Workshop Notes

2009-09-10T21:46:00.004+01:00

Workshop notes has moved house!
Click here to visit the

New home for Workshop Notes

Gift Cover for Too Much Coffee

2009-09-09T18:49:00.003+01:00

New blog entry

T-shirt

2009-09-07T20:45:00.003+01:00

Latest Workshop Notes Entry

Research

2009-09-04T20:06:00.001+01:00

Reindeer Ride

2009-09-03T18:49:00.003+01:00

Workshop Notes is now at www.robives.com. See you there!

Setting up Shop

2009-09-02T16:12:00.002+01:00

Work continues apace on the robives.com site. Not much to see up front at the moment but it is coming along. I've settled with e-junkie as the store, they're the one I'm using now on the fp site. They work well and are unobtrusive. The only thing I don't like is the name - what were they thinking!
So - I've set up a simple store frame work where I can easily new products. Each product is its own node (drupal speak for thing) This will let be search, sort and display a whole load of products without having to continually edit whole swathes of website.
I'm working on user profiles next.
I'm leaving the theming until later when the contents of the site are more settled.
The shop part is fully working though not polished.
Things to add to the site:
Recent images - thumbnails of photos related paper models, linking to a gallery.
Tell a friend - I'm fairly sure there is a Drupal module that will take care of this.
Mechanisms - The fp mechanisms section is searchable, sortable format.
This blog? - It would probably make sense to integrate this website into the ri site.

Working on the web

2009-08-31T20:49:00.003+01:00

Mainly been doing research today, finding out how to develop themes in Drupal. I've also been ratching around on the web looking for ideas. I've started sketching up some bits and pieces - oh, and I've installed Ubercart on the new website so, not actually as unproductive as I thought. Meanwhile, my one true love starts work as a deputy head teacher tomorrow, first born daughter has just had her GCSE results - 13 As and Bs! She's starting at the sixth form this week. And first born son is starting his new secondary school.
All change!

Website

2009-08-28T20:21:00.005+01:00

Back to work on the new website. The Flying Pig website is based on static pages and has become too complex to manage. What I need is a database driven site. After exploring various option, it had come down to a choice between Drupal and Wordpress.
The final decision was swayed by advice from my true love.
"True Love" I said, "Drupal or Wordpress?"
"Well," she replied, "You hate Word with a passion, and WordPress has the word 'Word' in it, so I think you should go with Drupal."
"Sage words indeed" said I.
Drupal it is.

Sumo!

2009-08-27T09:50:00.003+01:00

Another new model for you to download, print out and make. You may remember the mysterious pictures on Workshop Notes earlier this year. The Sumo game is now available on the Canon website.
Two players tap on levers at the side of the ring, these in turn vibrate the ring moving the characters around as they fight to throw their opponent from the circle.
Download it here.

TMC complete!

2009-08-26T14:20:00.003+01:00

The model "Too Much Coffee" is now ready for download on the Flying Pig Website. I hope you enjoy it!

TMC - YouTube

2009-08-25T21:12:00.001+01:00

Just the instructions to complete, should be ready tomorrow :-)

TMC colour

2009-08-24T20:42:00.002+01:00

Too Much Coffee - in technicolor!^TM
The sun has gone down now so rather than getting the studio lights out, I'll wait till the dawn of a new day to finish the model off. What do you think?!

Traipsing

2009-08-21T20:37:00.003+01:00

I've spent the day traipsing round Ikea with my true love. Fun. On my return the work task has been to add the numbering to the Too Much Coffee model. There is only so many times I can show pictures of a page scrawled with numbers. If you are interested have a look at some of the previous posts.
I'm still undecided about Wordpress or Drupal for the new www.robives.com website. I'm heading slowly towards Wordpress, mainly for the ease of updating. I'm currently reading the book , WordPress Theme Design
I've tried to find a suitable WordPress theme but none do quite what I want. Looks like I'll be designing my own. Fun. Really this time.

TMC prototype

2009-08-20T16:22:00.004+01:00

Okay, I've added the box and the mechanism, all seems to be going quite well. There is a YouTube video here.
I have a few bits and pieces to change, the body is too deep front to back, I need to add some colour obviously. The arms need bending at the elbows a bit more and some of the internal structure needs tidying up.
Any other suggestions gratefully received.
That's it for today. Going to see 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at the theatre in Keswick.
Ill met by moonlight, proud Titania.

Big Head

2009-08-19T19:47:00.004+01:00

I've scanned all the parts of the character and converted then into an Illustrator file. I've made the head 20% bigger, added a caffeine molecule motif to the shirt and made a hat that fits!
I'll be working on the base and the actual mechanism tomorrow.
Looking good! (Though I say so myself.)

