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Making Simple Automata

A superb book that explains how to design and construct small scale, simple mechanical devices for fun—perfect for toy makers, woodworkers, crafters, and tinkerers Designing and making successful automata involves combining materials, mechanisms, and magic. Illustrated with color photos throughout, this wonderful book explains the six golden rules for making automata alongside detailed step-by-step projects. Many materials are discussed, including paper and card, wood, wire, tinplate, and plastics; mechanisms discussed include levers and linkages, cranks and cams, wheels, gears, pulleys, springs, ratchets, and pawls. Finally, there is the magic—an unanalyzable charm, a strong fascination so that the whole is more than the sum of its parts.

Paperback: 96 pages

Publisher: Crowood Press (October 1, 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1847977448

ISBN-13: 978-1847977441

Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 0.2 x 9.5 inches

Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #95,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #17 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Dolls, Toys & Figurines > Toys #63 in Books > Computers & Technology > Computer Science > Robotics #80 in Books > Engineering & Transportation > Engineering > Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems > Robotics & Automation

Interesting, and very nice photos - what's really annoying about this book is that he shows photos of beautiful "very simple" automata - but his directions at the end of the book are for making a couple of unattractive, unappealing and quite complicated pieces that I have no desire to attempt. It seems like a deliberate attempt to frustrate interest - he could have helped, but he didn't. Thanks a lot, Robert.

Great variety of working automata. I made one of the projects shown, though not really step-by-step tutorial. You do need to analyze the illustrations to see how mechanisms and linkages are assembled. I'd say it's a great book for a beginner to intermediate woodworker with a self-starting attitude.

This a great book with lots of how to information. I covers history, lots of good examples, and detailed how to make tips and instruction. It also provides inspiration by showing cleaver automata made with found objects and simple mechanisms.

Fantastic book! The author walks you through how different gears and levers are used and made and the the practical applications using the direct models! Great book for anyone trying their hand at these wonderful automatons!

I was expecting more instruction and less fluff. But it's ok.

Lots of pretty pictures, but not much how-to. Find a good (older) book on toys and crafts and you'll be better off.

I am working with paper and cardboard now but may get to wood and wire. Will be very helpful then.

This book presents a wide variety of automata, from rustic to clean modern. There are not many instructions on building them, but the photos and descriptions themselves are an inspiration. A lovely, useful little book.

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