Here is another delightful hand-cranked contraption in the mechanical series that artist Gina calls Mechanical Confections.

As ususal, there is a satisfying assortment of mechanical components: a periodically engaging set of bevel gears; a ball bearing on a shifting incline plane; a Geneva wheel; a pair of offset cams causing two followers to toggle up and down; a chiming bell; and, of course, a spinning wooden block with various items printed on its faces -- one of which shows a birthday cake.

See more kinetic sculptures by Gina Kamentsky on her web site.

We've seen quite a few wooden ramp walkers, most from the talented and generous Roberto Lou Ma. To change things up a bit, here's one made in Germany. Like other ramp walkers, this one just needs to be placed at the top of a slight incline and given a little push to put it in motion. I love the use of its trunk! The company that sells this little elephant also offers a ramp walking person, hedgehog, and rabbit.

Here is where you can get this wooden elephant ramp walker toy.

[ Thanks Joe! ]

Derek Hugger wrote in to say that he has spent the past few months designing a fully mechanical marble machine. Titled Kinestrata, the assembly is driven by a 2 1/2 pound weight via the classic Graham Escapement -- named for George Graham (1673-1751)an English clockmaker and inventor who is thought to have created it around 1715.

Kinestrata measures 11 x 17 x 5 inches and contains some 386 parts. The balls roll down 4 unique tracks and are lifted back to the top of the machine by 3 geared lifter rings. Hugger says that it took roughly 400 hours to design and build! Plans should be available for it in the next month or two. We'll keep you posted!

This short film features the many collections of Richard Garriott de Cayeux -- video game developer, entrepreneur, and space traveler. Garriott built Britannia Manor to serve as his observatory, home, and occasionally, a giant interactive haunted house. An avid collector of amazing and unusual objects, Garriott's home could fairly be classified as a museum. In this film, magician Brad Henderson from Austin, Texas takes you through this extraordinary collection, room by room.

Among the countless wonders and secret passages, you will find a collection of historic space-related artifacts in Garriott's office, complete with one of the original Sputnik satellites. In the dungeon, you can stare in awe at the shrunken heads and vampire hunting kits. In the laboratory, you will find esoteric scientific instruments and orreries, mechanical models of the planets moving around the sun.

I know you guys will be most interested in Garriott's automata collection, featuring antiques as well works by almost all of the modern makers. The automata collection, vast as it is, can only be covered in part, but you do get to see the works of three artists who surely deserve the limelight.

First, you see Paul Spooner's inimitable wit and ingenuity play out in his Sex Change Machine and Poisoned Milk automaton. The mechanism that makes the cat's tongue seem to lap up the spilled milk is a fine example of Spooner's cleverness.

Next, you get a close-up view of the Argentinian artist Pablo Lavezzari's piece Facing a Fake Foe -- a detailed automaton-within-an-automaton depicting a knight fighting a dragon. The dragon, as it turns out, is a fake controlled by a small demon figure. The piece is also notable for its mechanically produced dragon roar sound effect.

Finally, you are shown a few of the macabre and magical automata created by Thomas Kuntz. Kuntz hand sculpts each of the figures and scratch builds the all of the mechanical elements for his pieces, often on vintage watchmaker's lathes. His autoamta seem to be the direct descendants of the most exquisite automata of centuries past. His piece titled L'Oracle du Mort is a modern masterpiece, featuring an oracle who -- with the help of two imps, the Grim Reaper, and a burst of real flame -- will answer your questions.

Amidst so many incredible automata, and artists whom I hold in the highest esteem, I'm dazed and delighted that one of my own pieces made it into the footage. A Dug North original, titled The Birthing Engine is shown and mentioned early on. I couldn't be more pleased.

This film is rare look at one of the finest collections of contemporary automata in existence. I am glad it was made and I am glad to have had the chance to share it with you.

Over the course of 224 pages, author Maurice Collins challenges the reader to guess the purpose of 100 mysterious gadgets from the past. A brief description on page accompanies a large color photograph of the strange, silly, and clever contraptions on the adjoining page. Chapters cover gadgets for:

• The Working Day
• Domestic Economy
• The Stuff of Life
• Out and About
• Body and Soul

From the book description:

Marvel at the ingenuity of the cuff holder which, as legend has it, was used by cardsharps at the poker table to hide the ace up their sleeves; find out how to make the perfect camping cuppa 1920s style; and decide whether the 1920s electric comb really could prevent hair loss. If you thought that phone cameras were a great invention find out more about the watch camera of the 1900s; if you've always found shaving too taxing, there is an automatic shaving cream filler and brush in the collection which allowed you to save time in that early morning rush to work - who knows why this never took off?

