zoetrope

[Peter P. Brown]

A zoetrope is an animation toy that literally translates to "life turning." While I had many challenges on this build, I have to say is it easily one of my favorite creations. I have a particular fondness for toys....


http://i.imgur.com/c64XP4ql.jpg


In order to make it, I needed 8 slits in the top. I devised many solutions for cutting these, but none seemed really practical to get 8 evenly cut slits. That was until I realized I could easily cut them on the radial arm saw.


http://i.imgur.com/tMmTwaql.jpg


After the cuts were made it was off the the lathe, after a quick stop at the band saw to knock off the corners. My main worry was that the wedges would de-lamiate from the block due to the turning. I took very light cuts with the bowl gouge and tried my best to not get a catch.




Hollowing was done with a square nose scraper, again to reduce the possibility of catches. It was slow going but after about 20 minutes I had it hollowed out and the walls as thin as I was willing to go.


http://i.imgur.com/MwCHbmyl.jpg


I used BLO for the finish. Most zoetropes are painted black on the outside to draw your eye to the animation. I really wanted to avoid that, and so I tried to just darken the wood a bit...
http://i.imgur.com/l96Kcupl.jpg


The zoetrope works really well and you can find lots of different animation strips online. You also can make your own if you have the skill!


http://imgur.com/6tDjrLol.jpg

Thanks for looking!

YouTube Video: http://youtu.be/sULoZyqm_lI

[Randy Red Bemont]

That is very cool.

Red

[Robert Henrickson]

Sounds and looks like a lot of fun. Maybe something to try to make before my grandchildren next visit.