Various Heads

2009-08-18T19:24:00.006+01:00

Not much work done today I'm afraid - family take precedence :-)
However, I have been experimenting with heads, I'm quite pleased with the hair, though the head is a little tall. I prefer the top hat on the head with hair and finally - I really like the propeller hat. (thanks Neal!) This hat is maybe half a size too large and the rings of colour are a little wavy. I'll drop the size by 95% and see if I can sort the lines out. Time for a glass of red.

Topper

2009-08-17T15:21:00.003+01:00

Too Much Coffee

2009-08-17T12:46:00.003+01:00

New model - Too Much Coffee.
This is a character based model with a simple movement. He'll be standing on a shallow box with a crank handle. Turn the handle and the character vibrates as if wired from too much coffee.
I'm trying to work out how to do the top of the head. Hair? Hat?

Swine Flew Complete

2009-08-11T12:38:00.001+01:00

Completed model, just the instructions to do.

Swine Colours

2009-08-10T13:42:00.003+01:00

I've completed the full colour page layouts, thay look a bit garish here because they are converted from CMYK colour model to RGB colour model.
I'll cut out the parts this afternoon and start on the instructions.

Numbering done

2009-08-07T16:28:00.003+01:00

I've assembled all the parts for the Swine Flew model. While I put the model together I noted where each part attached and made a note of this by adding a number onto a print out of the parts pages. I'll transfer these numbers onto the Illustrator file next. Hope I haven't made any mistakes!

Numbering

2009-08-07T11:28:00.003+01:00

I've finished making final adjustments to the parts. I've spent the morning cutting out parts ready for a test assemble. Been watching Man on Wire whilst cutting. Interesting film. The eponymous man on wire is just driven.

Swine Flew Prototype

2009-08-06T18:05:00.003+01:00

I've completed the first stage of the new Swine Flew model. The movement needs a little tweaking then it'll be time to add colour and graphics to the design. I'll complete the model by numbering the parts to help with assembly and taking a full set of assembly pictures. Should be finished soon, though I do need to take Elliot kayaking tomorrow.
I filmed the clip in our conservatory with the dark interior of our house as the backdrop. At the end of the clip you can hear our neighbour laughing. Though not at the model.

Swine Flew 2

2009-08-02T20:51:00.002+01:00

More work on the Swine Flew model. The front and back legs are linked together so they move in unison, the back legs are then attached via a bell crank to what will be the top of the box so they move back and forth as the pig goes up and down.
The wings are moved by a concentric cam that fits round the main crank - you can see it and the bottom of the picture with the four lobes. I have the cam follower to design, then the box. I'm away for a couple of days so I'll be carrying that on on Wednesday.

Swine Flew

2009-08-01T19:49:00.003+01:00

Swine Flew. It was inevitable I suppose, from one type of Flying Pig comes the swine that flew. A complete reworking. New pig, new shape, new movement and new mechanism. More info coming soon.

Back from my Hols!

2009-07-28T15:41:00.002+01:00

Logic Goats

Logic gates in goaty paper form! The central processing unit lies at the heart of every computer, a vast collection of microscopically small switches and logic-gates.

Presented here are the and-goat the or-goat and the not-goat The and-goat will nod his head only in you press the right button AND the left button. The or-goat nods his head if you press the left button OR the right button OR both buttons. The not-goat nods his head if you are NOT pressing the button.

Download all three models, print onto thin card then cut out and assemble following the clear, fully illustrated instructions. You'll need some small coins to act as weights, PVA glue ( white school glue), scissors, ruler and a sharp knife.

...More Details

Competition - Last Chance to Enter

Your chance to win £10 worth of Downloadable models!

Enter our free competition for a chance to win a £10 download token. Competition closes 31st July.

More details here...

Workshop Notes.

Keep an eye on Workshop Notes, the Flying Pig Blog. There is information about upcoming models, advice on tools and techniques and information about other cardboard models.

More details here...

Verge

2009-07-13T20:18:00.003+01:00

Early prototype of a verge or crown escapement. The crown part is made from a laminate of three layers of card. At the moment there is too much play in the bearings but the principle seems sound. I'll complete a rebuild in the morning.

More goat

2009-07-12T15:07:00.002+01:00

More goaty fun!

Goat

2009-07-02T21:02:00.002+01:00

I've been making a moving goat model today. I've done it free-hand rather than on the computer, cutting out pieces, trimming them to shape and gluing them together. Once complete, I've had the disheartening task of cutting the model to bits ready to be scanned. I'm always worried that I won't remember where all the bits go!

2009-06-30T20:26:00.004+01:00

30th June 2009

New! Pterosaur!

Paper Pterosaur. A fun model for you to download, print out and make.

