Proxxon Micro Plunge Router for Miniature Work

I haven't tried a router this small (1/5 HP), but it sure does look like a good size for model and automaton making. This little router allows you to round-over, slot, counter bore, and remove stock from wood and other materials.

Some details on the router from Woodcraft:

* Depth adjustment of 0.008" increments
* Easy router bit changing with the shaft lock button
* Support columns are positioned so you can see as you cut
* Integrated suction device for connecting to a vacuum
* Parallel and circle jig made of die-cast aluminum
* Die-cast aluminum base and smooth gliding polycarbonate face
* Includes 6 pc. collet set
* Comes in plastic case

Here's more info on the Proxxon Micro Plunge Router

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Video: So You Want to Make a Wood Gear Clock?

Here's a low-pressure introduction to making a clock from wooden parts -- gears and all. Along the way, you learn many important techniques that could be used for automata making as well as clock making. The narrator discusses tools, specific methods of work, and the construction process in general. The film gives you a good feel for what you are getting into if you decide build a clock of your own. Don't rush this one...save it for when you have a few minutes to savor this charming video.

You may also want to learn how to fix existing clocks, so take a look at Clock Repairing as a Hobby: An Illustrated How-To Guide for the Beginner

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Making Mechanical Marvels In Wood - DIY Book

Here's a book that should interest you makers out there. Making Mechanical Marvels In Wood

This book is not unlike Making Wooden Mechanical Models which I reviewed here. There are, however, some important differences between the two books.

Like Making Wooden Mechanical Models, this book isn't specifically written for automaton makers. Both books feature basic wooden machines as finished projects in themselves.

Making Mechanical Marvels differs in that many of the projects in this book are key building blocks to making contemporary wooden automata. For example, projects such as the cam and follower, the Scotch yoke, the fast-return actuator, and the Geneva wheel are all elements often found in an automaton.

The projects in this book are very handsome and would make nice gifts. There's something inexpressibly classy about machines made of wood.

I bought Making Mechanical Marvels bundled with Making Wooden Models from Amazon.com and I'm glad I did. The two books really compliment each other. I consider this book to be Volume 1. This book has very clear instructions and drawings to get you up to speed making wooden mechanisms. Making Wooden Models is equivalent to Volume 2 in which you tackle some more complicated projects.

The book has well-drawn line diagrams and a series of color pages in the center. The instructions are very well written; I would feel good about giving this book to a new woodworker or youngster looking for a science fair project.

The book concludes with some handy shop tips and jigs -- a nice bonus. I have learned a great deal from this book. Don't overlook it as a resource for building wooden mechanism.

Here is where you can order Making Mechanical Marvels In Wood.

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Making Wooden Mechanical Models

Not for automata makers specifically -- the mechanisms found in Making Wooden Mechanical Models could well be used for automata, provided the reader has a bit of ingenuity.

The models themselves are nicely proportioned and well designed. Any of these models would be a welcome addition to the desktop of a mechanically inclined person.

I have read this book from cover to cover and browsed the drawings for inspiration. Beautiful color photos in the center of the book demonstrate the skill the authors have great in fabricating with wood. I have found this book to be very useful in this regard. Note: some of the projects in this book are best accomplished with a lathe.

Should you choose to buy this book and make the some of the models, you will find that it contains good project lists and plan drawings from which to work.

Amazon has a nice "Search Inside" this book feature for this book to let you preview the book's contents.

Take a look at Making Wooden Mechanical Models: 15 Designs With Visible Wheels, Cranks, Pistons, Cogs, and Cams.

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Easily & Safely Cut Small Parts on the Table Saw

In previous posts, I mentioned the value of having miniature power tools for small scale projects. I find them to be less intimidating and more appropriately scaled for small scale work. They are also great space-savers if your shop space is limited.

But what about using traditional woodworking tools? You may already these tools or want to buy them to work on full-scale home and woodworking projects. You can still cut small pieces on full size tools with some proper planning and helpful jigs.

One such jig is the one shown here. This simple sled allows you to use a full size table saw to rip very thin pieces of stock safely, easily, and uniformly.

The sled is simply a piece of melamine that been ripped to a 10-in. width. After ripping the sled to width, a small block is glued on it to act as a hook to hold and push the material being cut.

Take a look a the full article on the Small Parts Sled from the folks at Woodworkers' Journal. [Thanks Charles!]

