Jonathan Tristram Miller sculpture "Pomegranate"

Check out this interesting kinetic sculpture by Jonathan Tristram Miller. The sculpture is a wall-mounted scepter-like affair. When removed from the stand and the bottom portion spun by hand, the top portion flies into a fascinating series of movements. Very novel!

[ Thanks Christoph! ]

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Students seek info on writing/drawing automata

Reader David Meyers is working with a group of middleschoolers in a design class. The students have become fascinated by the writing/drawing automata like the tin clown artist, Arthur Ganson's Faster! and Maillardet's Automaton. The video shown here features a prototype machine by Yoav Kleiner, which draws a nude figure. Given what I happen to know of the upcoming movie, Hugo, I would say these students are several months ahead of the what is about to become a very popular topic!

David and his students are looking for any instructions, guides, templates to aid in creating their own. If you know of any books, web sites, people, or kits please let me know via the contact form, or leave a comment at the end of this post.

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Faster! - writing/racing machine by Arthur Ganson

Here is another brilliant piece by kinetic artist Arthur Ganson. This machine was built for the World Sculpture Racing Society in Boston.

According to Arthur Ganson:

The cast hand is my own and the pen, controlled by three cams (x, y and z axis), moves in three dimensions and writes the word "faster!" on an index card while being pushed down the street. The faster the cart is pushed, the faster it writes. Warning, an out of control feedback loop between creator and creation can result in dangerously fast speeds and certain death.

See more kinetic art by Arthur Ganson on his web site.

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Kinetic sculpture by Marc and Adriane Horovitz

Here is a video of a charming kinetic sculpture made by Marc Horovitz and his daughter Adriane. I love the eccentric cams, gears, pinwheels, collars, set-screws, and colors. Lovely construction overall. The piece is composed of wood, brass, tinplate, paper, and oil-based paint. The sculpture will be part of a "Craft as Art" show in Denver, starting Saturday, October 1st and running for two weeks.

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Methods to make a worm for an existing spur gear

The Koza web site shows several methods for making a worm for an existing plastic gear. The beauty of the worm drive is that it can produce a great reduction in the rotational speed of your system or allow a much higher torque to be transmitted. Here we are discussing the worm component -- the screw-like element of the drive.

Method 1
The first method (top) involves winding what looks like copper wire around a screw to form a helix. The trick is probably finding the right gauge of wire, then the right size screw thread. Still, if you've got a few gauges of wire and a bin full of miscellaneous screws, it doesn't seem like it would be too hard to do. I do wonder about the copper wire keeping its shape over time.

Method 2
More robust solutions are offered in picture form (bottom). For the second solution, a screw is used as the worm, engaging directly with the
teeth of the gear. Here I worry a bit about the screw threads
actually cutting the plastic gear over time.

Method 3
The third and final method is my favorite. A steel spring is used for the worm to drive the gear wheel. Simply take your plastic spur gear to your local hardware store or spring supplier and try a few out until you find one that meshes well. Though the image shows the spring alone driving the worm gear, you might be able to have a dowel or other axle material running through the center of the spring. This would make the spring easier to attach and provide more rigidity. You would just want to be sure the teeth still engage well with the screw and that the axle doesn't interfere.

Method 4
Automata maker Dave Johnson makes good use of a plastic drywall anchor to serve as the worm on his piece entitled Little Man. You can can catch a glimpse of the drywall anchor driving a wooden worm wheel in the video of the piece.

Thanks again to the Koza web site for the first three techniques. Check out their site for several other interesting mechanical solutions.

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Computer controlled marble sorting machine

Take a look at this video of a wood and brass marble sorting machine. The machine is monitored and controlled by a computer. As the marbles start down the track, their color is detected and certain gates are opened by servos to sort them. From there, they pass through a series of steps until they are finally placed as sets into waiting holders. I wonder what type of sensor is used to determine the color of the marble.

I love the grooved wood Archimedes screw marble lift!

[ Thanks Christoph! ]

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The kinetic art of Tom Haney to be in short film

Atlanta based artist and musician Brock Scott has long been interested in artists who create unique kinetic pieces. He was thrilled to discover that he lived in the same city as one of America's best automaton-artists: Tom Haney.

Scott approached Tom Haney with a collaboration idea. He describes the project as "part puppet show, part kinetic sculpture, part musical performance and immortalized on film". The film will follow the travels of an explorer who who happens upon a magical fair in the middle of a desert. Now that should be good!