Turn the handle on the box and the Pterosaur flaps his wings to fly, just like they used to do in prehistoric times.

The model uses a cam shaft and four bar linkage to to make the wings flap and the Pterosaur rise up and down.

...More Details

I've followed the herd onto twitter. Sign up for my occasional tweets at twitter.com/robives. Let's see if I can get my followers into double figures!

Out for Testing

2009-06-29T21:19:00.002+01:00

I've done the instructions and page layouts for the Pterosaur model. Just need to complete proof reading and create the relevant web pages. Not long now!

Higham

2009-06-24T19:29:00.010+01:00

I'm doing a couple of craft session on paper engineering at Higham Hall on Thursday and Friday. I'm not really sure about who the participants will be so I've got together a few different projects so hopefuly there'll be something to suit all tastes.

Paper Moose

I'm doing a mono version. This is a fairly simple automata model so I have some vague hopes that it could be completed within the three hours allowed.
Template here:
Instructions here:

Head

2009-06-22T20:02:00.002+01:00

It's been one of those days where you look back and say "Is that all I've done!?" Builders are working out the back with the addition of the the electricians this morning. On top of that the dish washer has broken down so needed fixing and I've had to catch up on a backlog of house work. Such it the lot of the home worker.
Anyway, in the small chinks of available time I've sorted out the head for the giraffe model. As the head goes down it folds away so that the nose doesn't catch on the box. I've also linked the ears in so that they fold away as well.
I'm not sure if I'll get this finished tomorrow as per my original plan as I need to do some prep. work for Higham Hall. I'm running a couple of Paper Engineering sessions on Thursday and Friday. Should be fun!
I'm trying hard not to think about escapements.
One (or at least less than five) project at a time.

Extend

2009-06-21T21:05:00.003+01:00

A quick model to extend the 'Boxer' range. I'm making a giraffe in a box with long, extending neck. The neck is made from four telescopic sections.
To stop the tubes from over extending and popping out I've added a zig-zag of card inside the tube which works as a strap to hold the tube in place.
I'm making on a fold down head next which will pop up when the neck reaches full extension. The model then needs some colour and a set of instructions.
Should be available from the site soon!

Making a strong flat surface

2009-06-13T14:55:00.002+01:00

The surface of my current project (more of which at a later date) needs to be flat and rigid. Card is not not a naturally rigid material so an engineering solution is called for. Taking a lead from corrugated cardboard I've added tube sections to the structure. The tubes running left to right make the shape rigid in that direction but it could still flex top to bottom. To fix this I added a couple of triangle section at 90 degrees to to the other stiffeners. The end result is a lightweight but rigid surface - perfect!

Eagle

2009-06-12T20:37:00.002+01:00

Sneak peak at a nearly ready model. Coming soon!

Origami Crane

2009-06-09T10:10:00.002+01:00

I was sent this pre-printed origami crane model. The instructions are in Japanese but the diagrams were clear enough.
Delightful - thanks Sally!

Paper Chess

2009-05-11T20:25:00.002+01:00

Last year I did some work for Ivy Press on a proposed book called Paper Chess. The book contains a section on the rules of the game as well as a set of pieces to pop out and make. To complete the set, there is a full size board in the back of the book. It's been a while but the book is now available for pre-order from Amazon.
Check!

Using Google Maps with Flickr

2009-04-29T21:32:00.003+01:00

Okay - not strictly part of Workshop notes, but it is what I've been doing today so I'll post it up here. I've been trying to view my flickr pictures on google maps : This is what I've got so far:

I'm unimpressed with Yahoo maps, especially in our area. I want to be able to display my flickr pics on google maps preferably by providing a simple link that I can add to my blog or send to friends.
These are the steps I've gone through to make a suitable link.
1: Make an RSS feed from your flickr site. To make a feed which will contain your most recently uploaded pictures
a) Go to the bottom of your Your Photostream page and click on Subscribe to name's photostream - Latest. This will open the rss feed in your browser window.
b) Select and copy the web address from the browser address bar.
c) Copy this address to your favourite text editor. In my case I get this

http://api.flickr.com/services/feeds/photos_public.gne?id=48795569@N00&lang=en-us&format=rss_200

to use this to within google maps you need to add the line &georss=true to the end giving:

http://api.flickr.com/services/feeds/photos_public.gne?id=48795569@N00&lang=en-us&format=rss_200&georss=true

2) At this point you can simply paste this into the google maps search box and click search. All the geotagged pictures in your rss feed will be shown in place on a google map. By default the RSS feed shows the 20 most recent pictures you have added to flickr. Only geotagged pictures will be shown on the google map. The rest are ignored.

