Clock that physically writes the time created by a Japanese art student

This amazing creation was all over the internet a few weeks ago. I neglected to post about it. I feel that I should do so in case you missed it and because it is possibly the most incredible mechanical device that I have seen anyone make in recent history.

The project, called Plock, was created by art student Suzuki Kango as his senior thesis project. It contains more than 400 wooden parts that control four arms which write out the time on a magnetic drawing pad every minute. The board pushes forward when the time is written, then drops back again. This is a clever way to control the Z-axis. The arms need only be capable of moving in the X and Y axes.

The four large weights suggest that it is weight-driven. There appears to be a balance wheel in the bottom portion, so perhaps that is how it actually tells time. It doesn't seem to be moving at all times however, so this is not clear to me.

The whole thing is made of wood, too! Just astonishing.

There are more images of the writing clock on this web site (text in Japanese).

[ Thanks to Charles and all who suggested I post about this! ]

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AutomataCon - Event for automata artists and enthusiasts a huge success

The first automaton-themed convention, AutomataCon, took place last weekend in Morristown, New Jersey. The event brought together hundreds of artists, collectors, historians, educators, and enthusiasts of automata and other forms of kinetic art. I haven't been to many conventions, but I can say that this one was truly great.

The two day event was held at the lovely the Morris Museum in Morristown, New Jersey. If you haven't visited the museum you might wonder why the convention was held there. The reason is straightforward and compelling: it is home to the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata -- one of the largest and important collections of its kind. Attendees could view the collection throughout the course of the event.

The stated goal of the convention was to gather people from around the world to share ideas, build relationships, and grow interest in automata new and old. In my personal experience, that is precisely what happened. There was a lot of energy all around as people met one another and shared projects, knowledge, and ideas.

The convention programming was outstanding, with two parallel tracks which ensured that there was something for people with different interests and experience levels. I was pleased to be part of two panel discussions. The first was a question and answer session with modern artists who included Tom Haney, Thomas Kuntz, Steve Armstrong, and Cecilia Schiller. The second panel was on the use of horological tools and techniques for making automata. This panel included Brittany Nicole Cox, Thomas Kuntz, and David Lindow. I am honored to have sat beside each and every one of these panelists. Other presentations at the conference included a rare film and talks on restoration, history, magic, and the making of automata.

The event included some very big names from many fields and universal enthusiasm. It was a unique, educational, and inspiring event. I would do it all over again in a hearbeat. Hats off to event founder Brett King for his good work. Thanks to Jere Ryder and the Morris Museum for being key partners is this extraordinary event. Thanks also to the panelists who made the event so fun and informative. Finally, thank you to everyone who attended. You made the event great.

If you want to share an experience from AutomataCon, I encourage you to leave a comment below.

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Cabaret Mechanical Movement - The classic text on automaton-making in Kindle edition!

One of the all-time best books on the art and science of making contemporary automata, Cabaret Mechanical Movemen, is now available in a Kindle edition. This is great news, because the original paperback edition can be somewhat hard to get and used copies of the softcover book are quite expensive. Published by Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, a museum that pops-up all over the world to delight its visitors with some of the finest examples of the automata makers art, is largely responsible for the existence of the genre. As such, they are a name to be trusted.

From the book description:

Making automata is hard. Making other sorts of three dimensional objects can also be hard, but the extra dimension of movement seems to add a disproportionate amount of difficulty. For most people, especially those untrained in engineering skills, getting to the point where making mechanical devices is easy, can be a long and frustrating task. Then again, there are many people who have a sound understanding of engineering but can’t even draw a horse.

These things can be learnt. This book does not teach you how to draw a horse, but it does remove the mystery that surrounds the world of mechanisms and the business of making things move. Cabaret Mechanical Movement contains a lot of theory but it’s also packed with practical tips and ideas for making your own automata, moving toys or mechanical sculpture.

Chapter titles include:

• Who, What, Why?
• Some Principles
• Levers
• Shafts
• Cranks
• Cams
• Springs
• Linkages
• Ratchets
• Drives & Gearing
• Control
• The Checklist
• Bibliography
• Index

You won't find step-by-step plans to make an automaton, but you will learn a lot about the basic mechanisms that make most contemporary automata tick. You will also get valuable constructions tips for making moving toys and automata. The book includes over 200 black-and-white illustrations. I would say that alone, it may not be enough to get you started making autoamta, unless you have some previous woodworking experience. That said, it is an indispensable book on the subject and should be among the first those new to the field acquire.

Here is where you can get the Kindle edition of Cabaret Mechanical Movement: Understanding Movement and Making Automata

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9th graders create giant mechanical representation of the rise and fall of civilizations

Titled Apocalypto, this huge kinetic sculpture was created by 9th graders for a class exercise to explore the rise and fall of human civilizations.

From the project description:

Students created physical manifestations of their social theories using mechanical apparatus. They were given a blank template space to work within and specifications for their mechanism to mate with the larger class gear. Groups deconstructed their theories into logical steps and proposed a way to mechanically represent each aspect of their theory.