Brock Scott explains the ambitious nature of the film:

The video will last the duration of one song (approx. 2:30) that my band, Little Tybee, will compose and record. The entire sequence will be shot in a single take, with no cuts, panning from left to right (Similar to the platform view of the Super Mario Brothers game). The set itself would be approximately 45 feet long. The camera will be mounted on a robotic motorized dolly fixed to a rail that allows filming the entire length of the set smoothly. Tom and I are extremely motivated and itching to bring our vision to life.

Though they are pleased to have reached their goal on Kickstarter, you can still contribute. I'm sure the resources would be put to good use, helping to ensure that a great idea is brought to full fruition. Here is an image showing a fortune teller character and some of options for his hat. They all create a different effect!

Here is where you can learn more about the film to feature the kinetic art of Tom Haney, titled Boxcar Fair. You can follow Tom Haney's progress on his contribution to the film on his blog.

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MechaniCards soon to be available at a discount

Did you see Bradley Litwin's MechaniCards this time last year? If not, check out the video above. MechaniCards are hand-made kinetic sculptures that you can send in the mail.

The entire collection is going on sale on www.Fab.com, this Friday, September 23rd for up to 30% off. I don't know much about Fab.com, but you will need to request a free membership to take advantage of this deal.

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Clockwork Universe: German Clocks and Automata

The book entitled Clockwork Universe: German Clocks and Automata, 1550-1650, is a comprehensive history of the golden age of German clock-making. The book explores the complex mechanisms, the exquisite artistry, and the changing world-view that contributed to their creation.

The guiding thesis of the book is a familiar but compelling one:

The mechanical clock, at least in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with its rational design and regular running, demonstrated an orderliness lacking in almost every aspect of life at that time. The clock came to offer an explanation for the mysterious workings of the cosmos: living creatures were in fact automata, and the universe itself was an enormous clockwork.

The book features beautiful black & white and color photographs, 200 illustrations and technical drawings. These visuals supplement the detailed descriptions of clocks, automata and mechanical celestial globes from this period. There is even a short section on the famous monk automaton. This is a wonderful reference book covering some astounding mechanical creations.

Here is where you can get a copy of Clockwork Universe: German Clocks and Automata, 1550-1650.

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Video of Lou Nasti, master of mechanical displays

This video features Lou Nasti. Based in Brooklyn, New York, he is the creator of mechanized animated figures and scenes for holiday window displays. He lists some of his clients in the video. Very impressive!

Learn more about Lou Nasti's Mechanical Displays on his web site.

Via Cool Hunting

[ Thanks Karl! ]

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Teddy Bear automaton by Kazu Harada

Another clever and funny automaton by Kazu Harada!

Here is where you can learn a bit more about automaton-maker Kazu Harada.

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Cobbler shop automaton for window display

Here is a great antique window-shop display featuring cobblers busy at work. The maker is not listed in the eBay description, but we know that Schoenhut made moving-picture type automata and some of them specifically depicted shoe-maker's shops. One of these can be seen in Mary Hillier's book Automata and Mechanical Toys.

This one measures 19 inches wide by 13 inches high and it appears to work quite well. Here is a video of the automaton in action:

Here is a link to the eBay listing with many very detailed photographs (including the mechanism) of this cobbler shop automaton.

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Mechanical figure strikes a bell with both hands

Another mechanical delight from the mind of Osamu Kanda. This mechanical figure strikes the small bell with either hand when a string is pulled. I'm not sure if this is the final piece or a stage of something in progress. Either way, it's a very clever use of a single string to cause the figure to turn at the waist and extend both arm and elbow. That's a lot of motion for the pull of a single string!

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Fishermans Tale automaton by Keith Newstead

This automaton was commissioned by a fisherman living and a interesting sliding planetary drive with constant tension mechanism. As with all of his work, it has that Keith Newstead charm.

See more automata by Keith Newstead on his web site.

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Make a generic wooden head from basic shapes

The latest installment of my column on automata-making is now posted on the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre web site! In this article, I show you how to make a generic male head with a few pre-cut wood shapes and some basic tools. This head can be modified to create many different characters. Shown above is the prototype head. By drawing on it with pencil, you can "audition" various characters for your projects.

