Zoltar Speaks replica fortune teller - How it was made

Roger Hess wrote to say that he has created a long "how it's made" article detailing the build process of the Zoltar Speaks fortune teller we featured on this blog back in 2010. The video shown above is a new compilation of video clips which shows the mechanism in operation.

This article is a fascinating in-depth look at the process. If you have any interest in old coin-operated machines (or are perhaps thinking of making one) this article is full of useful stuff.  It has a little bit of everything: cam timers, casting eyeballs, paint techniques, jewelry-making, and advanced woodworking methods. And, that's just a taste!  The article serves also to demonstrate the amount of skill and dedication required for a project of this magnitude. My hat is off to Roger Hess. Incredible.

Here's a link to the full-length article on The Making of the Zoltar Speaks Fortune Teller Replica.

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Ingenius and elegant attempt at creating a perpetual motion machine

The sound of the ball on the track immediately satisfied me that there is friction in this system and thus cannot run indefinitely. Still, it appears to be remarkably efficient and the ingenuity is undeniable. The combination of a metal ball, magnets, a gimbaled rack and multiple pendulums is not something I've ever seen before.

This remarkable piece was made by artist Reidar Finsrud.

[ Thanks Christoph! ]

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When LEGOs are used to create a factory assembly line

Incredible. Simply incredible. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. There are a lot of fantastic mechanical ideas in this assembly.

[ Thanks Dave! ]

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