One of my favorite weekend pastimes is hunting around antique stores searching for old tools and other items. Trying to figure out the purpose of mysterious items is also a big part of the fun. It's interesting to see the huge number of ideas that have been brought to market over the years, as well as which ones never really took off. This book is like wandering through one of those antique stores, but you can do it from the comfort of your living room or nearest coffee shop. This book makes a nice gift for the gadget lover and history buff.

Here is where you can get Ingenious Gadgets: Guess the Obscure Purpose of Over 100 Eccentric Contraptions

Here is Maurice Collins's associated web site: Victorian Gadgets.com

[ Thanks Falk! ]

I posted yesterday about the book Ingenious Gadgets. No sooner had I posted than I heard from the expert on all things mechanical and kinetic, Falk Keuten, who writes the excellent Spiel und Kunst mit Mechanik blog. Herr Keuten was kind enough to inform me that the author of the book was featured in the video you see above. It's great to see pictures, but even better to see these antique contraptions on film! I was also made aware of the author Maurice Collins's associated web site called VictorianGadgets.com. The site describes itself as "A collection of bizarre, weird and unusual manufactured devices and gadgets, used in everyday life between the years of the Great exhibition of 1851 to the Festival of Britain 1951."

I should also point out that Maurice Collins is also the author of a similar book called Eccentric Contraptions: And Amazing Gadgets, Gizmos and Thingamabobs. Like the book mentioned above, this one shows you 100 bizarre and ingenious gadgets from the collection of Maurice Collins.

Here is an article on Maurice Collins by Esra Magazine. The article explains how Collins became a collector of weird, eccentric, and everyday gadgets from the past.

Here is a post about Maurice Collins from 2011 on the Spiel und Kunst mit Mechanik blog.

[ Thanks Falk! ]

It's not often I get to say that I have something that is available for sale!

I've done a few posts about this The Unwelcome Dinner Guest automaton that I made for the article I wrote for Gizmos & Gadgets magazine. Those posts are scattered about, so I decided to add a new page to the automata section of my web site. The new page features the movie you see here, some additional information about the piece, as well as some photos and early sketches I drew while designing the automaton.

As I mentioned, this piece is for sale. Details may be found on the new page.

Here is the new page on DugNorth.com for The Unwelcome Dinner Guest automaton.

There is a wonderful new book out titled Japanese Automata - Karkuri Zui: An Eighteenth Century Japanese Manual of Automatic Mechanical Devices. This book by Kazuo Murakami translates into English the unique book Karakuri Zui, originally published in 1796. The book starts with an introduction which explains the history of karakuri. What follows is a complete translation of Karakuri Zui which explained the mechanisms and methods of construction for several Japanese clocks and mechanical toys of the Edo period in Japan (1603-1867).

Murakami-San wrote to tell me about the Tumbling Acrobot automaton shown in the video above, which I've posted about in the past. He explains that the tumbling doll seems to have already been invented by the beginning of 18th century. Like many of the fine automata of the past, the Tumbling Acrobat was a toy for wealthy people. There is some evidence that the the doll was brought to Europe by the Dutch, where it was then imitated, westernized, improved, and manufactured by German toy makers to look more like this.

The great magician and automaton-maker, Robert-Houdin, bought a tumbling doll from a French toy maker. This story is recounted in the book Two Odd Volumes on Magic and Automata.

All of this information and more is covered in detail in Kazuo Murakami's new book, Japanese Automata. This soft cover book has a total of 257 pages with 104 original diagrams and drawings of the mechanical devices made during the Edo period. It has been published in a limited run of 500 copies.

Here is where you can see sample pages, reviews, and order the book Japanese Autoamta.

Check out this recent work by sculptor and automaton maker, Thomas Kuntz.The beautiful leather-bound book when opened, features a pair of well-dress skeletons dancing under the moonlit sky. The music box movement, made by the renowned Reuge company, was adapted to power the scratch-built cam and lever system that makes the skeletons dance and the moon change size. Some interesting still shots towards the end of the video show some of the artist's in-process shots.

See more automata by Thomas Kuntz on his web site.

I've received word from the folks at Cabaret Mechanical Theatre of a new exhibition featuring the work of Rodney Peppé.

