernier lines matches up best end-to-end with the degree markings and added to the degree measurement. The markings on the vernier are 0.9 degree apart.

Here is the link with details on how to make your own compact protractor accurate up to 0.1 degree.

---

"Contraption" automaton by Tom Haney

Enjoy this video of Tom Haney's latest automaton called "Contraption". The end of the video features some cool "in-progress" still photographs.

Check out more of Tom Haney's work on his web site.

---

Dynamo Torch Science Activity Kit

Here is a simple generator kit that allows you to power a small LED (AKA "Torch"). Assembly will require one small screwdriver that is not supplied with the kit.

From the product description:

Turn a simple toy motor to become a generator which converts hand motion to electric energy and powers a light bulb. No battery, no pollution, just amazement. The generator could be used as an awesome energy torch. Caution : High Voltage of inspiration and fun! Contents: 1 LED Lamp with holder and wires connected 1 toy motor 2 gears 1 set dynamo torch casing accessories (assembly required) 1 transparent torch cover screws detailed instructions with fun facts.

Here is the link to the Dynamo Torch Science Activity Kit

---

The Magnet Levitation Activity Kit

Here is a neat combination kit featuring interesting experiments with magnets.

From the item description:

The Magnet Levitation Activity Kit is chock full of great things which will help you explore magnetism. You'll learn about magnet properties and strength. You'll build a magnetic pendulum and observe oscillations. You'll enjoy seemingly to defy gravity as you achieve magnetic equilibrium and balance magnets in weird ways. And all the while, you'll be learning about the properties and wonders of magnets. Oh, all the while, the Magnet Levitation Activity Kit will be ramping up your knowledge and experience with magnets so you can build the final project: a model maglev train.

Here is the link for the The Magnet Levitation Activity Kit.

---

8" slow-speed grinder on sale to end of August

Woodcraft is offering this 8-inch slow speed grinder on sale from now until the end of August, 2009. Regularly priced at $110, it is now on sale for $95. The grinder comes equipped with 120 grit and 60 grit white aluminum oxide grinding wheels.

From the grinder description:

This quiet, smooth 1/2 HP, 1725 RPM slow-speed grinder is great for sharpening tools without generating the tool destroying heat that you get so quickly from 3450 RPM grinders.

Here's the link for more info 8 inch slow speed grinder.

---

Doodling robot / Vibro-bot mechanical kit

This kit allows you to build a simple robot with pen for feet. Doodle robot's motor makes it shake, rattle, and spin which results in a variety of patterns being drawn on the paper below it. You can also remove the pens to transform it into a classic little vibro-robot that slides across smooth floors, tables, and countertops.

Here's the link for the Doodling Robot kit.

---

Great used book - How to Make Animated Toys

A very affordable volume (purchased used) this book features detailed plans and scaled drawings for 30 different animated wooden toys. The author also goes into some detail about the processes of designing and building good toys -- including writing about child-safe materials and finishes. Projects include a waddling duck, a hopping rabbit and a lumbering gorilla.

Here's Amazon's page where you can buy a used copy of How to Make Animated Toys

---

Video of mechanical south-facing chariot

I posted last year about some South Pointing Chariots -- an amazing mechanical invention from ancient China. No matter which way the cart turns or how often, the figure on top always points South (the cardinal direction of preference in that culture at that time). A magnetic compass isn't used to accomplish this task; the solution is entirely mechanical. Here is some video of a functional model made by the clever hands of Osamu Kanda.

---

German-made 2 bird singing bird automaton

Here is a vintage 2-bird singing bird automaton made in Germany.

From the eBay description:

It stands approx 10" tall and the base is 6" across....When wound the birds move as they should (1 moves up and down, moves his tail and his beak moves, the others tail and beak moves)....HOWEVER they are not chirping....I understand that the bellows will need replaced and from research its a fairly easy task if you know what you are doing but I dont !...........Other than no chirping it is in very nice condition...Has a 3 position switch on the bottom as shown.

Here the eBay listing for this German-made 2 bird singing bird automaton

---

Le Pinch stainless steel wind up inch worm toy

Le Pinch stainless steel wind up inch worm toy made by Kikkerland. It's nice to see wind-up toys taking some new evolutionary steps (no pun intended).

Here's a link to the Le Pinch Wind Up.

---

Solid wood Sacred Myths Legendary Puzzles

This isn't just one puzzle, but 7 different puzzles -- all based around great moments in science and history. If you solve each mechanically unique puzzle in order, each will provide a clue to solving the next one.

From the ThinkGeek.com item description:

Sacred Myths is a series of 7 individual puzzles. Following the series sequentially, each puzzle contains clues and codes to solve that particular puzzle, as well as a password needed for additional hints for subsequent puzzles. It is possible to solve each puzzle individually, or solve them in order to take advantage of the hints. Up to you.

These puzzles can be pretty taxing. Solving them without using the hints makes them especially difficult. We were floored by the mechanism used the Carta Blanca puzzle box. It's one of the most unique puzzles we have ever seen. All of the Sacred Myths puzzles are hand crafted from solid wood.

The seventh puzzle will be released in the winter of 2009. Interesting. It could be a puzzle figuring out what the next puzzle will be!

Here is Thinkgeek.com's link for the Sacred Myths Legendary Puzzles.

