News FeedDug’s Automata Tips, Techniques and Tricks No. 10
March 7, 2013 by sarah · 9 Comments
Making Urethane Belts for Automaton Projects
In the last article, we looked at how to make pulleys for automaton projects. We also made belts from O-ring gasket material. Custom-sized belts can also be made from urethane belting material. Joining the ends of this material is one of those jobs that seems to require three or four hands, but it doesn’t have to. Let’s take a look at an easy method that produces a strong welded joint. Read more
Dug’s Automata Tips, Techniques and Tricks No. 9
October 31, 2012 by Dug North · 9 Comments
Making Pulleys and Belts for Automata
Pulleys and belts are incredibly useful to the automaton maker. They can transfer power from one axle to another and change the speed, direction or plane of rotation! Check out Cabaret Mechanical Movement for more information about pulleys.
In this article, we will use a simple approach to make a pair of pulleys and make a belt from O-ring gasket material.
Dug’s Automata Tips, Techniques and Tricks No. 8
June 22, 2012 by Dug North · 12 Comments
Creating Wooden Joints for Automata Figures
Often an automaton figure without jointed arms and legs will work just fine. But, if you want to create a character pedaling a bicycle, those knees will need to bend! To depict a realistic human motion, it is helpful if the figure’s joints only bend the way real humans bend. Joints that only move in the correct way give you more options for providing the necessary input motion also. This, in turn, creates a greater range of resulting motions from which to choose. In this article, we will create a basic wooden knee joint that is easy to make and has dozens of uses. Read more
Dug’s Automata Tips, Techniques and Tricks No. 7
March 15, 2012 by Dug North · 8 Comments
Building the Boxes for Wood Automata
There is no rule that says the mechanism for a wood automaton must be contained inside of a box, but the practice does have some advantages. A box makes a sturdy base, provides even surfaces for mounting mechanisms and figures, and can make the construction process easier. While there are dozens of sophisticated woodworking joints, a basic one will do the trick!
Dug’s Automata Tips, Techniques and Tricks No.6
December 19, 2011 by Dug North · 11 Comments
21 Rotary Tool Tips and Tricks for Automata-Makers
The high-speed rotary tool can do the work of dozens of other tools. With the right bits and accessories, this little powerhouse can cut, carve, engrave, drill, grind, sand, brush, and polish a variety of materials! Here are some tips to help automata-makers get the most from a rotary tool. Read more
Dug’s Automata Tips, Techniques and Tricks No.5
September 13, 2011 by Dug North · 8 Comments
A Man of Many Faces: a Prototype Wooden Head from Basic Shapes
Creating interesting characters is an important part of making a wood automaton because they are often the actors on the mechanically-driven stage. In this article, we will make a generic male head that does not require woodcarving skills or special tools. This head can be modified to create countless different characters for your projects.
Read more
Dug’s Automata Tips, Techniques and Tricks – Tools and References
September 12, 2011 by Dug North · Leave a Comment
This is a list of related books, materials and tools which may be helpful when reading articles from our blog series Dug’s Automata Tips, Techniques and Tricks.
Tips & Tricks No. 8 – Joints for Automata Figures
Further Reading
The Human Machine (Dover Anatomy for Artists)
Amazon UK
Making and Manipulating Marionettes
Amazon UK
Reference Models
Art S. Buck Artist’s Model – Female
Amazon US
Art S. Buck Artist’s Model – Male
Amazon US
Athlete Action Figures – Set of 2
Amazon UK
Materials
Basswood Sheets 1/4″ x 4″ x 24″ (pack of 10 sheets)
Amazon UK
Brads 3/4″ x 15
Amazon UK
Tools
Coping Saws
Amazon UK
Coping saw blades
Amazon UK
Scroll Saws
Amazon UK
Tips & Tricks No. 7 – Building Boxes
Further Reading
Basic Woodworking by Sunset Books (Out of print, but easy to find and inexpensive)
Amazon UK
The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery by Gary Rogowski
Amazon UK
Tools for Doweling
Dowels Pins
Commercially made dowel pins come in a variety of diameters for joining different thicknesses of wood.