Here is a link to Dug’s Automata Tips, Techniques and Tricks No.5 about How to make a Prototype Wooden Head from Basic Shapes.

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Neil Hardy and Peter Lennertz automata show

The good folks of The First Gallery located in Bitterne, Southampton, UK wrote to share news of their current exhibit which features two outstanding automata artists. Titled Turn a surPrise, the show features the witty contemporary automata of Neil Hardy and Peter Lennertz! The show started September 3rd, 2011 and continues to September 17th, 2011.

Shown here is a Peter Lennertz automaton titled Circus. The heads of the people in the crowd move, following the trapeze artists as they perform stunts.

Here is a link for images and more information on Turn a surPrise automata show on the First Gallery's web site.

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Dreamtime - moving figure makes patterns in sand

Artist Tom Haney is continuing to explore the idea of a figure interacting with sand. In this new piece, Dreamtime, a figure gracefully combs sand as she sits on a small spinning platform.

From Tom Haney:

She has a peaceful, contemplative aura to her face and posture, and exists in a most tranquil setting. An antique glass case holds the piece and its motor is hidden inconspicuously in a compartment underneath the sand. Two lights, which help bring out the texture of the sand, illuminate the scene. I'm very pleased with the way this piece came out, and with the calming effect it has on its viewers.

I had the pleasure of seeing this piece first hand recently in the Boston area and was captivated by the figure, motion and pattern in the sand. The sculpture measures 13" x 19" x 13" and is currently available at Obsolete.

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Ghost of a Bird automaton creation by Keith Newstead

Great footage of an a Keith Newstead automaton going together!

The Corpus Clock with grasshopper escapement

I posted about the incredible Corpus Clock back in 2008, but at the time I wasn't able to find a video to embed for you here. As you can now see, that has changed!

The Corpus Clock, created Dr. John Taylor, was commissioned to honor the John Harrison, the clock maker who built the first truly reliable sea clock, thus solving the problem of determining longitude at sea. For more on this fascinating story check out Dava Sobel's book, Longitude. Harrison was also the inventor of a clock mechanism known as a grasshopper escapement, which is used (quite literally) in the Corpus Clock.

For more information about the Corpus Clock check out http://www.corpusclock.co.uk.

[ Thanks Thomas! ]

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The Fruit of Our Labors by Steve Armstrong

The Fruit of Our Labors is a handmade wooden clockwork automaton by Steve Armstrong of Lexington, Kentucky.

This work shows his typically wonderful treatment of the human figures. In addition, the piece makes great use of an escapement mechanism -- an escape wheel, escape lever, crutch, and pendulum -- more commonly found in clocks. The escapement releases the energy contained in a weight in a slow, measured way, allowing the piece to perform for over 2 minutes.

See other works by Steve Armstrong from September 18th to October 28th (2011) at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art located at 511 North Water Street Tuscumbia, Alabama.

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Mechanical Woman Walking by Mark Galt

Check out the beautiful construction and wonderful motion of this walking figure by Mark Galt.

A short bio from the Maker Faire web site:

Mark Galt is a kinetic sculptor who makes mechanical and musical automata in brass, copper, stainless steel, and wood. Forever amused and fascinated by the human figure in motion, most of his work consists of clockwork depictions or exaggerations of the human body or body parts in the acts of dancing, walking, singing, speaking, and otherwise moving about.

See more kinetic art by Mark Galt on his flikr stream.

[ Thanks Aaron! ]

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Build your own remote control machines kit

Thames & Kosmos, the folks that make those nifty physics sets we were so excited about a while back, also make the mechanical toy shown here: a remote control machines construction set.

The contains everything you need to build 10 different remote control devices and machines including a crane, race car, bulldozer, robotic arm, plow and an antique-style car.

Included in set are three motors, 182 snap-together pieces, an easy-to-operate infrared remote, and a 48 page instruction book illustrating how to make each of the different models. You can, of course, also invent your own contraptions with the set. The possibilities are intriguing and numerous. You have to love toys that can be made into lots of other toys.

Check out a larger image, and some good reviews for Thames & Kosmos Remote Control Machines Set.

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Rules of Thumb for Mechanical Engineers

Love the idea behind this book. It gets some great reviews too.

From the book description:

Save time with this collection of straightforward, common-sense techniques that provide quick, accurate solutions to your engineering problems.