---

Art Deco Vitascope "Rocking Ship" Automaton/clock.

I don't get to point to automata from this particular era and aesthetic too often, so this is kind of a treat. Here is an Art Deco style "Vitascope" depicting a ship rocking on the waves. It is, obviously, also a clock. The case reminds me of a bread-box. Personally, I would love to own one of these.

Details from the eBay listing:

• Art Deco period automata electric clock in very good condition & perfect working order.
• The green bakalite case has naturally faded over the years on the front & left side in particular, the case has light age assosiated scratches but has no cracks, chips or repairs.
• It is in perfect working order, the ships rocks back & forth, & the backlight fades from dawn to dusk, it runs smoothly & quietly keeping accurate time.
• The ship has areas of discolouration as is usual with these clocks, but as they go is in excellent condition.
• The aluminium back cover has a lot of paint losses but the Vitascope trade label is still visible & the serial number:00597 is stamped onto the bottom.
• The light can be swithed on & off with the toggle switch & the red knob to the right of the light switch is turned to start the ship movement.
• Size:12 1/2 inches high, 10 1/2 inches wide, 6 3/4 inches deep.

Here is the eBay listing with many great picture of this Art Deco Vitascope "Rocking Ship" Automata / Clock

---

Gorgeous singing bird music box automaton

I love the range one finds in automata -- from ingenious paper automata costing a few dollars hand-made on your kitchen table, to lavish antiques costing thousands. Here's one on the older, opulent, and intricate end of the spectrum: a singing bird automaton music box housed in a cigarette case (made in Germany around 1920).

From the eBay listing:

...one of a kind singing bird box in combination with a cigarette case. This sterling silver case has 4 sides that fold open in and give acces to the cigarettes. In the centre of the case behind glass panels is a Griesbaum singing bird movement. By pushing the stop start knob this lid will jump open and a little bird will appear. It will turn from left to right moving its beak and wings and sing a song with a loud and strong voice After it is finished it will return into the box and the lid will automatically close again. The mechanism is spring wound. The complete case is machine worked in combination with unbelievable highly decorative engravings.

The eBay listing features many more photographs and a video clip of the bird in action. Here's the link for this singing bird music box automaton.

---

Zecar - Toy Car with Mechanical Flywheel

The environmentally-friendly Zecar toy car needs no batteries. The reason is that this little stainless steel car has an internal flywheel to store energy. Once in motion, the Zecar flywheel car has a fair amount of torque and can roll or climb over small obstacles.

Part of the profit from Zecar goes towards the reforestation project in Brazil. That's pretty cool.

Here's where you can get order your own Zecar Flywheel Toy Car.

---

Changing Faces - optical illusions with paper

This book on optical illusions using paper certainly looks interesting!

From the product Description

Changing Faces presents an idiosyncratic and humorous collection of paintings, drawings, cartoons, masks, toys, advertisements, and other works of ephemera that -- either by flipping or flopping or just plain staring -- somehow transform the human physiognomy. Here you will find optical illusions from the Renaissance, Enlightenment-era political cartoons, and Victorian toys that all start off as one thing and end up as another. Sometimes these mutations were made for fun (give magnetic hair to a bald man!) sometimes for profit (buy a Studebaker!), and sometimes to score a political point (watch a French king turn into a big fat pear!), but the results are always an intriguing pleasure to watch.

Here's the link for the book Changing Faces

---

Magic Penny Magnet Kit

British pennies have a property US pennies don't - they are magnetic. This Magic Penny Magnet Kit come with everything you need to do some cool tricks with these magnetic coins.

From the product description:

The Magic Penny Magnet Kit has everything you need to do make pennies spin at 1,000 revolutions per minute, build rim-standing sculptures and levitating pyramids, move pennies up ramps and over bridges as if by magic, and much, much more. Over 30 projects await you.

Here is a link for more info on the Magic Penny Magnet Kit

---

The Conjuror, automaton by Anatoly ZAYA-RUZO

Here is a photo of "The Conjuror" -- the latest creation from mechanical doll maker Anatoly ZAYA-RUZO.

From the artist's description:

The Conjuror is a classical automaton about 2 feet high with 7 movements including gong and and music movement. The action is operated by specially designed heavy duty winding motor 36 lb-in torque. The Conjuror makes his magic with 5 objects, which replace each other on the table. Music mechanism acts by "endless" perforated paper strip.

More about this automata (including video) will be posted soon on Anatoly's site www.automatadolls.com.

---

Book - Device Volume II: RECONSTRUCTED

Featuring 16 sculptors with a mechanical fascination, the newly publsihed book "Device Volume II: RECONSTRUCTED" is sure to be a treat for those who love the combination of art and machine.

From the book description:

Using popular culture imagery and objects to explore such themes as mythology, nature, inner fantasy and technology. Artists featured include Greg Brotherton, Steve Brudniak, Christopher Conte, Nemo Gould, Stéphane Halleux, Tom Haney, Kris Kuksi, Mike Libby, Paul Loughridge, Michihiro Matsuoka, Jeremy Mayer, Rich Muller, Olivier Pauwels, Andrew Smith, Lewis Tardy, and Jud Turner, with the forwarded written by Gareth Branwyn.

You can order the book from the Device Gallery online store.