Wings in Steel and Glass - mechanical sculpture by Shasa Bolton

Check out the latest piece by Shasa Bolton!

See more sculpture by Shasa Bolton on this web site.

---

Automaton bird plays hide-and-seek with a caterpillar

I can't say much about who made this piece other than the maker is Tetsu Yamakami . Most of the text in the video appears to be Japanese. The piece itself is wonderful. From the carving, to selection of wood types, and distinctive pegged wood frame, it's all nicely done. I particularly like the use of sound -- a bird call -- to bring the piece to life.

See additional mechanical wooden creations by Tetsu Yamakami at this web site.

Thanks to philsing for help with the artist's name!

---

Wooden kinetic sculpture that simulates the motion of a hummingbird in flight

Derek Hugger recent wrote to let us know about his latest creation.

Derek Hugger writes:

Thought I'd share my latest and greatest with you. Colibri is a wooden kinetic sculpture that simulates the motion of a hummingbird in flight. Every element of motion has been completely mechanized, from the beating wings to the flaring tail. Intricate systems of linkages and cams bring the sculpture to life with a continuous flow of meticulously timed articulations. As each mechanism has been linked to the next, Colibri cycles through its complete range of motions by the simple turn of a crank. This project took me roughly 700 hours and contains about 400 parts.

Amazing work. Just amazing.

Woodworking plans for this project are available are here: www.derekhugger.com/colibri.html

---

Beautiful bird automaton kit with flapping wings

Shasa Bolton wrote from Tasmania, Australia to share the news of a new flapping wing automaton kit.

This beautifully designed kit mounts on a wall or table. Once separated from the sheets, follow the instructions and slot the parts together. No glue is required! This looks like a great project or gift that one can assemble in under 2 hours.

Here is where you can get the wall-mounted flapping wing automaton kit.

---

Moving Paper Robin kit by Bliss Kolb

We featured artist Bliss Kolb many times here on The Automaton Blog. He's made some stunning bird-themed automata. He's now offering some lovely paper automaton kits such as the robin shown here. Once cut out and assembled, you lift up on the lever. This causes the robin to bend down and grab a worm. Halfway up, the robin loses the worm and it slides back underground.

The kit includes three pattern sheets with instructions. You will need to supply 4 Thumb Tacks , a hot glue gun or Elmer's Glue, a sewing needles or straight pin, Scotch tape, a nickel.

Here is where you can get the Moving Paper Robin Kit.

---

Chicken Head - a simple and realistic automaton by Bliss Kolb

Here's the latest bird-themed automaton form artist Bliss Kolb. Though the motion is simple, it captures the essence of the chicken perfectly!

Here is where you can see more art by Bliss Kolb.

---

Beautiful old style automata by Gale and Andrew Bantock

Check out this automaton by Gale and Andrew Bantock. Gale is a 12th-scale miniaturist and model-maker. Gale's figures are all hand-sculpted one-of-a-kind models, normally clothed using a mixture of decorated paper, leather, and material. Her work has been featured in books and magazines around the world with a numerous cover features.

This piece features a classical scene of musicians playing a duet on piano and cello (or at least I think it is, perhaps its a viola). A number of other things in the scene are animated including a parrot in its cage and a cat hiding in a basket. The level of detail is really impressive.

Here is were you can see more miniatures by Gale Bantock.

[ Thanks Christoph! ]

---

The Unwelcome Dinner Guest automaton by Dug North has a new price for the holidays!

I've changed the price for The Unwelcome Dinner Guest for the upcoming holiday season. I've also decided to include one of the original pencil sketches I created when designing the piece. Here is a gift you cannot get anywhere else!

The automaton depicts a backyard scene with a picket fence, doghouse, and birdhouse mounted to a pole. Apparently the dog has recently been fed because his bowl is overfull with food. Sadly for the dog, his leash has become wrapped around the birdhouse pole and he cannot reach his food bowl. This situation provides the perfect opportunity for the local bird to enjoy a big meal, free of charge. All the poor dog can do is wag its tail, jump, and bark at the bird.

An article I wrote on how to make the piece was featured in a magazine called 'Gizmos & Gadgets' (shown at right).

Here is the page on my site the shows the video, images, and purchasing details for The Unwelcome Dinner Guest by Dug North.