It's a remarkable approach to the study of history with a fantastic resulting project. Congratulations to the entire class, and educator Scott Swaaley! Here's where you can learn more about Apocalypto.

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Book on the 'Theory of Machines and Mechanisms' for the serious student

Time to take your engineering knowledge up a notch? Check out this book I discovered on Amazon the other day. For the non-professional engineer it may be a little weighty, but boy...it's all there! (This fourth edition is aimed at senior undergraduate or graduate students in mechanical engineering.)

Theory of Machines and Mechanisms covers the study of displacements, velocities, accelerations, and static and dynamic forces required for the proper design of mechanical linkages, cams, and geared systems. The authors present the background, notation, and nomenclature essential for students to understand the various independent technical approaches that exist in the field of mechanisms, kinematics, and dynamics.

The book includes a CD with working model animations of many figures from the text to help students visualize and comprehend their movement. A companion website for instructors provides additional information and resources, including PowerPoint-based slides of figures from the text.

Here is where you can get Theory of Machines and Mechanisms

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Downloadable plans for action toys at PlayfulPlans.com

Woodworker and author Kevin McGuire has a web site featuring downloadable plans for vintage-inspired wooden playthings. The devious little toy shown in the video above is one of my favorites. On his site will also find plans balance toys, rolling toys, gravity toys, games, and more. His plans include step-by-step instructions, illustrations, and photos of the finished project.

Here is the site's intro video:

Here is where you can check out Kevin McGuire's action toy plans at www.playfulplans.com.

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Vintage film explaining how a differential gear works

This film does an admirable job of clearly explaining what can be a rather confusing mechanical concept -- the differential gear. It's Tuesday, and you owe it to yourself to learn a little something. If you already know how a differential gear works, I'm sure you'll also enjoy the charming retro qualities of this film!

True, we normally hear differentials in cars, but they've had other some intriguing uses in the past. Take for example the amazing South-pointing chariots created in ancient China. A carved wooden figure standing in a horse-drawn chariot would point South no matter which way the cart turned or how often. This was done with a differential.

Here is where you can get a wooden South-pointing chariot kit!

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The top 10 books purchased by readers of The Automata Blog

It's that time of year when many of us are looking for gifts for others (or ourselves). We all want to have confidence in the gifts we give. We take the recommendations of friends and family, trusted authorities, and online reviews.

This year, I've decided to look at 6 years worth of data to see what YOU -- the readers of The Automata Blog -- have chosen to buy. I've run reports and tallied up the most purchased books on Amazon. This isn't entirely fair to the newer books, because they haven't been available as long. Still, I think it will give you a good sense for what people like you have decided to purchase.

Number 10: Making Things Move: DIY Mechanisms for Inventors, Hobbyists, and Artists

Published in 2010, Making Things Move: DIY Mechanisms for Inventors, Hobbyists, and Artists has done well to make it on to the list with titles that have been selling for much longer. There is a very good reason for that; it is one of the most comprehensive, easy-to-understand, and fun books on the topic. Author Dustyn Roberts covers every aspect of making things move, from fabrication techniques, to motors, CAD, and Arduino micro-controllers. If your interest in kinetic sculpture includes more than wood and brass, this book is fantastic resource. I expect to find it higher on this list in years to come.

Number 9: How to Make Animated Toys

An affordable classic, How to Make Animated Toys features instructions on how to make 30 wooden toys. Many of these fall into the pull-behind toy category. If there is a young one in need of beautiful wooden toys, this is a book for that kindly adult who will make those toys. In addition to the projects, the book contains a wealth of information on techniques and production procedures, materials and tools, as well as tips on animated toy design. Have an aspiration to sell toys on Etsy or at craft fairs? This would be a good book to have. You'll be getting How to Make Animated Toys used because it is out of print, but you will get it at a very good price.

Number 8: Paper Automata: Four Working Models to Cut Out & Glue Together

There is no doubt that Rob Ives is a master of paper engineering. This glossy softcover book contains all of the printed color patterns needed to make four excellent paper automata: a pecking hen, a flying fish, three bounding sheep, and a bowing jester. If you or anyone in your life wants to try their hand at making an automaton -- and I mean right away -- paper is the way to go. You only need some white glue, scissors, a hobby knife, and this Paper Automata book. I've watched someone with no prior mechanical training complete one of these models in an afternoon. A gift of this book is like giving four kits. Priced at just over $10, that's a good deal in my book.

Number 7: Creative Kinetics: Making Mechanical Marvels in Wood

Rodney Frost is the only author to make it on to this list twice and that's well-deserved. In Creative Kinetics, Frost provides a brilliant introduction to the making of kinetic art. The book does an especially good job of explaining the mechanisms that typically make up the core of a wood automaton: levers, cams, cranks, eccentrics, pulleys, and gears. The projects are fun and wildly diverse. You won't find complete plans in this book, but if you are interested in learning to make kinetic sculptures in wood, this book provides all of the fundamentals in a fun and easy-to-read way.