(To view the 20 most recently added geotagged pictures select the geoFeed link when choosing the rss feed in step 1a)

3) To make a link from this rss feed so that you can add it to your blog you need to add http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q= to the beginning of the rss feed address:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=http://api.flickr.com/services/feeds/photos_public.gne?id=48795569@N00&lang=en-us&format=rss_200&georss=true

At this point you need to change the ampersand characters(&) and replace them with %26

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=http://api.flickr.com/services/feeds/photos_public.gne?id=48795569@N00%26lang=en-us%26format=rss_200%26georss=true

Paste the above into your blog to make a link
You can change the way them map is displayed by adding a whole variety of different parameters. They are layed out in detail on the Mapki website.
For example, to force the map to view as a satellite image add the text t=k into the string after the first question mark. You'll need to separate each parameter with an ampersand (&) you don't need to use %26 as long as you are before the q= parameter.
eg. http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?t=k&q=http://api.flickr.com/services/feeds/photos_public.gne?id=48795569@N00%26lang=en-us%26format=rss_200%26georss=true
the z= parameter controls the amount of zoom. Try z=15:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?z=15&t=k&q=http://api.flickr.com/services/feeds/photos_public.gne?id=48795569@N00%26lang=en-us%26format=rss_200%26georss=true
The's lots more to find out on this . I hope this starting point is helpful!

Forum Move

2009-04-27T12:43:00.002+01:00

I have moved the Flying Pig forum to it's new home. Don't worry - all the old posts are still there! I had originally intended to create a new forum using drupal, the backbone of the www.robives.com but in the end decided against it. PHPBB, the framework behind the existing forum is excellent. And the contents of the current forum are great (thanks folks :-) So - after a bit a backing up, copying and restoring the whole thing has moved house. See you there!
Rob

Adjustable Giraffe

2009-03-14T18:40:00.003Z

This is what the rack and pinion was invented for. Forget steering mechanisms or pillar drills. the rack an pinion is the perfect mechanism to allow the length of a giraffe's neck to be adjusted.

2009-02-24T13:42:00.002Z

Here's Schrodinger's Cat as featured in the Polish edition of Focus magazine this month.
That explains the sudden spike in sales. :-)

Progress

2009-02-21T16:51:00.002Z

I've got hold of 'Using Drupal', one of the excellent O'Reilly books and, once I got passed the hideous management speak ("We will use this to leverage the database" - yuck) it is really rather good.
After afrustrating day yesterday I really think I'm getting the hang.
The offer of coffee and food still stands.

Drupal

2009-02-20T19:17:00.000Z

I seem to have settled on Drupal as my content management system of choice. I'm at the frustrating, I-know-nothing-and-really-don't-know-where-to-start stage.
I just know that if I spent a day with someone who knew what they were doing I could cover the ground work and get started.
If there is anyone in the Cumbria area of the UK who fancies swapping some really good coffee and so good food for a days Drupal tuition, let me know!

Web Site Standards

2009-02-12T12:57:00.003Z

I'm doing a major overhaul on the website. When I originally learned web design it was all table based. These days such things are frowned on. So, I've read up on CSS and content management systems, found out about about web standards and discovered Drupal.
You can follow work as it progresses on www.robives.com. There's not much to see yet but keep checking back to watch the progress.

Now you see it...

2009-01-31T18:03:00.002Z

I'll be having a fairly major overhaul of the website over the next two or three months. One of the things that will be changing is that models that are currently available as both downloads and printed kits are going to be phased out. (should that be ph or f?) Once complete those models will only be available as printed kits. In the meantime, as a special offer, you can buy all three models for the special price of £4.99 for the three downloads.
This offer will finish at the end of Feb at which time the downloads will be withdrawn and the models will only be available as printed kits. Click here to download your models now.

Completing the Set

2009-01-29T14:19:00.002Z

Truncated platonic solids to go with the platonic solids set and stellated platonic solids.
Nearly done

'tis done

2009-01-23T18:12:00.004Z

The caffeine molecule is done - ready for you to download, print out and make.
Have fun!

Did you guess?

2009-01-22T13:40:00.003Z

Yep. It's a caffeine molecule. Each atom is a truncated octahedron. Red is oxygen, blue nitrogen, black carbon and white is hydrogen.
Parts to download coming soon.

Atoms

2009-01-21T20:32:00.003Z

Enough atoms for a fairly sizeable molecule.
Can you see what it is yet?

Over Engineering

2009-01-15T17:58:00.005Z

I've not done much work today - I've been fiddling with my coffee machine.(YouTube Flickr) That's the advantage of working for yourself, I can easily justify the time spent on the grounds (NPI) that good coffee helps me work better. I only need to convince me.
I've been thinking though, and I reckon I'm going up a blind alley with the flip flop goat. It seems excessively complicated. And what's worse, I don't think it will work reliably. The picture shows the base unit, the vertical piece will connect to the goat and push the head up and down. The length could be a problem. As it's so high errors lower down are going to be multiplied. I've had an idea how to overcome this. More details tomorrow.

