Project Notes:
Uses “old school” construction techniques. Involves cutting out paper patterns and gluing them to wood which is then cut on a scrollsaw. I don’t own a scrollsaw.
Materials can be tricky to find since they tend to be specified in metric units and call for thicknesses like 3/8" and 5/8".
I used a CNC to cut the frame, body and head. Converted everything else (cams, followers, arms, etc.) to vectors and laser-cut from layers of 1/4" birch ply or 1/8" Baltic Birch.
Also used a 3D printer for more realistic-looking pointing hand and clenched fist. Redesigned the nose and ears to look better. Added a laser-cut tie and white shirt front. Most importantly, added “googly eyes”.
Love the realistic motions of the speaker. Opening/closing his mouth. Looking side to side. Gesturing with his right arm and slamming his fist on the tabletop periodically.
Didn’t like composition of a chart or sign behind the speaker. It’s a narrow piece and the man obscures the message. Decided to add a “floor” to the piece and and offset an easel/sign to the side of the podium. Flocked the floor to give the appearance of carpeting.
Spent a lot of time translating the design to a Sketchup 3D model. Helps immeasurably with understanding precise arrangement of mechanism (there’s a lot going on underneath).
Working on a second build that is fully laser-cut and uses a 3D printed head in addition to the hands. I like the charm of the wooden head but it was a lot of effort to get right.
Some pictures and a couple videos attached. Check for the appearance of a feline cameo in one video!
). The animation is pretty stellar too.
