Turn any bike into a audible horse simulator

Trotify is a a wooden device that sits on the front wheel of your bike and makes it clop like a horse. This is the kind of simple mechanical whimsy that we need more of in the world.

Here is where you can learn more or order your own Trotify kit.

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Wood automaton kits by Keith Newstead and Walter Ruffler

The good folks over at Mechanical Kits let me know that they have a beautiful new web site and some great new offerings. Among the many mechanical kits to choose from is a line from Model Shops which features designs by the well-know automaton-artists Keith Newstead and Walter Ruffler. Some of these look like paper automaton designs that have been given a major upgrade to wood. These kits do not require tools or glue. Best of all, they come with links to incredibly clear video instructions. I don't think they could make it any easier to build your own autoamta!

Here is where you can get Model Shops automata kits by Keith Newstead and Walter Ruffler.

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Video of AutomataCon 2016 at the Morris Museum

Here are a few clips to give you a sense for the magical experience that was AutomataCon 2016 held at the Morris Museum in Morristown, New Jersey. The event was the first of its kind in recent memory and exceeded all expectations. Attendees included new makers, experienced artists, historians, authors, restorers, collectors, magicians, special effects experts, horologists, and educators. Simply put, it was an incredible event!

Visit www.automatacon.org to learn more about this amazing event.

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”The Widow’s Jar” automaton by Thomas Kuntz

Check out the latest automaton by Thomas Kuntz! A dark humor is featured in this automaton, which is titled The Widow's Jar. This hand-made edition of six is influenced by Gothic Horror and Film Noir. Exceptional work!

See more automata by Thomas Kuntz on his web site.

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The Dandy's Suitcase - machine that automatically makes a gin & tonic for you

Here's the latest mechanical creation from Benjamin Cowden. Titled The Dandy's Suitcase, the machine will mix you the perfect gin & tonic after a little bit of setup.

From the YouTube description:

This cocktail machine was a commission project to produce a device that travels in a suitcase and pours a Gin & Tonic. It features a single crank that drives a worm gear. On the axle with the worm gear are two yoked cranks that activate the gin bottle, then the tonic bottle. The yokes have dwells that allow the bottle to return to their start positions and stay until the next round. Finally, a Scotch Yoke on the axle pulls a lever that pushes a garnish of sliced cucumber into the waiting cup. All elements of this machine that contact the ingredients are food grade stainless and silicone.

See more mechanical creations by Benjamin Cowden on his web site.

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Sky Duet Kinetic Sculpture by David C. Roy

Here is the latest wooden kinetic sculpture form David C. Roy. This one is titled Sky Duet.

You can see more images and read about the artist's process of creation on his web site.

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