I don't know how many times I've referenced his book on my own, on this blog, or to those new to the art form who are looking for a good book with which to start. I've said that if you were to have just one book on making Automata and Mechanical Toys, his would be the one to have.

While often recognized as an important author, it's not often that we get to see his work up close and personal. This new exhibit at the Ruthin Craft Centre will be just such an opportunity.

From the exhibition description:

The humorous and quintessentially British exhibits represent Peppé's creative life; from his early days as a graphic designer in London's 1960's advertising world, through to a wealth of charming children's books which he wrote and illustrated. Running concurrently throughout his visual and written work is his amazing collection of hand crafted models, toys and automata.

This is sure to be a fascinating exhibit -- one that you won't want to miss if you can make it to the area.

What: The Wonderful World of Rodney Peppé

When: March 16th – May 12th, 2013

Where:
Ruthin Craft Centre
Gallery 1, Ruthin Craft Centre
Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 1BB

Of course, the mechanism within this watch isn't wood as it was in this amazing wood pocket watch that I posted about some time ago. However, hand-cut sandalwood does make up the the band's links, bezel, crown, case, and case back. Nearly everything you can actually see is made of real wood. Despite the fact that you can buy one of these for yourself for $139.95, no two are alike. The final appearance depends on the particular piece of sandalwood harvested from sustainable plantation-based stands grown in East Africa. The watch uses an efficient Miyota quartz movement, which provides reliable time for about two-years on one battery. Six adjustable links allow for a customized fit for a variety of wrist sizes. It also comes in a smaller lady's size.

It may not go with every item in your wardrobe, but I think this thing makes a nice fashion statement. What does it say exactly? I don't know. You tell me. I just know I like it.

Here is where you can get the The Gentleman's Sandalwood Watch.

Part 1 - Scroll saw automaton project

Here is a two part video tutorial from the scrollsaw workshop of Steve Good. Part one is shown above and part two is below. In the videos, Steve teaches you how to build an automaton using a scroll saw primarily. It's a wonderful tool that is more versatile than many people realize. Here you see it put to good use. The project plans the piano player automaton are available free of charge on Steve's blog.

Part 2 - Scroll saw automaton project

These videos are a fantastic resource, no doubt about it. This project is very similar to one by Rodney Frost published in his book Making Mad Toys & Mechanical Marvels in Wood. Pages 26 through 31 of that book provide plans for a piece called The Pianist (shown at right). This could be a case of independent invention or it could be that a tip of that hat is due to Mr. Frost. So, in the interest of fairness and completeness, I will take the liberty of doing that here. If you would like to do this project, and many others, Mr. Frost's book features a dozen or more excellent automaton projects.

[ Thanks Charles! ]

Check out this amazing wooden skeleton hand project by Ronald Waters. According to the video description, the hand was made using a pattern found online. The hand parts themselves were created with a scroll saw and Dremel rotary tool.

From the video description:

This video is a test of the pull-pull cords for the fingers and the spring tensioned center cords. There is still quite a bit of work to be done before this is complete.

A hole was drilled through the center of each bone in the hand. Center cords run through each finger. These are attached to springs which hold the joints together by compressing them. Cords outside the fingers on the top and bottom act as tendons and control strings.

I'm not sure what the final product will be, but I can already tell that I'm going to like it a lot! I am looking forward to the promised updates.

[ Thanks Warren! ]

Back in December I posted about magician Pierre Mayer's new clown automaton. In the post, I explained that the illusion is a venerable one and made reference to a similar piece by Phalibois. Here is the Phalibois automaton in question.

Like Mayer's piece, this automaton depicts a clown doing a famous decapitation illusion. Because it is a much large piece, it incorporates a music box which also served to drive the mechanism. There are also a few other added surprises in store for the viewer. The automaton was made in Paris by either Henri or Jean Phalibois somewhere between 1890 and 1900. The entire things measures 33-1/2" high by 15-3/4" wide by 19-1/8" deep.

This delightful pieces is located at The Morris Museum, part of the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of Automatic Musical Instruments & Automata housed there.

I happen to be a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Colllectors (NAWCC). In addition to offering classes, regional meetings, and an excellent publication, they have an impressive museum dedicated to watches and clocks. The video above tells you a bit about their museum.

I've received word that they have issued a call for artists for an upcoming exhibition. Why post about it here? Contributing artists are asked to respond to the concept of timekeeping. Special consideration will be given to works that are functional timekeepers. As a central resource for various forms of kinetic art, this show is decidedly on-topic.