The 1/4” diameter dowels will serve your needs if you are using wood that is at least 1/2″ thick.
Amazon UK
Dowel Centres
Dowel centres are little metal caps that go into a set of holes that have been drilled for dowels The dowel centres have points that are used to mark the locations for the dowel holes in a second piece of wood. Sets include pairs of common dowel sizes.
Amazon UK
Dowel Centering Jig
This tool clamps to the edge of a board, automatically locating the center. Metal bushings of various sizes aid in drilling holes into the edge of the board.
Amazon UK
Corner Clamps or Right Angle Clamps
These specialized clamps hold boards at right angles to each other, making the drilling for through-doweling much easier.
Amazon UK
Collar Stops
Collar stops are rings that are temporarily attached to a drill bit. The bit will drill only as deep as the collar permits. This is handy for drilling the faces of board that will be blind-doweled.
Amazon UK
Tips & Tricks No. 6 – Rotary Tools
Rotary Tools
Rotary Tools – Amazon UK
Rotary Tool Bits
Rotary Tool Carving and Engraving Bit Set – Amazon US
Structured Tooth Tungsten Carbide Carving Bits – Amazon US
Abrasive Brush Set – Amazon UK
Diamond-Point Bit Set – Amazon UK
Glass Drilling Bit with Cutting Oil – Amazon UK
Emery Impregnated Polishing Disc – Amazon US
Rotary Tool Accessories
Right Angle Attachment for Rotary Tool – Amazon UK
Flex Shaft Attachment – Amazon UK
Rotary Tool Hanger – Amazon UK
Abrasive Belt Cleaner – Amazon UK
Further Reading
Power Carving Manual: Tools, Techniques, and 16 All-Time Favorite Projects – Amazon UK
Instructional DVDs
Frank Russell’s Power Carving Fur, Feathers, & Fins: How to Carve with Foredom Power Tools and Accessories – Amazon UK
Tips & Tricks No. 5 – Wooden Heads and faces
Wood Shapes
Hardwood eggs – Woodworks – UK, US
3/8 inch dowels – Amazon UK, US
Assorted wooden stars – Amazon UK, US
Hobby saws
Razor Saw – Amazon UK, US
Hobby saw miter box – Amazon UK, US
Pin vise set – Amazon UK, US
Further Reading
The Artist’s Complete Guide to Facial Expression – Amazon UK, US
Cartooning the Head and Figure – Amazon UK, US
Facial Expressions: A Visual Reference for Artists – Amazon UK, US
Dug’s Automata Tips, Techniques and Tricks No.4
June 15, 2011 by Dug North · 13 Comments
Attaching Cams, Pulleys, Cranks, Gears, and Handles to Wooden Shafts
To get things moving in an automaton, some parts must be attached firmly to round wooden shafts. But how? And which way is best for your project? Read on! The techniques discussed below apply to cams, pulleys, eccentrics, cranks, gears, handles, and other parts. I’ve used the term “cam” throughout to simplify the descriptions.
Dug’s Automata Tips, Techniques and Tricks No.3
March 15, 2011 by Dug North · 7 Comments
Two Methods for Making Pinwheels Patterns
Pinwheels – Gears for the Masses
Gears are very useful to the automata-maker, but they can be tricky to make depending on your knowledge, skills, tools, and patience. Enter pinwheels: gears almost anyone can make! Read more
Dug’s Automata Tips, Techniques and Tricks No.2
December 15, 2010 by Dug North · 7 Comments
Wooden Circles for Your Automata Projects
So Many Circles!
Circles are found in dozens of mechanisms including cams, eccentrics, cranks, pin wheels, collars, followers, and flywheels. Circles may also serve as the foundation for gear blanks, pulleys, or animated parts of an automaton. But how can you obtain this vital shape in wood? Read more
Join our
Subscribe to our
Follow us