Rules of Thumb for Mechanical Engineers assembles hundreds of shortcuts, calculations, practical "how-to" methods, and concise background reviews into one convenient volume.

Whether you're concerned with design, selection, or performance, you'll find fast, accurate answers here - all without wading through pages of theory.

Experts from all engineering disciplines have packed this book's sixteen chapters with design criteria and practical tips. You'll find easy-to-read descriptions on fluids, heat transfer, thermodynamics, seals, pumps, and compressors, drivers, gears, and bearings, as well as piping and pressure vessels. Also covers tribology, vibrations, materials, stress and fatigue, instrumentation, and engineering economics.

Here's where you can check out the details of Rules of Thumb for Mechanical Engineers.

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New edition of Basic Machines and How They Work

Basic Machines and How They Work

It is about time I shared a review of the book Basic Machines and How They Work. This is a new edition published in 2011.

Another oldie...or is it?

This little gem was produced by the Navy in 1965. The line art and vintage black and white photographs make it seem like something written in the 1940s or 50s. The graphics lack a little in style. Let's just call it "retro", because they are still clear and helpful.

The Contents

The book covers the following topics:

• Levers
• Block and tackle
• The wheel and axle
• The inclined plane and wedge
• The screw
• Gears
• Work
• Power
• Force and pressure
• Hydrostatic and hydraulic machines
• Machine elements and basic mechanisms
• Complex machines
• Internal combustion engine
• Power trains
• Basic computer mechanisms

Basic Machines, Yes.

This book is an excellent introduction to basic machines. The Big Five -- levers, block and tackle, the wheel and axle, the incline plane, and the screw -- each gets its own chapter. The chapters include the mathematical formula associated with each machine and work out at least one example problem for each one.

Gears are the subject of chapter 6. The chapter is short, but a good overall introduction to gears types, speed ratios, and mechanical advantage.

Some Simple Physics

The book proceeds into three chapters of basic physics, covering work, power, force, and pressure. These chapters are good...and short. I doubt any automata maker will ever need to work out the math behind a mechanism, but it doesn't hurt to understand such concepts.

Later Chapters: machines

The later chapters deal with topics such as hydraulics and the internal combustion engine. If you want an introduction to these topics, this book does it well.

The Bottom Line: I liked it!

For someone who is curious about the principles behind basic machines, but knows very little, this book is essential. It's very direct, clear, and it covers a great deal in very few pages. A great place to begin your mechanical engineering reading. I learned a lot from it.

There is no doubt that this book -- like one of my other favorites 507 Mechanical Movements -- is a great value for the price.

Here's a link to Amazon's page for Basic Machines and How They Work.

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Free plans to make a slope walking exotic bird

Our good friend Roberto Lou Ma has done it again! He's the one who brought us the free plans for making various ramp walking wooden toys including the robot and the rhino.

The video shows his latest incline-traveling creation -- and colorful bird that scoots down the ramp in little bursts. Would you like to make a ramp-walking bird like the one shown here? Well you can thanks to his talent and generosity!

Here are free plans to make the ramp walking bird in PDF format.

A big thank you to Roberto Lou Ma for continuing to create these ramp-walkers and sharing the plans with The Automata / Automaton Blog!

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Very rare speaking Gypsy fortune teller machine

Charles Bovey spent years purchasing the buildings that made up the ghost towns of Virginia City and Nevada City, Montana. He then packed the buildings full of his massive collection of antique games, music machines, and coin-operated amusements.

Curators from the Montana Heritage Commission are still discovering exactly what is in the 250 or so buildings they acquired in 1998. Among the finds was this 100-year-old fortune teller machine.

Made sometime around 1906 by the Mills Novelty Company, this oracle does not deliver your fortune by simply dispensing a card with some pre-printed text on it. Rather, the Gypsy would actually speak your fortune, or to be more exact, a hidden record player would. For the price of a nickle, her eyes would flash, her mouth would move, and you would hear your fortune in a human voice. It must have been quite thrilling in 1906.

Yet, you can buy a modern talking Zoltar fortune telling machine of your own any day of the week, so this find is really no big deal right? Wrong. This is one of two or three verbal fortune tellers of this type left in the world. It might be the only one left. It may also be worth as much as $10 million dollars!

Here's an article with a photo gallery of this extremely rare 100-year-old fortune teller machine.

[ Thanks Lu! ]

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