No Help from the Cat

2009-01-14T16:12:00.002Z

She's been no help at all, either lying across the cutting board or on the computer keyboard. Still, it's better than when she's actually attacking the model and filling it with little tooth holes.

Bistable Goat

2009-01-09T13:56:00.002Z

I'm working on mechanisms to extend the Logic Goats series. Starting with a bistable (flip flop). Press the button on the goat and she nods. Press it again and her head comes back up. The YouTube video you see here is perhaps the third stage prototype. the head fits onto the see-saw piece, top right. There are a couple of things that still need fixing before it can be moulded into a goat shaped chassis. Notice that I have to 'help' the vertical pushrod into position. I'll change the design of the base to solve that problem.
Once this one is complete I'm planning on doing an xor goat and a nand goat.

2009-01-06T09:37:00.002Z

The body of a frog with four bar linkages as arms. The arms go up too high at the moment. The Geometry will need to be changed.
I'm trying to work out how to make a frogs head.

Old news

2009-01-05T18:29:00.002Z

Andrew (Brother in Law) gave me a copy of this magazine over the Christmas. New Civil Engineer asked ages ago if they could use the Mechanical Gentleman in their magazine for the bicentenary of Brunel's birth. I was happy to give permission. This cover - from April 2006- is the result.
Happy (really late) birthday Isambard Kingdom Brunel!

Dummies

2008-12-30T17:10:00.003Z

I've been sent a picture of the latest cover for the dummies book. Looking good!
We're on the final run up to printing ready for March 2009. I've had two lots of draft pdfs to look at - one final set due next week then that's it. All the files then go to the printer and the presses are run.
You can preorder Paper Engineering and Pop-ups for Dummies from all good booksellers.^{(AMZN-UK, AMZN-US B&N)}

More snow

2008-12-16T08:28:00.001Z

I've finished the page layouts and instructions for the Snowman sculpture.
I'm using the new version of Adobe Illustrator CS4. What a difference!
Multi-page documents at last. In the past I've had to create each page as a separate document then assemble the whole within InDesign. Now I have the whole document in front of me and can easily drag parts from page to page. Once I'm done, save the whole lot as a single document.
Thanks Adobe!

Yargh! Pirates ahoy!

2008-12-15T18:50:00.003Z

Black Beard is selling pirate copies of the Paper Locksmith downloads on eBay! (Thanks to Gary for letting me know!)
To add insult to injury they're actually charging more than I do on the website!
I've sent them a stiff email.
The cheek!

Let it snow

2008-12-15T09:19:00.001Z

We haven't had proper snow in our part of Cumbria for over ten years. To make up for this I've come up with this snowy paper craft.
Plans will be available soon.

Four Bar Linkage

2008-12-14T18:24:00.006Z

I'm working on a frog model - one I've been experimenting with for a while. The frogs hands move from shoulder height to stretched out to the side. The perfect job for the four bar linkage.
The upper bar, equivalent to the bicep, is slightly longer than the lower. Notice in the lower picture that the right hand vertical bar (the body) is over twice as long as the left hand bar (the elbow). This arrangement makes the arm open wide as the mechanism is moved. If the two lengths were the same, the forearm position would remain parallel and vertical.
Next.
Constructing the body.

Santa Special

2008-12-10T12:19:00.002Z

I'm pretty sure that the Dummies book is now complete. I'll be getting review files shortly, at which point only minor changes can be made. I'm really pleased with the final result! It will be available in the new year from, as they say, all good bookshops.

I'm still here.

2008-10-24T18:19:00.006+01:00

I'm coming to the end of the Paper Engineering for Dummies book. It's been a fascinating process and one of the largest and most complex projects I've ever been involved in.
The final stage is known as Author Review. I send my completed chapters to my editor Chad and he send them back to me covered in comments. I make my changes then back they go to Chad.
It all needs to be finished by Nov 4th.
Expect a flood of activity on the fp website once the book is put to bed (as we authors say.)

Piggie Pareidolia

2008-10-23T18:06:00.000+01:00

All religions need their mystical signs. There was the Mother Teressa in a cinnamon bun and the Mary in a bit of toast. Now, thanks to Bernard Calver, Flying Pig has its own mystical sign.
Truly a miraculous dry spot!
What does it mean!?

New Forest Animals

2008-09-13T12:09:00.003+01:00

I was delighted to receive these New Forest Animals kits. They are based on my Agreeable Sheep model. The company who produced then had already approached me for permission which I was happy to give. Once complete they sent me the completed kits and a small consideration. Nice!

