Here’s an unusual goal for a project – nothing. Though designed for apparently no productive results, the simple hand-operated Do-Nothing (aka Kentucky Do-Nothing) is capable of drawing ellipses if outfitted with a writing implement – plus it could definitely teach those new to basic woodworking a thing or two. In fact making a do-nothing is quite definitely doing something! Yah, anyways –
This is a fairly easy machine to build. Takes a few hours to cut out the pieces and a few more to glue together and let dry. I have chosen a simple layered design so that those without a router or other means of cutting a T slot could easily complete this project.
So, don’t just sit there – go make
13 thoughts on “How-To: Make a “do-nothing” machine”
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I was just thinking about one of these two days ago. I was in a conversation about science museums for children. I remember one of these from the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia (at least that’s where I think the one I’m remembering was). It occurred to me that I should make one sometime.
I made one of those in high school wood shop. The book I found it in called it a “rectilinear reciprocater”. I actually had to call it an ellipse drawing jig to get it past the teacher. “Do-nothing” projects weren’t allowed.
Ahh. The BS grinder, a useful tool for twiddling while you tell your stories. At least that’s the local nomenclature.
We called it a BS grinder in Metal Shop. The goal of the BS grinder was to teach everyone all the basics of the shop. Aluminum forging, drilling, Welding, etc. Great project!
If you keep building these things for long enough, this is where you’ll end up…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7ziwuIpnVY
Ha.
I modeled one of these in my Solidworks class last year.
Good practice.
I saw a giant (maybe 50 feet “turning diameter”) one of these as part of a art installation at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, a few years ago. It was quite heavy and had an interesting feel to turn. It slid on what looked like ‘kiddie train’ rails.
(if the artist is a Make reader, speak up!)
Paint mixer? Butter Churn ? Device for mixing marbles?
I bet its a great idea for someone new to wood work. Judging by the video it could be used to teach and demonstrate alot of useful concepts!
[…] trick ear. She had a Round Tuit (“I’ll do it when I get a round tuit.”) and a B.S. Grinder, and many other knickknacks with her own brand of humor and sentimental value. She had boyfriends […]
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