Cranks wind, gears turn, dragons chomp, and birds fly. Welcome to the whimsical world of automata: simple wooden machines that delight and amaze. Join Cecilia Schiller for a five-day exploration of the art of making wooden machines and the mechanisms that make things move. Starting with the design process in cardboard, students will learn mechanical principles by creating simple cams and levers. The instructor will provide a basic kit with templates for selected gears. Students will cut, drill, and assemble their projects, as well as design and craft the figure, animal, or (insert imagination here) that surprises and delights viewers when it comes to life with the turn of a crank. Students should have basic wood shop experience coming into this class.

Required Tools

• Carving knife and/or any preferred carving tools you have (Excellent carving knives are available in the NH School Store.)
• Mechanical pencil
• Reliable compass
• 6” adjustable square
• Ruler
• Sharp awl
• Shoe box to store parts
• Scissors

Optional Tools

• Cutting mat
• Mat knife
• X-acto knife
• Hot glue gun