Pop Ups and Paper Enginnering for Dummies

2008-09-08T16:22:00.003+01:00

Coming soon! Pop Ups and Paper Engineering for Dummies. I'm working on this at the moment, it'll be out next March. I'm about half way through the writing and I think it'll be a good 'un. You can pre-order your copy now! Amzn UK Amzn USA

More on Sales Rank

2008-08-29T18:23:00.004+01:00

Long tail or no long tail. Sales rank for Gizmos on the B&N site is now 676! Woo hoo!

Sales rank

2008-08-28T22:11:00.002+01:00

When I looked at Gizmos on the B&N site yesterday it was ranked 179543th. Today it is up to 106856! I've moved up over 70 thousand places! Now, I've read the long tail and I know that that could just mean that I've sold one copy and the other 70k have sold none, but 70 thousand place! 70 thousand!
I'm taking a moment to bask in the numbers :-)

Gizmos now available!

2008-08-27T16:09:00.004+01:00

Gizmos is now available to order from the Barnes and Noble website.
Gizmos has a 144 page book with info on making paper animations and instructions for the six models.

It says "Usually ships within 24 hours." Time to order your copy!
More info here.

FSM

2008-08-25T08:20:00.003+01:00

Here's a you tube clip response to my original Flying Spaghetti Monster clip. Fantastic!

Gizmos Booklet

2008-08-12T21:51:00.002+01:00

Inside the Gizmos book. Click the picture for a closer look.

In the Box

2008-08-12T21:47:00.003+01:00

Inside the box:
• pre made snap up frog
• 144 book
• 40 sheets of push out parts.

More on Gizmos

2008-08-12T21:45:00.001+01:00

The back of the box. Click the image for a closer look.

Gizmos

2008-08-11T14:02:00.003+01:00

Coming soon! Next month Barnes and Noble will be selling "Gizmos, Paper Machines That Really Work!" by Rob Ives (!) I've just received my advance copy and I think it looks great! There are six models to make all bound up in a 144 page spiral bound book. The unique thing about the box set is that the pieces for the models are actually included in the box as loose leaves. The spiral bound book inlcudes a copy of all the parts so when you finished making the models you still have a full book!
I'll post some more pictures on the blog tomorrow.

Rack and Pinion

2008-07-09T19:58:00.004+01:00

I've always had a problem with gears. The paper variety. A friend of mine bought me a make-your-own-working-paper-clock book, I made the case of the clock but when it came to making the 144 tooth main gear I baulked. It is still in a box somewhere waiting to be finished. (Sorry Dave) I think that the solution I used in the Bevel Gear works nicely, For starters is doesn't have 144 teeth! I've also made a gear using a similar technique. So, to complete the set I present a rack and pinion. My plan is to do this as a download and pack the other two gears models together into a multipack. Would anyone be interested in a fact pack to go with the multipack? You know the sort of thing, How gears work, info about ratios and gear teeth cross sections. Not promising anything but if you are interested...

Moose Teaser

2008-07-07T17:02:00.002+01:00

I'm pleased with my tree, I think I'll do it again with three layers rather than two and do a colour print using the wonder that it is radial graduated fill.
When I was young I used to have a recurring nightmare about being chased round Woolworths by a moose. I'm exorcising my demons. With paper.

Flip Flop

2008-07-03T19:37:00.003+01:00

The logical next step after the Logic Goats. The flip flop. This is my current evening project. Drop a marble in the top and the rocker flips, drop a second marble and the rocker flops back. This is the basis of a binary counter. I'll stack a number of flip flops on top of each other, marbles that go to the left get discarded, marbles that go to the right get passed on to the next level. The top level will count 1s the next level 2s, then 4s and so on.
Two things that need development work. Firstly - the overall height of each unit is to high. It would look neater if each of the layers could be closer together. Secondly - and perhaps more importantly - it needs a theme, a hook. So - logic gates became Logic Goats, I like the idea of counting sheep but I've done that already. Any ideas anyone?

I knew I'd forgotten something...

2008-06-26T21:58:00.002+01:00

Oh blimey! The monthly competition! I usually have a steady stream of entries day and night to keep me amused. When I looked to see why they had dried up I realised that the latest competition was slated to run until the ended of May.
As it is now nearly the end of June I've set up a new competition running through until the end of July. You chance to win... etc.
Check out the competition page for details.

