I was asked by my wife to create a "contraption" to help sell tickets [all proceeds to charity] for her book launch at the local independent bookseller. Since the novel is set in 1880 New York, I wanted to create a Victorian feel and opted for a true, gear-clanking coin mech over a electronic version. I borrowed/stole heavily from this piece for the guts of the device. The overall feel had to be Victorian and inform the users about the launch. I had a great time doing this and learned a lot about gearing, brass and a method for affixing paper to wood that I will be employing from now on.
VideosWhile I figure out how to add "components" and such, I will add this helpful note about the best new technique I learned while working on this contraption: Using Gel Medium to affix paper to wood.
My son is an artist and taught me this when I was telling him of the problem I was facing, I wanted to use paper details on the piece for design and promotion, but knew hodge podge was a fool's game. He suggested using Gel Medium, which is essentially acrylic paint without any tint.
- Simply put a thin coat on the wood surface and carefully adhere to the paper to it, doing your best to avoid any air bubbles.
- Smooth it out with a hard/smooth "roller" (a pipe, brush handle etc) and then add a few more thin coats to the top of the paper (CAREFUL: if the paper gets too soggy it can tear. Slow and steady.)
- Gel Medium can be picked up at any art supply store. Spend the money for a good brush and don't use it for any other tinted paint. Impossible to get it totally clean and the tint will carry over next time you try to use it with the "
transparent" gel medium.
- I got the coin mechanism from Beaver Vending. They have a great selection and the sales person there walked me through all the options, even though I was only buying two mechs.
I usually work with Arduinos and the like, but this "old school" project was a great experience. I see more gears in my future.
Comments