My latest automata project "Inner Demon" is now posted on my Youtube channel and on it's own webpage on my website, conquergoodcreative.com. You can find it in the Contemporary Automata section or follow this link "Inner Demon".  There are photos and a video of the project there. Hope you enjoy it!

I have also added a description of the final assembly process of this automata under the Tips and Tricks, - The Why and the How of It on the website as a sample of what needs to be considered.

Well at least now Frantic Man has some colour. I still need to peg down his feet into something to see the action this setup generates. I have a feeling I may need to open up his elbows a bit more to get more range of motion in his arms. Testing to come.

Here is how he looks now.

The little “frantic man” sits slumped in frustration waiting his turn for a little more attention. The mask, although still needing some more shaping, received a coat if sandable sealer over most of it sits behind him.

The good news is that was yesterday. Frantic man is getting some paint today so while he could be getting less frustrated he should be looking more frantic.

Part the the current work is a frantic little man shaking violently in a cage enclosure. It’s a little more complex that it looks because there are many loose connections that will emphasize the shaking motion. In assembly and fitting it’s like trying to wrestle an octopus into a shot glass!

By test fitting at this point you can discover if the range of motion you have built into the joints is adequate to get the desired visual effect. It also lets you measure the required movement of the initiating action point. He will be operated by pushing his back in and out while the hands and feet will be fixed - at least that is the current plan.

I know there will more tweaking ahead. Although I always try to leave adequate clearance in the joints it always seems things tighten up when painted and sealed. These small articulated characters can be a challenge.

Anyway here is a peek of the frantic man stuffed inside his cage for the fitting. The pins will all be removed and replaced with flush pins after painting.

I’ve done a little more work on the face I have been working on and the rough-in of the little guy I have now coined as frantic man. Here is a peek.

Stilton and Gruyere are in pre-production trying their hand at the cheese grating activity. These guys are a cross between Stadler and Waldorf and the Swedish Chef from the muppet show as they critique the members of the meat processing line coming below. Here is a quick video of the simple action.

While I am waiting for a couple of carving bitsapear I ordered to arrive, I’ve moved over to the casserole factory again. This time I am working on the cheese shredding section. Chefs Stilton and Gruyere are old school fixer uppers. They use a converted grinder to shred their cheese instead of a grater. They say that the increased density of the end product adds a texture that is not to be forgotten.

Anyway, here is Stilton, as yet unfinished, in position behind the grinder. With his right hand he will be stuffing chunks of cheese into the feeder. Gruyere will be chopping the larger rounds into smaller pieces for him.

The shredded strands disappear down the tube on there way to the mixing area.