Tools

Drill

Scissors or cutting tool

Materials

Wood dowels, ¼” diameter

PVC pipe and joints, size ½“

Clear PVC tubing (¼” ID, ⅜” OD)

Craft materials:

card stock
foam sheets
markers
hot glue
craft tape
hole punch

Project details

These machines, called automata or cam toys, use hand-powered mechanisms to create cyclical motions that animate a scene. Cams are rotating shapes that push on or rub against mechanical elements to create other motions. One rotating drive shaft can power many cams, and each cam can create a different motion in its associated mechanical element.

This design uses inexpensive PVC pipe and fittings and is a modern take on a classic craft machine.