Creative Kinetics

Book excerpt: Make Your Own, Amazing Moving Art! Have you ever wanted to create your own moving-part toy or mechanism but weren’t sure where to start? Now you can easily build fascinating kinetic structures and simple machines with this do-it-yourself guide to making art in motion. Master craftsman Rodney Frost shares his wealth of knowledge with clear explanations and easy-to-follow instructions, building from simple to more complex projects to help you quickly absorb the lessons and build your skills. Frost keeps the concepts relatable, the materials accessible, and the projects doable. Simple illustrations help explain how basic mechanisms work, including cams, cranks, levers, pulleys, gears, and flywheels. In the skill-building simple projects, Frost suggests making the models with inexpensive household items, such as cardboard and string, before beginning construction with wood. Although the book consists primarily of projects for beginners and those with a desire to learn the basics of mechanical constructions, the much-beloved Creative Kinetics has nevertheless become a valued resource for hobbyists of all ages and experience levels. The simplified projects explained here provide excellent opportunities to learn the fundamental components and functions of more complicated creations, making this book a helpful and inspiring springboard for exploration of more advanced artwork and sculptures.