Robert-Houdin's Orange Tree in miniature!

Amazing! Cabaret Mechanical Theatre is now offering special edition miniature versions of Pierre Mayer's Magic Automata! Shown here is his miniaturized version of Robert-Houdin's famous Orange Tree illusion.

Here is where you can find The Orange Tree and four other miniature automata by Pierre Mayer.

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Solarion Ultimate Builder kit uses solar power

The Solarian Ultimate Builder Kit is construction toy system that uses solar energy to power your creations. The kit comes with with real tools, nuts, and bolts, so it may not be suitable for the youngest of you out there. The 538-piece Solarian Ultimate Builder Kit set comes with instructions to build 6 models, which can be brought to life in sunlight or a under a 60 watt light bulb.

Here is where you can get the Solarian Ultimate Builder Kit.

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OLLO reconfigurable bug robot construction kit

OLLO is a reconfigurable robot construction kit based on a system of plates and rivets. Shown here is the OLLO Bug Kit, which comes with instructions to walk you through building 4 different types of robotic bugs. The various robot bugs can trace lines, detect objects, or be controlled via wireless remote.

Here's a link to the Ollo Bug Robotic Kit

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Clock Repairing as Hobby: illustrated how-to book

Perhaps you saw the post earlier this year about the highly-rated book Practical Clock Repairing. Here is another volume that introduces the subject to the beginner in a clear (and affordable) manner.

From the book description:

All of the precise and delicate gears and levers in a clock can appear dizzying to the amateur, but this guide, with its wonderfully detailed diagrams, can clear things up. It covers the theory behind clock movement and design, including the particulars of escapements, pendulums, balance wheels, and even the sheet music for popular chimes. The American striking clock, the 400-day clock, and the alarm clock receive special attention. The in-depth information, including explanations of clock repairing terminology and details on the tools, materials, and supplies that are needed for success, will benefit even skilled enthusiasts.

Here's where you can search inside of or order a copy of the book Clock Repairing as a Hobby: An Illustrated How-To Guide for the Beginner

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Hand-cranked machine that writes out the time

Check out this amazing machine which writes out the time of day on a piece of paper. It has a hand-crank, which I assume powers it. How it tells time...I know not. Very, very cool in any case.

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Self-winding clock that uses changes in temperture

I'm sure you've heard of self-winding mechanical watches. While clever, they aren't quite as magical as the sound for they use the swinging of the wearer's arm to continuously rewind an internal spring. Here is a clock that self-winds - the Perpetual ATMOS Clock. Clearly, you don't swing the clock around on the end of your arm. So, how does it wind itself?

The secret lies in small changes in air temperature. When the temperature rises, gases inside of a small chamber expand, which compresses a spiral spring. When the temperature drops again (as it is bound to do), the gas condenses and the spring relaxes. The resulting reciprocating motion, though small, is enough to winds clock's mainspring.

Here is a where you can learn more about the Perpetual ATMOS Clock.

[ Found via the MAKE magazine blog ]

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DVD about the three The Jaquet-Droz automata

Including perhaps the famous writing automaton created by Maillardet, there are no finer examples in art of automata than the masterpieces created by the Swiss-born watchmaker Pierre Jaquet-Droz (1721–1790). Around 1770-1772, Jaquet-Droz created three incredibly sophisticated automata know as The Writer, The Draftsman, and The Musician.

The video clip shown here is from an excellent DVD entitled The Jaquet-Droz Androids. The film covers all three Jaquet-Droz automata.

Learn more about this documentary and order a DVD at www.automates-boites-musique.com.

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Video of cardboard mechanics installation

Check out these nifty cardboard mechanisms created by four students at the Utrecht School of Art and Technology: Saskia Freeke, Fin Kingma, Davy Jacobs, and Sonja van Vuure. Well done!

[ Thanks Gina! ]

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Paper airplane walk-along gliders - nearly magic

Why didn't someone tell me about this sooner! The first video I found on walk-along gliders seemed so incredible that I assumed it was fake. Not so! There are tons of videos and wonderful how-to tutorials out there (see below). My thanks to Falk Keuten and the other contributors to the outstanding Paper Forest Blog for sharing these with me.

Here is an Instructable on how to make your own walk-along glider:

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Making Mechanical Cards: 25 Paper Designs

Here's a good looking book on how to make your own mechanical paper cards -- sure to impress and delight those that receive them.

More about Making Mechanical Cards from Amazon:

Mostly based on Victorian and Edwardian designs, these patterns feature exquisite paper engineering, including pull-tab butterflies, bouquets, fans, and scrolls; dissolving pictures and kaleidoscopes; and sweet Venetian blind variations. They vary from the very simple to the really intricate, but the step-by-step instructions and diagrams make even the most complicated ones very achievable. Make a puzzle purse, a box stage with musicians playing, and adorable animals in a revolving wheel.