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Proxxon Rotary Tool & Accessories

I own some Proxxon tools and I own several rotary tools, but I don't actually own a Proxxon rotary tool.

OK..that said, I love the Proxxon tools I do own. Woodcraft is sellng the Proxxon rotory tool at a close-out price right now (about $73). The specifications do sound impressive (see below).

Personally, I am very interested in that Universal Holder (D) for use with a flex shaft (sold seperately). That looks handy, indeed.

From Woodcraft's Site:
Great for detail cutting, grinding and sanding, the German-made Proxxon has a top speed of 20,000 RPM, continuously variable down to 5,000 RPM. Electronic full wave speed control gives almost constant torque, even at low speeds, easing micro drilling. The spindle rides in precision ball bearings, and has a lock button for changing bits. The Proxxon gets its power from a quiet, specially balanced permanent magnet motor. Our own testing showed superior low-end torque and far less vibration than the most popular rotary tool on the market.

Check out all the details of Proxxon Rotary Tool & Accessories over at Woodcraft.com.

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PROXXON Mini Miter Saw Model

I own two Proxxon miniature power tools and they are both amazing. Not "amazing for their size" -- just plain amazing.

The mini miter saw is a great addition to any model-maker's or automata-maker's tool collection (or any work area where space is tight). This miter saw is great for cutting 90 degree and 45 degree cuts in a variety of materials. There are detents every 15 degrees for cutting a range of angles.

The saw has a really clever integrated clamp to hold the material and ensure that your cut stays on the mark. There is also a built-in stop to help you cut a bunch of pieces to the same length. Nice.

As with PROXXON Mini Table Saw, these miniaturized tools are clearly not toys; they are solid and exceed one's expectations in terms of performance. Seriously, the mini table saw can make a clean cut in 3/4" hardwood and it's barely bigger than a toaster.

The truly handy thing about owning the miter saw AND the table saw is that they use the same blades. You can get a variety of blades for slitting, cutting wood, and cutting metals. I have found the miter saw mounted with an abrasive blade for non-ferrous metals to be a great way to cut brass rod and bars to length.

Check out all the details on the PROXXON Mini Miter Saw Model and the PROXXON Mini Table Saw

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Wood Works with David Marks on Amazon

Amazon.com has recently added Unboxed Videosto its product lineup. What is an Unboxed Video? Simply put, it is a video download of a show or movie that can be purchased or rented and then viewed on PCs, Portable Media Players, or TiVo DVRs.

I did a search and found that season 7 of David Marks' TV series Wood Works is available at $1.99 per episode. For less than two dollars, you can watch an episode on more than one PC or TiVo DVR, keep it in your library, and make a backup disc.

This seem like a pretty good idea: No VCR to program, no tapes to buy or store, and the ability to quickly scan through the video to watch and re-watch particular sections. Each one has a description of the episode, running time, and a short video preview.

If you find other video related to automata, please let me know!

Check out this new online resource to learn about woodworking: Wood Works shows from Amazon Unboxed Videos

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Making Mad Toys Book is Now Shipping!

The new book from Rodney Frost (the author who wrote Whacky Toys, Whirligigs & Whatchamacallits) is now shipping from Amazon!

I have not received my copy yet. I will write a longer review once I have it and have had a chance to read it. Here is what the publisher has to say about the book...

Rodney Frost's collection of playful mechanical contraptions will captivate anyone who operates them -- and they'll entice the creative woodworker too, because these whirligigs are as much fun to make as to maneuver. The secret to these movable marvels: propellers and other action-filled parts made from wood or metal. Full-size schematics and drawings, plus detailed written instructions, will guide woodworkers smoothly through building, carving, and assembling many enchanting projects!

Check out Making Mad Toys & Mechanical Marvels in Wood

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Master Pocket Hole Jig System - Wood Joinery

Are you inclined to make things yourself from wood, but are short on the skills required for complex wood joints? Are you an accomplished woodworker who just wants a faster way to make a variety of clean joints?

You've got to look into pocket hole joinery. The idea is simple: a jig and special drill bit allow you to drill an angled hole that both pre-drills the wood pieces and provides a recess for the screw head. Special pan-head screws hold the wood pieces together. This technique can be used to make a wide variety of wood joints -- even face frames.