Number 6: Building Wooden Machines: Gears and Gadgets for the Adventurous Woodworker

Among all of the books on how to make wooden mechanisms, two of the best and most advanced have long been the two by Alan and Gill Bridgewater: Making Wooden Mechanical Models and Making More Wooden Mechanical Models. Originally published in 1995 and 1999, respectively, they have become increasingly hard to find, especially the second book which now fetches high prices in the used book market. So, it was good news to learn that the two books have been combined into Building Wooden Machines. The new combined volume features 28 ingenious woodworking projects with visible wheels, cranks, pistons and other moving parts made of wood. Each project has step-by-step instructions and plan drawings from which to work. It does assume the reader has woodworking skill and tools, so this outstanding book may not be the best choice for beginners.

Number 5: Making Mechanical Marvels In Wood

This book is not unlike Number 6 for it features plans for 15 handsome wooden mechanisms such as the cam and follower, the Scotch yoke, the fast-return actuator, and the geneva wheel. Unlike Building Wooden Machines far fewer of projects in this book require access to and experience with a wood lathe. This makes it useful to a greater number of people. If you are a less experienced woodworker, or do not have a lathe, then then you'll want to chose Making Mechanical Marvels In Wood over Number 6.

Number 4: Drawing on the Air: The Kinetic Sculpture of Tim Prentice

This one is a surprise, since the book was only published in June of 2012. Some bulk orders may account for its rapid ascent, but hey...the numbers don't lie! The book has earned its spot at Number 4 and that's where I will put it. Artist Tim Prentice makes large moving sculptures that combine fluidity, engineering, connectedness, flow, air, light, and change. His sculptures may be seen in public spaces and corporate headquarters throughout the United States as well as in Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Switzerland and Australia. Drawing on the Air gives the reader a multifaceted look at Prentice and his artwork in a beautiful 9" x 9" hardcover format.

Number 3: Making Mad Toys & Mechanical Marvels in Wood

Rodney Frost strikes again in the Number 3 spot with his book titled Making Mad Toys & Mechanical Marvels in Wood. Previously published as Whacky Toys, Whirligigs & Whatchamacallits, this book has long been at the top of my recommendations. This book features fourteen complete projects -- one of the only ones to do so. Each project has a bit of text, a photo, and many nice vector illustrations detailing the project's construction. I wouldn't call them formal 'plans' -- they are too colorful, assorted, and playful for that name. People determined to build an automaton, but short of ideas, are sure to find a project in this book that speaks to them. The projects have a wonderful vintage feel.

Number 2: Automata and Mechanical Toys

It is certainly no surprise to find Automata and Mechanical Toys close to the top of the list. In the past I have said that if you were to have just one book on contemporary automata that this should be the one. Both a how-to book and a showcase of the art form itself, this book attempts to cover it all. If you love automata, want see examples by well known automaton artists, and want to learn more about how to make these wonderful devices yourself, then this book is a must-have. Here is where you can read a more extensive review of Automata and Mechanical Toys.

Number 1: Five Hundred and Seven Mechanical Movements: Embracing All Those Which Are Most Important in Dynamics, Hydraulics, Hydrostatics, Pneumatics, Steam Engines

Coming in as the top selling book by the readers of The Automata blog is Five Hundred and Seven Mechanical Movements. This one is a little hard to account for. Don't get me wrong. It's a great resource for interesting mechanical solutions, but that's all it is. Perhaps because I reviewed it first long ago on my web site it got an unfair head start on the other titles. Perhaps it has appealed to the Steampunk crowd in some manner. Perhaps it is here because it is an affordable book that can provide a lot of education and inspiration. Whatever the reason, here is what you can expect from this gem: the left hand page of each spread shows 6 to 9 mechanisms or "contrivances" as they were called, while the page on the right side gives a short description of each of the mechanisms and what it does. The mechanisms are presented in a concise, interesting manner. There is something compelling about the vintage line drawings and old-fashioned phrasing. Personally, I love this little book as will anyone who finds mechanisms fascinating.

So there you have it. Those are the books that you have purchased by way of this blog over the years. I hope the list was helpful and that you discovered something you may not have seen before. Thanks for making the purchases you did. Happy reading!

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Elaborate 1920s machine shop built with vintage Erector sets

Randy Sauder built this model of a 1920s era machine shop from Erector set parts from scratch. The project spanned some 2 1/2 years, taking about 900 hours total. Sauder encourages others to build with these sets. He explains why this way:

It is relaxing fun, better than TV and your grandkids will love them. Erector sets are a great learning tool for children. In this country, most engineers over the age of 50 cut their teeth with erector sets. My father gave me his boyhood set in the late 1950's. Building principles using model erector parts are the same as with a real life size projects. For example, parts must be built square to one another, in proper alignment and using standard engineering concepts. Thousands of real world projects such as the George Washington Bridge, Disney World rides etc were first built as model erector projects.

Of course, Erector Sets are still made today in a variety of configurations. Classic Erector sets like the type used in this model can easily be found on eBay.

For additional information or to see more models visit the A. C. Gilbert Heritage Society web site.

[ Thanks Warren and Christoph!]

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