From the Call for Artists:

A Matter of Time — This exhibit invites artists to respond to the concept of timekeeping and how it is represented today. Artists are encouraged to visit the museum and www.museumoftime.org for more information. Special consideration will be given to those works that are functional timekeepers as well. So how do you as an artist respond to the concept of timekeeping?

All of the details for submitting a work of art may be found on within the official call for artist announcement. The key thing to note is that the deadline for submission is Friday August 30, 2013. You will need to get them JPEG images on CD no later than that date. There is no entry fee.

Even if you don't submit a piece or attend the show, I would encourage you to make the two hour excursion from Philadelphia, Baltimore, or Washington DC to visit the National Watch and Clock Museum. If you find yourself in Scranton or Lancaster, PA you are within minutes of the museum.

[ Thanks Aaron! ]

Today, we feature Colin Neu, an engineer who decided to use his mechanical skills to make these incredibly unique clockwork-driven pieces of art. Each piece is hand-crafted from solid brass and wood, and driven by an antique gramophone motor.

The first piece features a mechanical brass bat with flapping wings. The bat swoops down to pick up ball bearings carrying them to the top of a marble track which they slide down over and over again.

Next, a fanciful zeppelin-like vehicle made of brass and wood whirs and scoots around a table top.

This is followed by a miniature robot who leers menacingly as it walks along the tabletop. A door in its chest swings open automatically to reveal the mechanism inside.

To follow that, an alien flying a saucer hovers around and fires a small brass ray gun.

The final piece shows two brass figures adorning the top of a the wind up automaton. The piece depicts a decapitation scene, not unlike the paper version created by Keith Newstead. The arms swinging after the fatal blow is a nice touch.

The gorgeous brass metal work, finely finished woods, robust mechanical motors, and keen aesthetics make these pieces truly exceptional. Well done!

Whether or not you want to eat the candy that comes from the back of this dog-shaped dispenser is up to you. I do love the woodwork and design of this mechanical candy dispenser. Later in the the video you get a cut-away view of the mechanism which is really cool.

I recalled seeing a reindeer candy dispenser that worked something like this, so I looked it up on Amazon. Sure enough, it's out there, but that's just the beginning! There would appear to be an crazy assortment of pooping candy dispensers!

[ Thanks Charles! ]

There is going to be a fantastic exhibition from the collections of The Modern Automata Museum at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome(MACRO) starting next week.

The exhibit will feature works by Malcolm Brooks, Luca De Pascalis, Marina Gigli, Neil Hardy, Marc Horowitz, Rob Ives, Peter Markey, Keith Newstead, Rennie Orsi, Walter Ruffler, Keisuke Saka, Paul Spooner, Susie Stolpe, Carlos Zapata, Eric Williamson, and Guido Accascina.

That is a lineup of some of the top artists in the world of contemporary automata. This is an exhibit you will not want to miss!

What:
Automata Al Macro: Sculture Meccaniche in Movimento

When:
February 16th to March 24th

Where:
Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome (MACRO)

For more information:
Email: info@modernautomatamuseum.com
Visit: www.modernautomatamuseum.com

Need something to do on a cold February weekend? Why not head over to the web site of paper enginneer Rob Ives and download the entertaining paper automaton shown in the video?

Too Much Coffee is an paper animation kit that you can download and print out from your computer. To do this project you will need to have some thin card stock paper, scissors, and some Elmer's glue. A cutting board and an X-acto knife will also make things much easier. The Too Much Coffee kit comes with two files: a full set of illustrated, step-by-step instructions and a file containing all the parts that you will need to print, front and back on six sheets of card stock.

Here is where you can purchase and download the Too Much Coffee paper animation kit. If you think you may make more than a couple of these models, you might want to consider getting a membership to RobIves.com.

While it's not kinetic or mechanical this is another cool project from Joe Freedman who brought us the Weird Gears box set, the PrimoGraf drawing machine, and The Two Odd Volumes on Magic & Automata. This latest venture is a laser cut book that can also serve as a shadow theatre. He's raising funds for the project via Kickstarter and only has a few days left.

It's a cool project in its own right. It would make an excellent gift, I think. Also, I believe that supporting any of Joe Freedman's projects is likely to lead to more mechanical goodness down the road! Here is the Kickstarter page for the Hansel & Gretel shadow theatre book.