Kreg is the leading brand and they offer systems from $50 to $140 -- all are highly rated. I bought the $50 version and now wish I had the case that comes with the $75 version. Note: you need screws of the right length to match your project.

The basic setup ($50) : Kreg R2 Rocket Pockethole System

The mid-range set ($75) : Kreg K3SP K3 Pocket Hole Jig Standard Pack

The deluxe set ($140, $120 with rebate) : Kreg K3MS K3 Master Pocket Hole Jig System

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Woodshop Specialtes: Wood Gears & Marionettes

Here's a book that at first glance might not seem to be of much use to automata-makers, but not so!

There are three sections of this book that are of particular interest to automata makers (and woodworkers in general).

First, there is section on wooden clockworks. This section may only be 8 pages, but it is almost the only 8 pages I've found on wooden gears and their construction. This includes tips on cutting wooden circles, making pin wheels and pinions, and cutting slots for toothed gears.

Second, there are two sections on the construction of wooden marionettes/dolls. Take a good look at the work of Paul Spooner/Matt Smith or Keith Newstead. I would be willing to bet that they studied puppet-making as some point. You can see that they understand the human form, joints, and how to make them from wood.

I have only covered three sections of this book; there are two dozen more on diverse woodworking topics. At this price, Woodshop Specialtiesis a great resource.

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Miniature Table Saw - Amazing!

I recently bought some new tools. The first thing on my list was a miniature table saw. My full-sized Craftsman is going strong after forty or more years, but it often seems like too big of a saw for the pieces I cut for automata.

I did some research and bought the Micro-Mark version of what you see here (Proxxon). I am 99% sure that they are made by the same company for every detail is the same except that mine is black.

Simply put, these little table saws are amazing. The saw is very strong and precise. The saw is quite capable of cutting hardwoods and the speed can be adjusted for the material.

There are a variety of blades available including a carbide tipped, diamond, abrasive disks, and fine toothed slitting blades. There are also many fine accessories (rip fences, feather boards, cross-cut tables, tapering jigs) available. I comes with a basic rip fence and mitre slider.

Buying this saw had an added advantage...I was able to free up space by moving my full-size saw out of my primary work area because I need less often.

If you need a good saw, don't have a lot of space, or work with small pieces I think these miniature table saws are a great choice. I LOVE mine.

Check out all the the details on this Miniature Table Saw.

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Making Wooden Hinges

Here's a great article from Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Magazine describing how to make hinges out of wood.

The article has complete step-by-step instructions with photos and a scale drawing that you can photocopy and use as your cutting template. The project assumes you have access to scroll saw.

Here's a link to the article: Make Wooden Hinges

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Box Joint or Finger Joint Jig for Wood Boxes

I am experimenting with something similar to this jig to make the boxes to hold automata mechanisms. While hand-cut dovetails are the joint of choice, box joints -- or finger joints as they are sometimes called -- offer an interesting alternative.

Box joints are very strong once glued because there is so much surface area for the glue to bond to. I think they look good too because the end grain alternating with the regular grain creates a nice pattern.

I'll let you know how my testing goes. If any of you have experience with box joints or box joint jigs, let me know. This one is used in conjuction with a table saw and dado blade or a router table.

This is one option, the WOODSMITH Aluminum Box Joint Jig at Woodcraft.com

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Carving Set with tools, book, and slipstones

Developed for hand or light mallet use, this assortment of tools are made in the USA of high carbon tool steel. They feature hardwood handles with a metal ferrule. Comfortable 6-1/4" to 6-1/2" lengths make them easy to control for detail carving.

Complete set includes the 12 carving tools plus coarse and fine India slipstones, and the popular book "Woodcarving: 20 Great Projects for Beginners & Weekend Carvers" by John Hillyer. Factory sharpened and ready for use.

Here's a link to this Carving Set from WoodCraft. They have many to choose from.

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Locate Rockler and Woodcraft Retail Stores

My two favorite woodworking stores sell online and have many retail locations. While shopping online is fun and easy -- handling the tools and selecting your own wood can't be done over the internet. I recommend you find a Rockler woodworking store or a Woodcraft woodworking store near you. Here are some links to help you.

Woodcraft has a great selection of hand tools, especially for carving. In most stores you can handle the tools. They also host courses and demonstrations.

Locate a Woodcraft woodworking store

Rockler specializes is jigs and accessories for you power tools. The retail location near me has a fantastic selection of choice woods.

