Making Jewel Thief

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    Rough ideas in pencil, shapes and mechanisms

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    Developing the idea. Hinge designs

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    Final mechanism idea using Inkflow app on the iPad

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    More sketches around the box mechanism

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    Play-Doh used to work up shape and size

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    Top view of Play-Doh model.

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    Initial ideas on mechanism made in plywood to test principle.

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    Improved design in plywood.

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    developing design, wing size and positioning

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    body and wings designed in Blender and inc cut.

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    Tiny brass hinges made from 0.3mm brass plate

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    Wing hinged to body.

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    Internal mechanism painted with wax finish acrylic varnish together with 3mm brass pins for axles

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    Bird mechanism in place.

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    Prototype bird tested for functionality.

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    Box cut from oak.

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    Brass mechanism with nylon roller inside box.

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    Jewellery tray cut from solid beech.

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    Finished automaton. Tray painted with 2 shades of blue acrylic, finished with a gold misting.

    More pictures of finished piece here.