A simple automaton. A revisiting of the first of my automata adventures bringing it up to date with the style of my other pieces. To ensure a smooth motion I make brass axle ends that run in delrin, engineering plastic, bushings. All parts are finished with several coats of acrylic lacquer. When I first started making automata I used pine wood as it is easily available in convenient thicknesses. Now I use beech and lime wood and here an oak table for him to bang on. I also make proper rotating crank handles from mahogany. Originally I made fixed handles. The gears, painted red, are cut from high quality birch plywood. The plywood is much more stable than wood from the plank so shrinkage or expansion due to changes in humidity do not affect the smooth running of the automaton. The box is made from birch ply for the same reason. The last picture show the usual creative chaos on my workbench.
This automaton is available to purchase in the SHOP

I also sell plans for a simplified version of this automaton. They show step by step how to build it using wooden axles, pin gears and a simple to carve head. These plans also form a basis for making your own designs. Available in the SHOP