Locate a Rockler woodworking store

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Carving Vise to hold Figures While Carving

Now, I'll be honest...I don't own one of these, but it sure looks like a nice thing to have for carving. I bring it to your attention also because it is on sale for $59.99, normally $71.49.

Adjustable Carving Vise/Carvers Mallet
Two great carving tools! One to hold it and a beautiful mallet to carve your fine pieces! (Mallet head is green not black as shown.) Mallet and carving vise sold separately. Adjustable Carving Vise/Carvers Mallet

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Mini Clamp-It Assembly Square Kit

I use these to assemble the boxes that house the automata mechanisms. The squares are thick so that the pieces clamped to it stay flat. The squares are also a strong plastic, so I don't worry too much about marring the wood. They also have little notches in them that allows the clamps to nest securely in them. At $35 they may seem pricey, but I sure am glad I have them, and the clamps can be used for other purposes.

Mini Clamp-It Assembly Square Kit Buy this kit and save $4.95 versus buying individual pieces separately! Includes everything needed to clamp two corners at time; comes with two Mini Clamp-It Assembly Squares and four 4" Mini Clamps. Mini Clamp-It Assembly Square Kit

The Mini Clamp-It can only be obtained in the Tools section of Rockler Woodworking.

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WoodCraft Magazine Bundle - Automata Plans

Woodcraft.com -- one of my absolute favorite woodworking stores -- is offering a bundle of the first year of its self-titled woodworking magazine.

This is a great deal for two reasons:

1. You get 7 issues of a great woodworking magazine for $9.99
2. You get Woodcraft Holiday 2005 with my article on how to build a contemporary automaton of your very own. That's worth the price alone!

Check out the Woodcraft Magazine Issues 1-7 Bundle

If you are a hard-core Dug North fan and just want the issue with the automaton plans, you can get Woodcraft Holiday 2005

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Dremel 400-3/71 400 Series XPR Rotary Tool Kit

Hechinger Hardware is offering this amazing Dremel package for $105 -- about $30 less than Amazon!

From the marketing literature:
The Dremel 400 Series XPR rotary tool offers the performance, precision and control required to complete the widest range of projects of all Dremel rotary tools--from work, home or studio. Exclusive XPR attachments take advantage of the increased strength of the XPR's unique motor design plus it works will all existing Dremel attachments and accessories.

Look at what you get:

Features XPR Planer attachment, Flex Shaft & Circle Cutter Includes XPR Storage Case plus 71 Accessories in their own integrated storage area Variable speed provides maximum control and precision Permanent magnet motor for increased performance and consistent speed at all speed settings Ergonomic, contoured styling with soft-grip areas for greater comfort and control Lightweight design for comfort during prolonged use Separate on/off switch and speed control dial for the perfect speed every time Lock-out collet button prevents engagement of spindle lock when tool is running "Dove-tail" feature for Dremel-exclusive attachments Cool-running ball bearing construction for smooth and quiet operation Replaceable motor brushes extend tool life Five year warranty

Product Includes:

• 400 Series XPR Rotary Tool
• XPR Planer
• Flex Shaft
• Circle Cutter
• 109 High Speed Cutter
• 150 Drill Bit
• 191 High Speed Cutter
• 401 Mandrel
• 402 Mandrel w/ Screw
• 403 Bristle Brush
• 404 Bristle Brush Cup
• 407 1/2" Coarse Sand Band Shank
• 408 1/2" 60 Grit Sanding Band (2)
• 411 Coarse Sanding Discs (15)
• 414 1/2" Felt Wheel
• 420 HD Cut-off Wheels (20)
• 421 Polishing Compound
• 422 Cone Polishing Tip
• 425 Emery Polishing Wheel (2)
• 426 1-1/4" Fiberglass Cut-off Wheel
• 428 Carbon Steel Brush
• 429 1" Felt Wheel (2)
• 430 1/4" Sanding Band w/ Mandrel
• 431 1/4" 60 Grit Sanding Band (2)
• 432 1/4"120 Grit Sanding Band
• 438 1/4" 120 Grit Sanding Band (2)
• 540 1-1/4" HD Cut-off Wheel (2)
• 541 Aluminum Oxide Grinding Wheel
• 561 MultiPurpose Bit
• 8193 Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone
• 84922 Silicon Carbide Grind Stone
• 85602 Silicon Carbide Grind Stone
• 932 Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone
• 953 Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone
• XPR Storage Case

Wow! This is an entire workshop in a box!