---

Incredible mechanical bird wing with individual feathers folds and flaps

Check out this amazing bird wing design by that talented Bliss Kolb. Kolb has a real knack for creating beautiful and lifelike bird automata as you can see here and here and here. His aptitude is demonstrated once again in this masterful recreation of a bird wing which can both fold and unfold as wall as flap.

The wing is a work in progress, the final result to be a crank-operated automaton duck.

From the artist's web site:

The feathers are made from Kozo rice paper. I had to add an additional primary feather to the first section to fill out the spacing.

It was a challenge to get the feathers to open & close smoothly without binding or hitting each other. Each one had to be cut to avoid obstacles yet remain large enough to operate smoothly and look right.

Turns out the wider the feathers are, the easier they work.

See more automata by Bliss Kolb at blisskolbautomata.com

---

One woodworker's version of my 'Unwelcome Dinner Guest' automaton made from plans

Theresa Grammer came upon the plans I created for a wood automaton, called The Unwelcome Dinner Guest. This automaton was created to be a wooden mechanical project that was featured in Gizmos & Gadgets, a special edition magazine from the publishers of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts. The article shows the process of making this automaton from start to finish.

From Theresa's email:

I wanted something a bit more complicated and was thrilled to find your blog jam packed with information and a link to plans for your "Unwelcome Dinner Guest"! The plans are very detailed and I was able to build the automata without difficulty. This was fun!

Her version can be seen in the YouTube video above. She also has a short article about the project on the Lumberjocks website. I like the way she used different types of woods and really made her dog unique. Her success has inspired her to work on creating an automaton design of her own.

The original automaton I created for the magazine article is for sale! Here is a page with details about The Unwelcome Dinner Guest automaton by Dug North. Please contact me or use the Paypal button on the page to order the piece online and pay with the credit card of your choice. This is the original signed piece. It comes with a copy of the magazine in which it was featured, also signed by Dug North.

Here is where you can purchase The Unwelcome Dinner Guest automaton by Dug North.

---

Buy an automaton, save hundreds of antique machines from an ill fate

As some of you may know, I like tools. I love learning about them, what they can do, and increasing the number of things I am able to make for myself. I've been dreaming of buying some miniature machine tools for years. I've held off on the purchase because I didn't know if I could justify the expense. Perhaps that money would be better spent elsewhere or simply put in the bank for a rainy day. Still, my desire for these tools -- a Sherline lathe and mill to be specific -- continues to burn inside of me.

In an effort to commune with the great automaton makers of old -- many of whom were watch or clock makers -- I started to learn about clocks and clock repair last year. It's a fascinating subject that has captivated my attention recently. It is gratifying to be part of a venerable craft and tradition, and to bring old machines back to life. I've been fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of several people who have provided me with expert advice on the topic. I've also found an outstanding mentor who is teaching me the details of clock repair and restoration. I took four courses on clock repair and miniature machine tools in the last year -- one of which was on wheel and pinion cutting at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors School of Horology.

Over the last year, I've come to realize there is good reason to own the Sherline tools that I've long desired. You see, when a gear (called a "wheel") in an old clock or automaton is badly damaged, it's not always possible to repair it. To make matters worse, these wheels don't always conform to a standard, so you can't simply buy one from a clock supply company. You can hunt for junk clock of the same model, but there is no guarantee it will ever come your way. What does all this mean? If someone doesn't take the time to machine a new wheel, then that clock will never run again. If a clock will not run, it is thrown out, used for parts, or robbed of its remaining parts for uses that don't always sit well with me. If a new gear were to be cut, the clock would, in all likelihood, run for another 100 years or more.

At the moment, I have one automaton for sale. I realized today that, by complete coincidence, the price I set for the piece matches the cost of the tools I need to cut my own clock wheels and pinions. I'm not particularly superstitious, but I'm going to take that as a sign. I envision the following sequence of events:

Step 1 - Sell this automaton that I designed and made

Step 2 - Purchase Sherline machine tools

Step 3 - Cut custom clock parts like this one I made in a class

Step 4 - Save hundreds of antique clocks from an ill fate

So what tools am I talking about? Here they are:

1. Sherline 4400B Lathe Package
2. Sherline 5400A Deluxe Mill Package
3. Sherline CNC Rotary Table

These are the exact same tools as those used in the course I took on wheel and pinion cutting, taught by master machinist, Jerry Kieffer. I expect to be fixing clocks for a very long time. I think it is fair to say that these tools will save hundreds of antiques from being destroyed. They are, of course, capable of producing more than just clock gears. In fact, with these two tools, almost any small part can be fabricated! That's a prospect which I find truly exciting.