Paper Locksmith Collection

2008-06-24T18:45:00.004+01:00

I've completed the Cylinder Lock, it is now available to buy as a download. The cylinder lock was the last of the models from my book The Paper Locksmith which was originally published by Tarquin publications in 1995. The centre of the original book had a pull-out mini book on locks and locksmithing which I've now converted into a pdf download.
I've packaged the booklet together with the cylinder lock, combination lock and warded lock to make the Paper Locksmith Collection. It is available to download from the website now.
The original Paper Locksmith book is out of print but copies can still be found on amazon for some imaginatively high prices.

Cylinder Lock

2008-06-16T09:40:00.000+01:00

My first ever paper engineering publication was a book called The Paper Locksmith published by Tarquin Publications in 1995. The book is no longer in print and the rights for the book have reverted back to me. I have already released two of the models from the book as download. The Combination Lock and the Warded Lock. I am now converting the last of the models, the Cylinder Lock. I'm finishing off the instructions now - it should be available as a download by the end of the week.

Come and get it!

2008-06-13T21:30:00.003+01:00

The Dancing Diplodocus model is now available to download and make, check out the website for more details.

Testing Testing...

2008-06-12T22:05:00.003+01:00

That's the Dancing Diplos done. Six pages of parts, six pages of instructions. Twelve separate pdf files. I've sent them to JohnW of forum fame for him to do his magic. John then sends me back .gif files with errors and inconsistencies marked on them. After final correction I'll stitch the whole lot together in InDesign. After which there is a web page to do and a newsletter to write. I'll ask my Dad to do a final check then that should be it. Shouldn't be long now!
Thanks John - you are an absolute star!
Meanwhile I've been thinking about models with marbles. I couldn't get to sleep last night trying to work out a particular mechanism.
Click click whirr.

Nearly done

2008-06-11T21:37:00.003+01:00

Just finishing the instructions for the Diplo model this evening. I have five pages of pictures layed out - once the text is done all I'll need to do is drop the whole thing into InDesign to make a single document.
One of these days Adobe will add multi page documents to Illustrator. Please.

Dino Download

2008-06-10T19:34:00.002+01:00

This model was originally intended to be part of a dinosaur model book. It takes up too many pages so I'm going to change it to a slightly different model with a single diplodocus.
That means that this is now available to be a download kit. Coming soon!

Back to the Blog

2008-06-09T18:41:00.001+01:00

This new owl model is shortly to be a download model. Just got the instructions to do.

Pants.

2008-05-16T19:14:00.003+01:00

So - I was looking at the shape of the Owls head (previous post) and there was something intriguing about the mathematics of the shape. Obviously my mind was drawn to the topologically similar shape of Y-fronts.
Sitting in front of the TV as my beloved watched "60 Minutes Make-over" or some such drivel, I lovingly crafted this pair of paper Y-fronts.
I present them to you now as a free download!
One of us wasn't using our time fruitfully. I leave it to you, gentle reader, to decide.

Owl

2008-05-15T21:09:00.004+01:00

Hoot! Playing round with a simple, stylised shape for an owl.

Summer Circuits Update.

2008-05-08T21:42:00.003+01:00

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that Elektor magazine had been kind enough mention my Logic Goats in their magazine.
Yesterday I got an email from them saying that the Logic Goats had been picked as a winner of their Summer Circuits competition! Naturally I'm delighted.
Thanks again Elektor!

Animation

2008-05-07T21:43:00.002+01:00

Animation of the Diplodocus model. I set the model up in my 'studio' blu tacked into place so it didn't move. The camera is mounted on a tripod. I then take eight pictures moving the handle round 45 degrees each turn. The whole lot is then tied together in PhotoShop. Is there nothing PhotoShop can't do?!

Now in Colour!

2008-05-06T21:34:00.001+01:00

A bit of colour makes all the difference!
Still a few things to sort out but basically there. I've got all my instructions for construction photographs done.
What do you think?

Pterosaur Mono

2008-05-05T15:23:00.004+01:00

Mono version created. All numbering complete. Just need to add colour!
Martha's (first born) birthday. 15 today. Hooray!

Pterosaur Pushrod

2008-05-04T12:56:00.003+01:00

Ever mindful of the risk of over engineering, I've made the wing push rods for the pterosaur from a single flat piece of card. To make sure it stays rigid there is a sharp crease along the full length with a couple of small curved creases to join the crease to the corners.
This seems to work fine and compares nicely to the usual triangular section tube.
What can I simplify next.

Competition Winner

2008-05-01T07:42:00.002+01:00

Last months winner was Jo Stoles from the USA. The question was,
"Where is the Roly the Rabbit going?". Jo had the answer: "To get a hare cut."
Thanks Jo!
The is a new competition on the website. The new question is "Out of all the animal in Amazing Paper Pets - who would win?."