Here's a link to Making Mechanical Cards: 25 Paper-Engineered Designs

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Stair-stepping karakuri automaton

You may have seen the recent post about Osamu Kanda's stair-climbing automaton. Here is a more sophisticated -- and I assume ancient -- version. This figure not only climbs a set of stairs, but turns a corner mid-way too!

To learn more about Japanese karakuri (the paper kind) check out Karakuri: How to Make Mechanical Paper Models That Move.

[ Thanks Christoph! ]

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Wood rolling ball sculpture elevator mechanism

Check out the nifty ball-raising mechanism on this rolling ball sculpture!

Check out the machine in action on YouTube.

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Proxxon 37090 DSH/E Scroll Saw - Gimme!

I posted a while back about Proxxon's smaller scroll saw, the Proxxon 37088 DS 115/E Scroll Saw. Here is that saw's bigger brother. Behold! The Proxxon 37090 DSH/E Scroll Saw...

Check out this tool's description:

Clean, accurate cuts without the need for finishing. This is the perfect machine for tool and die making, model building, toy repairs, puzzle sawing, architectural work, antique restoration, etc. It operates probl em-free, even when cutting acrylics, fiberglass, polystyrene foams, rubber, leather and cork.The unit offers a super cutting capacity (wood 1 1/2", plastics 1 3/16", non-ferrous metals 25/64") and yet runs with only a hum. The air blower with adjustable nozzle provides clear visibility of work piece and cutting line. The unit's machine base of cast iron offers the needed stability for vibration-free operation. The sturdy aluminum die-cast table tilts up to 45°, allowing a lot of special effects like incised lettering, sawing chamfers, inlays and marquetry. The twin cast iron saw over arm with ball bearing direct drive is equipped with a practical handle for quick and easy adjustment of the blade tension. Standard commercially available pin blades can be rapidly fitted and stored in the special compartment on the side of the machine. As well the clamping jaws also allow the use of plain end blades, which are as well easily tightened with the included T-Allen key. Proxxon tools come with a 2 year factory warranty.

I cannot say I own this saw. (I am still patiently waiting for the sponsorship offer from Proxxon.) I do own two other saws by them and can say they are very, very well made tools.

Here's a link to the Proxxon 37090 DSH/E Scroll Saw.

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Avalanche kinetic sculpture - by David C. Roy

Check out this spring-driven kinetic wooden sculpture titled 'Avalance' by David C. Roy. This particular sculpture runs for many hours on a single winding.


See more Kinetic Sculptures by David C. Roy at woodthatworks.com

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Ingenious wooden bipedal walker automaton

Check out this clever bipedal walker created by Osamu Kanda. The walker is a completely free object. The steps lock the front foot in and then power the walker forward. It's a very unconventional, but effective means for creating a bipedal motion.

See more inventive wooden machines by Osamu Kanda on his web site.

[ Thanks Christoph! ]

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Make Beetlebot Bundle - obstacle avoiding robot

You may have seen a post a while back about how to Build your own obstacle-avoiding beetle robot. If you like the idea, but need a little help gathering all the parts together, you should consider visiting the Maker Shed Store. They have a Make Beetlebot Bundle which includes most of what you need to make the little beetle robot. You might also consider picking up MAKE Volume 12, which has complete step-by-step instructions for making the robot.

Here is where you can get the Make Beetlebot Bundle and MAKE Volume 12. Make Volume 12 is also available from Amazon.com.

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Giant mechanical fern sculpture by Chris Fitch

Take a look at this gorgeous video of a beautifully done sculpture by artist Chris Fitch.

From the sculpture description:

Originally inspired by looking at ferns on a walk in the woods, "Spring" is a mechanical abstraction of the same unfurling action that occurs in fiddleheads. The title is a double-entendre referring also to the coiled spring-like shape that the sculpture assumes. In fact, in an earlier version of this piece, there was a coiled spring incorporated into the mechanism.

See more kinetic art by Chris Fitch on his web site.

[ Thanks Ellen and Dave! ]

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Mechancial 'Mystery Box' by Dr. Clayton Boyer

Perhaps you saw the recent post about The Most Useless Machine. Unlike that version, the one created by clock-designer Clayton Boyer and shown here is entirely mechanical -- no electronics or electrical power. The entire piece is controlled by mechanical components and is powered by a wound spring. Ingenious!

Here is where you can learn more and order plans for the Mystery Box by Dr. Clayton Boyer.

[ Thanks Fabrice! ]

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Gnome shooting gallery automaton

Well here is a use for an automaton I never would have thought of: as the driving force behind and animated shooting gallery. The creator declares this piece to be "The most complicated way to destroy ceramic garden gnomes with pellet guns." I feel a little bad for the gnomes, but have to admit that it is a great idea.

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Tiny hand-cranked chorus line automaton

This tiny chorus line is one of many different sub-miniature automata available from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre's online shop.

Here's the product page for the miniature chorus line automaton.

