Make Your Own Amazing Mechanical Toys

This practical book is a guide to making five kinetic, mechanical marvels. It combines basic mechanical principles with shaping and fitting components crafted from timbers and manufactured boards. Step-by-step instructions explain each project so that a simple push or pull action will magically bring the design to life. . Guide to the workshop, including useful power tools for the toymaker and craftsperson . Qualities, characteristics and uses of timbers and manufactured boards . An introduction to basic motion and mechanisms such as cams, cranks, levers and linkages to generate motion and movement in a wheeled toy . Useful construction and workshop techniques such as production aids for wheel-making . Painting and finishing techniques, and ideas to bring your designs to life AUTHOR: Michael Screen has been a secondary school teacher, toymaker and craftsperson for over thirty years. He is a member of the British Toymakers Guild, and has taught kinetic toymaking and automata to both children and adults. His designs are simple, robust and combine an enthusiasm for mechanism, timber sculpting and decoration. 141 colour photographs