Making Simple Automata

Designing and making successful automata involves combining materials, mechanisms and magic. 'Making Simple Automata 'book explains how to design and construct small scale, simple mechanical devices made for fun. Materials such as paper and card, wood, wire, tinplate and plastics are covered along with mechanisms - levers and linkages, cranks and cams, wheels, gears, pulleys, springs, ratchets and pawls. This wonderful book is illustrated with examples throughout and explains the six golden rules for making automata alongside detailed step-by-step projects. Topics covered include: ? Materials - paper and card, wood, wire, tinplate and plastics ? Mechanisms - levers and linkages, cranks and cams, wheels, gears, pulleys, springs, ratchets and pawls ? Magic - an unanalyzable charm, a strong fascination so that the whole is more than the sum of its parts ? AUTHOR: Robert Race has been a full-time maker for more than thirty years. His work, including automata, kinetic sculpture and moving toys, has been widely exhibited. He has been an active member of the British Toymakers Guild since 1991. 110 colour photographs