I would prefer that antique clocks continue to serve their intended function. In fact, I feel an obligation to make sure that happens. If you agree and/or are in the market for an automaton that I have made, please consider purchasing The Unwelcome Dinner Guest automaton or drop me a line using the contact form.

---

The Unwelcome Dinner Guest automaton by Dug North is available!

It's not often I get to say that I have something that is available for sale!

I've done a few posts about this The Unwelcome Dinner Guest automaton that I made for the article I wrote for Gizmos & Gadgets magazine. Those posts are scattered about, so I decided to add a new page to the automata section of my web site. The new page features the movie you see here, some additional information about the piece, as well as some photos and early sketches I drew while designing the automaton.

As I mentioned, this piece is for sale. Details may be found on the new page.

Here is the new page on DugNorth.com for The Unwelcome Dinner Guest automaton.

---

Magnificent silver swan automaton by John-Joseph Merlin

The Wall Street Journal featured a nice article on the silver swan automaton housed at the Bowes Museum. The swan was created by John-Joseph Merlin (1735 – 1803), a Belgian inventor and horologist. The automaton is indeed a marvel of mechanical design.

From the Wall Street Journal article:

The most complex machinery is in the neck. The movement is driven by four springs, each about one millimeter thick. There are five levers: one operates the lower bill to preen the feathers and "eat" the fish; the second operates the fish (which is concealed in the neck) that the bird appears to catch; the third allows the swan's head to nod; the fourth arches the neck; and the fifth is linked to the middle and allows its graceful movement.

Once a day, the automaton is set in motion. The bird looks left and right, then turns its neck around as if to preen the silver feathers on its back. Spinning glass rods in front of the majestic bird give the impression of a flowing stream in which several small fish seem to swim. The bird spots the fish and plunges down, beak agape, to catch one. Upon rising, a wriggling silver fish is seen within the bird's beak. After a few moments, the bird swallows the metallic fish and the show ends.

Here is the article in the Wall Street Journal about the silver swan automaton: Magic Wrought by a Merlin.

[ Thanks Bob! ]

---

Black Forest flute clock circa 1770 features blackbird automaton

Justin Miller of Blackforestclocks.org sent this video along. This musical clock was made in the Black Forest region around 1770. The piece features a blackbird automaton. The movement plays 5 different birdsong-themed songs at the top of the hour, while the blackbird figure moves from left to right and opens and closes its beak as if singing the tune.

For more information on this type of clock, you will want to check out Miller's outstanding book Rare and Unusual Black Forest Clocks. Among the most comprehensive volumes ever produced on the subject, this large format book features over 700 images showcasing the finest examples of clocks made in the Black Forest region.

---

Mechanical bird automaton by Keith Newstead based on a painting by Ralph Steadman

The wild automaton shown in the video above is the product of a collaboration between British cartoonist Ralph Steadman and automaton maker Kieth Newstead, who has been featured countless times on this blog. The piece is based off of one of Steadman's many paintings of exotic, fanciful, and/or extinct birds (or 'boids' as he calls them). In fact, he has recently released a book titled Extinct Birds Boids.

From the description of book Extinct Boids:

Ralph documents them all in this series of remarkable paintings, featuring unique interpretations of well-known birds such as the Great Auk, Passenger Pigeon and Dodo, along with less familiar members of the feathersome firmament - Snail-eating Coua, for example, or the Red-moustached Fruit Dove - and a variety of bizarre beasts including the Gob Swallow, the Long-legged Shortwing and the Needless Smut. All are captured in a riot of expression and colour, with a slice of trademark Steadman humour. Based on emails, diary entries and phone conversations, Ceri's accompanying text provides a running commentary, detailing the unfolding madness behind the creation of each piece in Ralph's extraordinary work.

Here is where you can see more work by Keith Newstead. And here is were you can the amazing assortment of works by works by Ralph Steadman.

