Automata, Mechanical toys, Kinetic art, Moving Sculptures, Static Whirligigs, these are all terms applied to simple models, usually made from wood and metal that have simple mechanism such as gears, cams, ratchets or other mechanical parts. The term Automata sums them up best.
Automata have been with us for several thousand years, their origins go back into antiquity. Modern day automata are made to entertain adults as much as children and they are happily enjoying a renaissance. You may well have want to have a go at making them yourself however where to begin can prove difficult as can finding out about the mechanisms, how they work, where to start. Well help is at hand in the form a book aptly titled "How to Design and Make Automata" Originally aimed at school teachers in the UK to help their students to master Automata making in wood, it is now available to the public and is proving very popular with all types of craft people. Whether interested in making original and special gifts either commercially or as presents for friends and family. If you make whirly gigs then adapting them to automata will be both fun and rewarding. If you are looking to give a very special gift then an appropriate Automata can be ideal, they make wonderful birthing, christening or birthday presents, even heirlooms.
You may be looking to find a commercial hobby. Automata can be very lucrative as there is an expanding market in executive gifts as well as general crafts. Automata are real crowd pullers at craft shows and exhibitions.
"How to design and Make Automata" will teach you how to design and make your own unique automata, There is something in it for the complete novice to the experienced wood worker. In very clear and simple terms it will explain the mechanical processes and how to apply them to your own work.