Check out the Dremel 400-3/71 400 Series XPR Rotary Tool Kit

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5 Best Books for Making Wooden Mechanisms

Here is my list of the top 5 books for people who want to make mechanisms out of wood. These devices are often used, or could be used, in the making of contemporary automata. The projects are great skill-building exercises and make great gifts.

1 - Making Wooden Mechanical Models: 15 Designs With Visible Wheels, Cranks, Pistons, Cogs, and Cams- Alan Bridgewater, Gill Bridgewater

2 - Making Mechanical Marvels In Wood- Raymond Levy

3 - Making More Wooden Mechanical Models- Alan Bridgewater, Gill Bridgewater

4 - Making Marble-Action Games, Gadgets, Mazes & Contraptions: Designs for 10 Outlandish, Ingenious and Intricate Woodworking Projects- Alan Bridgewater, Gill Bridgewater

5 - Making Working Wooden Locks- Tim Detweiler

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Hechinger Hardware

You've got to love their motto: The World's Most Unusual Hardware Site.

You be the judge and let me know if they truly are unusual. I'll scan the site myself this week and update this post with any items that may be of interest to automata makers.

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Rockler Woodworking and Hardware

I few days ago I posted about a free Woodworking Catalog from one of my favorite woodworking stores for tools.

Rockler is the second of my two favorite places to buy woodworking tools. I visit their retail store more than any other.

They also offer free catalog. The catalog is 150 pages and offers tons of great tools. They specialize in enhancements for your power tools -- router tables, fences, jigs. The also have tons of specialty hardware.

The thing that Rockler sells that will be of greatest use to automata makers is their line of thin cut wood. They sell planed domestic and exotic woods in sizes that make sense for automata makers.

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5 Best Books for Wood Automaton Makers

Here is a list of books for people who want to make an automaton out of wood. These books deal with the subject directly, all have useful patterns, and the first three have detailed plan drawings. I recommend all of these highly.

1 - Automata and Mechanical Toys- Rodney Peppe

2 - Making Mechanical Toys- Rodney Peppe

3 - Whacky Toys, Whirligigs & Whatchamacallits- Rodney Frost

4 - How to Design & Make Automata  - Rob Addams

5 - Cabaret Mechanical Movement- Aidan Lawrence Onn, Gary Alexander

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Automata and Mechanical Toys by Rodney Peppe

I have said in the past that if you want to make a wood automaton, and can only get just one book, Automata and Mechanical Toysby Rodney Peppé is the book to get.

This wonderful book is currently available in hardcover at amazon.com for 31% off the regular retail price. This is a great deal.

The book is printed on fine glossy paper and is full of color photos (160 in all). The book profiles over 20 leading automata-makers, and provides step-by-step instructions for making an automata test-bed. There is also a section teaching you how to make ten fundamental mechanisms.

One of the best things about this book is that there are scale patterns to copy and use -- cams, gears, pin-wheels, ratchets, and even a Geneva mechanism.

Visit Amazon and use the Search Inside! feature for Automata and Mechanical Toys

Following as a close second, Peppé's book entitled Making Mechanical Toysshould also interest you.

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4" Brass Caliper for measuring

I love the look of this all brass 4 inch caliper for measuring. Often when I use calipers, I don't even read the measurement. Rather, I take the measurement with the calipers on one piece (or tool), then transfer the distance measured on to another piece. Of course, if you want to read a measurement exactly, calipers are a great way to do it.

Some of the product specifications:

• Does outside and inside measurements
• Sliding dovetail way (that's the track in which it slides)
• Rigid construction
• 4"/100mm rule with vernier scale
• Graduated in 1/16" and mm

For under $7 USD, this looks like a very good deal to me. Then again, I love brass.

4" Brass Calipers at WoodCraft

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Woodworkers & Carvers - WoodCraft Catalog

Woodcraft Supply is a great store for woodworking tools and supplies. If you don't have a store near you, I recommend their catalog featuring more than 8,000 items. They offer more tools and accessories for woodcarvers than any other retailer I have found.

Not only does the Woodcraft catalog offer a complete listing of products for woodworking, but it's also free.

Get your Free Woodcraft Catalog.

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Mini Router Table Bargain @ Amazon.com