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Cranked wooden machine draws paths on a map

Check out this beautifully made mostly-wood machine that draws the path from a house to a museum on a city map using a pencil. The video is a little slow, but the machine is fantastic. The cams used are huge!

[ Thanks Christoph! ]

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Free plans for 'Frustrated Felines' by Paul Spooner

Over at the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre web site they are graciously offering free plans for the 'Frustrated Felines' automaton by Paul Spooner that they sold for a time back in the in the 1980s. THANK YOU!

Here's where you can download plans for the Frustrated Felines automaton.

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Making the 'This Too Shall Pass' video contraption

Here's a TED Talk in which Adam Sadowsky talks about the time, effort, and engineering that went into creating the massive Rube Goldberg contraption that became the video for the band OK Go's song This Too Shall Pass.

[ Thanks Frances! ]

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Magical Marble Maze made by team of woodturners

This piece won first prize in the mechanical/technical category in a recent American Association of Woodturners contest. The project, consisting of 50 pieces, was completed in 8 months by a group of woodturners. The design took 100 hours to complete, and the assembly a weekend.

[ Thanks Charles! ]

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Robert-Houdin, A Magician's Life film

Here is an except from an excellent film on one of the greatest magicians and automaton-makers ever -- Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin (December 7, 1805 – June 13, 1871).

A DVD of the complete film is available in French or English at www.automates-boites-musique.com.

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The Great Australian Clock with 33 moving scenes

The Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, Australia houses two remarkable mechanical clocks. Shown here is The Great Australian Clock which features dioramas and moving figures.

About the clock, from Wikipedia:

The Great Australian Clock, designed and made by Chris Cook, weighs four tonnes and stands ten metres tall. It includes 33 scenes from Australian history, seen from both Aboriginal and European perspectives. An Aboriginal hunter circles the exterior of the clock continuously, representing the never-ending passage of time.

Here's a nice Flickr set featuring The Great Australian Clock.

[ Thanks Anne!]

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Slinky Science All About Gears, gear-based toy

Learn about the power, drive, and force behind gears with this toy you stick to the fridge or other metal surface.

From the product description:

Motorized magnets & spinning gears! Comes with a 20 page Fun & Fact manual that will lead you through a journey of how gears work!

Here's a link to Slinky Science All About Gears.

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Homemade Lego-based felt tip pen printer

Based on the number of YouTube views, this video might be old news to some, but I hadn't seen it. Check out this completely home-made Lego-based printer complete with on-board Lego people!

A small snippet from the YouTube description:

Lego felt tip 110" printer connected to an Apple Mac. This is not mindstorms, I designed/built/coded it all from scratch including analog motor electronics, sensors and printer driver, the USB interface uses a "wiring" board.

Here's a link to the post on YouTube with an extensive FAQ section.

[ Thanks Julia! ]

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Book: The Art And Craft of Whirligig Construction

Here's a book with 12 different whirligig projects with a lot of good general information on making moving things from wood and metal.

From the book description:

Over 50 color photos, 80 patterns and mechanical drawings, with clear, concise, step-by-step instructions, reveal all the reader must know to successfully create twelve original whirligig projects made from wood and/or metal, including imaginative, original designs that all will enjoy. Each project has been designed, built, and tested by the author to ensure success. The detailed text provides tips for simplifying layout and construction techniques, the proper use of bearings and balance to spin whirligigs in minimal wind, along with practical woodworking, metalworking, and decorating techniques.

Here's a link to the book The Art And Craft of Whirligig Construction.

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Skyrail suspension rollercoaster with elevator

The Quercetti Skyrail is the winner of the Parents' Choice Gold Award, The Oppenheim Portfolio Gold Seal Selection, winner of Dr. Toy's 10 Best Educational products, and Dr. Toy's 100 Best Childrens' Products. Not too shabby!

From the product description:

With the Quercetti Skyrail Suspension Rollercoaster with Elevator spectacular structures can be built by copying the examples illustrated in the detailed instruction booklet or by inventing whatever your personal creativity and building skill suggest. These 5 yards of track and 200 piece marbles run features a vortex chamber, glow-in-the-dark rails and an elevator. Features exclusive double entrance large funnel and two exclusive spiral tracks. Base pieces for sturdy construction and extra long bridges for building larger structures. Ages 8 & up.

You can get the Quercetti Skyrail Suspension Rollercoaster with Elevator over at Kazoo Toys or from Amazon.com here: Quercetti Skyrail Rollercoaster with Elevator

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Carved wood figure whistles 'Old Kentucky Home'

Here is a whistling figure that departs somewhat from the standard drunk-by-a-lamp-post theme.

From the eBay description:

This is a very rare animated whistling figure, 1920-40 All brass mech. I had the bellows redone so it sounds great. The head turns as he whistles. This piece is all original with the original back door and brass bird key. He is all carved wood and is about 14" tall. He whistles My Old Kentucky Home.

Here is the eBay listing for this carved wooden figure which whistles 'Old Kentucky Home'.

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