Jaw-dropping fully articulated machined figurines
In brass and stainless steel. From Mark Ho of Zoho International Artforms. Thank you, Mark, for inspiring us all. [via The Automata / Automaton Blog]
CNC & Machining
The latest DIY ideas, techniques and tools for the manufacture of metal, wood, plastic, ceramic and composites. We talk about machining, using a lathe to machine metals like steel, brass, and aluminium. We make chips fly!
Fully automatic electric crossbow
I normally try to steer clear of weapons-related posts, but this “full auto” crossbow from YouTuber TheDuckman666 was too cool to pass up. There’s lots more crossbow-y goodness on his personal site. [via The Automata / Automaton Blog]
FPS gaming with actual firearms
Though it sort of negates some of the best aspects of video gaming, this experiment from Waterloo Labs does outline a useful method for mapping projectile impacts on a projection screen using accelerometers. As suggested at the end of the above vid, there a number of infinitely safer methods for registering the desired mouse clicks […]
Theo Gray on electrochemical machining
In this Boing Boing Video, PopSci columnist and author of the splendid and high-recommend Theo Gray’s Mad Science, explains how electrochemical machining (ECM) works and shows off a rig he put together to do ECM in his shop. The entire how-to can be found at popsci.com. Carve Steel with Saltwater, Electricity and a Tin Earring […]
“Earth Tremor Detector” objet d’art
Jim Seller’s made this amazing box full of gorgeously-machined art-widgets as a gift for a friend. It doesn’t actually do anything, except make people feel really good looking at the craftsmanship and love involved. Jim wanted to make something in the style of a 19th century scientific instrument. He calls it the ETD (Earth Tremor […]
Car Wars IRL
I knew it was only a matter of time before Car Wars, Mad Max, and dozens of video games featuring weaponized vehicles, came to television. On May 11th, the producers of Mythbusters will be bringing Weaponizers, a three-part series, to the little screen. Two teams will design, build, and send into remotely-controlled combat, lethally-outfitted vehicles. […]
Round-up of gear-making books
Automata artist Dug North has posted a round-up of books related to gear-making and is looking for suggestions for others. After seeing the beautiful use of gears in Bill Durovchic’s kinetic sculpture, I started looking for books on gears. The following books all look good and get great ratings from Amazon’s vast customer base. Additional […]
