Shopsmith Forums

One of my never ending projects is this wooden machine that does a lot, but really nothing.
It has shafts, sprockets with chain, levers, gears, etc. All made out of woods of different kinds. When you crank the handle they all move but serve no function. The whole thing has no metal parts and a few wooden pins so I can disassemble the whole in order to add something more to the right or left. It is simply a study of how things move (up and down, or side-ways as well as around and around). There are gears that have dowel pins for 90 degree turns and a 'intermittent' moving gear (shown in front) and lots more; (including an oil derrick).

NICE but I think this is one better, cant find the one I want but!!!
http://www.woodenclocks.co.uk/
and these, but have no idea, or kinda what it would to make yours and these, all hair pullers!!!!
https://www.google.com/search?q=wooden+ ... 35#imgrc=_

ERLover wrote:NICE but I think this is one better, cant find the one I want but!!!
http://www.woodenclocks.co.uk/
and these, but have no idea, or kinda what it would to make yours and these, all hair pullers!!!!
https://www.google.com/search?q=wooden+ ... 35#imgrc=_

Really?

John, what ya mean??? I could if I researched and put my mind and skills to it. So please explain.

Regardless of it's purpose(or lack thereof) it is beautiful work and an inspiration to us all.

I concur!!!!

Jacob that is very cool ! Let us all remember that a work of art need not serve any function other than bringing joy to the beholder.
Paul

I recall that when I started this project someone asked me if I could make a wooden chain and sprocket.
When I did, it resulted in a lot more, as you can see.
I kept in mind the challenge of not using metal parts, and yet wanted to be able to disassemble things when I need to. Hence the dowel pins, etc.

I know about all sorts of wooden clocks and they look like interesting projects, to be sure. But in my case I don't follow plans, I just wing it and add what comes to mind (like bouncing balls, and dancing maidens, and flying saucers, and . . . .

Since you expressed some interest today, let me add a couple more pictures and comments. Here I have removed part of the frame to show the inside. I must admit that there are a few pieces that used glue. The leaf spring, for example, to provide some tension to the idler for the chain.
The idler is barely visible as a simple wheel with a blunt edge. I have always been fascinated by what can be done with linkages and cams, so I had to include some of those. In the top picture you can see a cam and follower to provide up and down motion to the part hanging at the end. I had several ideas what to do from there but now I forgot. Just don't ask me what comes next but I am willing to listen.

I love it.