Sand automata are an obsession of mine. I’ve made an acrobat that worked pretty well and am now trying to make a dancing lady version based on a similar toy from the 1900’s. You want the hole in the hopper to be fairly small, and the wheel can also be fairly small if the thing you are spinning is light. The old toys were generally paper figures with an extra layer of glass protecting them. If you find the right ratio, the figure will perform a long time…much longer than a wound spring toy. Thank you for a great explanation of how these work!
Sand automata are an obsession of mine. I’ve made an acrobat that worked pretty well and am now trying to make a dancing lady version based on a similar toy from the 1900’s. You want the hole in the hopper to be fairly small, and the wheel can also be fairly small if the thing you are spinning is light. The old toys were generally paper figures with an extra layer of glass protecting them. If you find the right ratio, the figure will perform a long time…much longer than a wound spring toy. Thank you for a great explanation of how these work!
Super cool! I’m about to take a dive into the world of Automata! Your vids are gonna be helpful!
Glad to hear it!
I love this!! I too have never heard of these!! How funtastic!!!
It was lots of fun and really easy! Have a go!
SPACESHIP SPACESHIP SSDSPPPPAAAACCCCCEEEESSSHHHHIIIIPPPPPP!!!.
Super fun video. Would be cool to make a cat chasing a mouse.
That's a really good idea! Glad you enjoyed it x
Weeeeeeee!
SPACESHIIIIP!!