More about this project:
This is my entry for the Summer's Woodworking Third Annual (2015) 2x4 Competition.
For a long time I've been intrigued by automata, which are essentially mechanical moving sculptures. Having a background in engineering and a creative streak, I really enjoy how automata blend engineering and art together.
For the competition, I had to build something creative using only a single 8-foot 2x4 as my primary source of material. I had never built an automaton before, so I thought this would be a fun challenge and a chance to stretch my skills with my limited tools. I ran into some issues along the way and had to make changes as I went, but I enjoy the problem solving process. Seeing the idea come together in the end makes it worth the effort. Overall I consumed 4ft 10in of my 2x4, which included 7 inches of 2x4 used for the dowel cutting jig.
Thank you to Brian at Summers Woodworking for organizing the competition and giving me an excuse to work on a fun project.
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES:
(Purchases through these affiliate links help support this channel at no extra cost)
Table Saw: amzn.to/262R6Ui
Miter Saw: amzn.to/1WcWyzu
Band Saw: amzn.to/1ShuImg
1/4 Sheet Orbital Sander: amzn.to/22zTQ7a
Dremel Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit: amzn.to/1WDywhI
Bench-top Drill Press: amzn.to/1QkI0GY
Drill: amzn.to/1VuWson
Forstner Drill Bit Set: amzn.to/1QkImNY
Shop Scissors: amzn.to/1SXDyQj
Flush Cut Pull Saw: amzn.to/1WDA0Z6
Handi Clamp: amzn.to/1p0weLG
Wood Glue: amzn.to/1WcX2pd
Glu-Bot Glue Bottle: amzn.to/1XxgJqF
Clear Shellac Spray: amzn.to/1WDzHh9
[Ben Brandt / B2Builds is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.]
Much of the work I did here was learned from or inspired by other KZfaq users. Here are a few links to videos on some of the techniques I used in this project and other more talented automata artists:
Make Dowels on a Table Saw:
• Make Dowels on a Table...
Using cutting templates & spray adhesive
• Using cutting template...
How to transfer an inkjet photo to wood
• How to transfer an ink...
How to make gears
• How to make gears
Gear template generator
woodgears.ca/gear_cutting/temp...
I'm still fairly new to the bandsaw, these band saw tips helped me:
DiResta Jimmy Tips 5
• ✔ DiResta Jimmy Tips 5
Some Talented Automata Artists on KZfaq:
Tom Haney
/ @tomhaneyartwork
Dug North
/ @dugnorth
Al Conquergood
/ @1conk