---

The Unwelcome Dinner Guest - automaton by Dug North featuring a scene with a dog and bird

A while back I told you about the excellent mechanical wooden projects included in Gizmos & Gadgets special edition magazine. Here is some video of my contribution to the the magazine, a piece called The Unwelcome Dinner Guest.

The automaton depicts a backyard scene with a picket fence, doghouse, and birdhouse mounted to a pole. Apparently the dog has recently been fed because his bowl is overfull with food. Sadly for the dog, his leash has become wrapped around the birdhouse pole and he cannot reach his food bowl. This situation provides the perfect opportunity for the local bird to enjoy a big meal, free of charge. All the poor dog can do is wag its tail, jump, and bark at the bird.

The article in Gizmos & Gadgets shows you how to make a wood automaton from start to finish. I designed the automaton using simple wood shapes, and thin boards obtained from a local home improvement center, and assorted hardware. Using the wooden shapes means you don't have to have carving tools or skills. Using the boards from the home improvement center means you should be able to find them easily. While challenging for the beginner, the project should be fun and gratifying. People seem to really love the scene.

The original version of The Unwelcome Dinner Guest automaton that appears in the magazine is currently available. The signed piece will also include a copy of the magazine, also signed. Please use this contact form to get in touch with Dug North if you are interested in acquiring the piece or one like it.

---

The Amazing Journey - a bicycle automaton with parallax effect

Automatist Keith Newstead has made many pieces featuring bicycles, but this one has got to be one of the most intricate and grand that we've ever see here at The Automata Blog. The automaton was a commissioned piece and is titled The Amazing Journey

Th Amazing Journey

Newstead explains the origin of the piece:

John Lau has asked me to make a different version of my automaton 'Brians Brilliant Bike'. He would like me to feature his wife, Vivien, surrounded by all of their pets. He wants the automaton to remember his wedding -- such a nice thing to do.

The depiction of the human characters, John And Vivien, is lovely.

The bold colors and menagerie of the animated creatures adds tremendous amount life to the piece. This is a video you can watch more than once. Did you notice the acrobatic mouse on the front wheel of the bike? The rabbit's swagger as it conjures? The gentle swaying of the snake?

Mechanically, there is a lot to take in: pulleys, belts, linkages, joints, rotating objects as well as the metal combined with wood. Most fascinating for me, is the extremely clever rotating background. By rotating several discs behind the scene at different speeds, Newstead has simulated a parallax effect with wood and paint!

As usual, the artist has some great in-the-making photographs of the automaton on his blog. Check them out.

---

Bird Song with a Found Feather by Martin Smith with Laikingland

How would you like to wake up in the morning at just the right time to the sound of a beautiful birdsong? That was the idea behind Bird Song with a Found Feather by artist Martin Smith -- to create a mechanically-operated slide whistle that can be set and activated to go off at a specific time.

The piece as described by Martin Smith:

I wanted a piece that could be set, as with an alarm clock, and would allow you start the day gently. I am interested in producing mechanical bird sounds and seeing the cause and effect through a mechanism. For me the making is very important and I wanted to craft every part of the machine, to understand how the bellows are constructed and operate and to get the bird whistle sounding just right.

The piece is made of steel, brass, fabric, custom electrics a feather, and is powered by a 12v motor. It is a beautifully crafted machine with big brass cams. The feather (shown at right) is attached to a long wire coming from the top of the bellows.

Laikingland will be exhibiting this and other new pieces by Maarten Baas and Martin Smith at Mint as part of the London Design Festival 2012.

What:
Mint presents A Spatial Surprise

When:
September 14th to September 30th, 2012

Where:
Mint
2 North Terrace
Alexander Square
London SW3 2BA

For information on price and availability you may contact the Laikingland team at enquiries@laikingland.co.uk

[ Thanks Mike! ]

---

Improved video footage of the inside of a mechanical bird coin bank

I posted the other day about this mechanical tin bank that comes to us by way of mechanical master, Falk Keuten of the Spiel und Kunst mit Mechanik blog. He decide to reshoot the video to show the mechanism better. It worked. Thanks Falk!

If you prefer your mechanical birds to give rather than take, you might like the toothpick dispensing bird I referenced in that post. I use toothpicks in the workshop a lot. It just occurred to me that this would be a much easier and fun way to store and dispense them.

If you like this kind of thing in general, here's a list of posts on mechanical banks that I've done over the years. It could keep you busy for a few minutes.

---