First Draft

2008-04-25T14:41:00.003+01:00

I have yet to add a 3D head and fit the cams into place. The body of the Pterosaur needs a bit of weight to push against the wings so they flap. I'll add a couple of coins. I've tried to simplify the wing push rods. They are a simple flat piece with a crease down the middle, seems to work well.

Trumpet Blowing

2008-04-24T19:51:00.002+01:00

I got a nice snippet in this months Elektor magazine. Being a regular reader I thought they might be interested in the Logic Goats. They put a link to the website and a picture and wrote,

In a word, brilliant! Everyone, put down your soldering irons and get out your scissors and cardboard.

Thanks Elektor!

Dug North

2008-04-22T18:47:00.003+01:00

Here's an automata site that is well worth a visit.
As well as showcasing his own fine automata, Dug has made his site into a resource for other craftsmen and artist. There are sections on tools and techniques, an extensive, well researched book shop (powered by amazon) and an interesting blog.
Nice work Dug!

Pterosaur

2008-04-21T21:07:00.005+01:00

To continue the dinosaur theme we now have the birth of a pterosaur. I've done flapping models before but this time I'm using a cam rather than a crank slider mechanism.
I'm working on the body shape first - that'll be the hardest part. The rest of the mechanism should just drop into place. Famous last words.
Notice the picture of the sword swallowing frog. I met Dan Meyer (famous sword swallower) at the Ig awards recently and felt inspired. Not to try sword swallowing you understand.

SatMap Box

2008-04-19T18:56:00.007+01:00

Here's a nice piece of packaging design from the people at SatMap The box has two drawers. As the top drawer is pulled open the lower drawer opens as well but from the other end of the box.
I took the scalpel to it and inside is a cellophane band to which the top and bottom drawers are glued. I guess it would also work with paper but might not be so robust.
Interesting mechanism - I think this will come in useful!

Coloured In

2008-04-17T18:51:00.004+01:00

Almost done! The completed Diplodocus now graces my desk. I'm pleased with the colours and think that overall the model has worked well. I have a few small changes to make. Most of which I have already made to the files as I was assembling and photographing the models. For example, the tabs that hold the legs to the box top need to be box colour rather than leg colour.
Final stage - instructions. Photographs of assembly already done I need to decide whether to use photographs or line drawing in the instructions then start work on the page layouts. It's all good fun!

Colour Color

2008-04-16T13:14:00.004+01:00

After mentioning my deficiencies when it comes to colour schemes a forum member mentioned the online resource Color Schemes Generator 2. From a starting colour CSG2 shows you a range of matching or contrasting colours. You can choose to create a swatch of colours based on a theme. (Pastel, contrast, pale...) The colour set can also be made with similar colours or contrasting colours. It is a nice resource! The only problem I am having is converting the colour values from Hex RGB values as they are displayed into the CMYK that I use in Illustrator.
Thanks Clint!

Colour Scheme

2008-04-14T19:39:00.004+01:00

Colour time. Never been my strong point. I'm happy with the texture on the dino body. The rest of the colours will have to go. I'll keep my eyes open for a nice scheme while I visit the London Book Fair tomorrow.

Decorative Box
A simple but effective gift style box to make as a quick project.
Box template here

3D Laybird Picture
Originally from the Dummies book, this should appeal to the artistic attendees. The template is for the frame only, you'll need to 'interpret' your own grass.

Workshop Notes

Workshop Notes

New home for Workshop Notes

Gift Cover for Too Much Coffee

T-shirt

Research

Reindeer Ride

Setting up Shop

Working on the web

Website

Sumo!

TMC complete!

TMC - YouTube

TMC colour

Traipsing

TMC prototype

Big Head

Various Heads

Topper

Too Much Coffee

Swine Flew Complete

Swine Colours

Numbering done

Numbering

Swine Flew Prototype

Swine Flew 2

Swine Flew

Back from my Hols!

Verge

More goat

Goat

Newsletter

Out for Testing

Higham

Head

Extend

Making a strong flat surface

Eagle

Origami Crane

Paper Chess

Using Google Maps with Flickr

Forum Move

Adjustable Giraffe

Progress

Drupal

Web Site Standards

Now you see it...

Completing the Set

'tis done

Did you guess?

Atoms

Over Engineering

No Help from the Cat

Bistable Goat

Old news

Dummies

More snow

Yargh! Pirates ahoy!

Let it snow

Four Bar Linkage

Santa Special

I'm still here.

Piggie Pareidolia

New Forest Animals

Pop Ups and Paper Enginnering for Dummies

More on Sales Rank

Sales rank

Gizmos now available!

FSM

Gizmos Booklet

In the Box

More on Gizmos

Gizmos

Rack and Pinion

Moose Teaser

Flip Flop

I knew I'd forgotten something...

Paper Locksmith Collection

Cylinder Lock

Come and get it!