Project Information
I have wanted to try automata since I saw Wanda Sowry's projects. To learn about how to translate motion to linkages, I bought a bunch of Timberkits from the Treehouse. There's a US supplier that I'm having trouble getting to today, but I chose the UK company because they have 20% discount if you spend 100 pounds. The kits are very well thought out and include glue, sandpaper, and wax so you don't need anything else other than paint (if you want to take the time). They have trays for the parts and a printed sheet of the tray contents; extreme over packaging but very much appreciated. You tube has videos and tips on construction (gift cards are handy as spacers and for applying glue).
The first one was the fish. Very easy to do and came with two decals for the fish. I wish they could have been used on both sides but they had the same orientation.
The second was the rowboat which was more difficult, but had the printed sheets and part trays that made it easier to locate the parts.
The third was the skateboarder. I had a lot of problems with all the dowels. The instructions were specific about the size and length but they just didn't match my ruler so I chose the closest size (incorrectly in some cases). The arms were difficult to glue up because there weren't dowels in the design for it and I couldn't clamp them. It took a long time to assemble and paint but we had the power out for more than a day so it was great to pass the time during the day. The last picture shows how the skateboarder works.
Although I had some problems, these kits are amazing and I'll be doing a lot more (there's an entire orchestra!). I also have a lot of ideas on what I'd like to make myself.
The bi-plane is next . .
The first one was the fish. Very easy to do and came with two decals for the fish. I wish they could have been used on both sides but they had the same orientation.
The second was the rowboat which was more difficult, but had the printed sheets and part trays that made it easier to locate the parts.
The third was the skateboarder. I had a lot of problems with all the dowels. The instructions were specific about the size and length but they just didn't match my ruler so I chose the closest size (incorrectly in some cases). The arms were difficult to glue up because there weren't dowels in the design for it and I couldn't clamp them. It took a long time to assemble and paint but we had the power out for more than a day so it was great to pass the time during the day. The last picture shows how the skateboarder works.
Although I had some problems, these kits are amazing and I'll be doing a lot more (there's an entire orchestra!). I also have a lot of ideas on what I'd like to make myself.
The bi-plane is next . .