2010 Contest - Dano

[DanoNJ]

OK, throwing my hat into the ring. Started few days ago. Guess what I'm making???

A snowman! Here are some of the start up pics. More will follow at the end of the month...

[Sickie Ickie]

Dano, I know yours will be great!

[chris]

Looking good Dano!!!

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Looks great so far!

[Nevergoback]

Nice, he looks like he's going to be 'fluffy' - nice touch.

[DanoNJ]

I have to get some pics posted. Still have to download them!

[DanoNJ]

The snowman has a moving arm and waves his hat. On the bottom there's a little snow bunny hopping up and down.

The prop is may from ply, uses a wiper motor running at 5v DC. All linkage is made from scrap wood.

[DanoNJ]

I wanted to make the bunny move and keep him in front of the main prop without extending him far in front. To do this I had to get linkage from the back to the front of the prop. This was obtained my cutting a small slot to accept the a screw which is attached to the bunny and then the linkage.

[DanoNJ]

Now the bunny uses a 'piston' style of movment. In that, there needed to be a way of keeping the bunny running straight up and down. This was achieved by having him run in a T track which I made from scrap wood. The wood was measured so that it would be hidden during operation. The inside of the track was routed out to accept these plastic fittings. These fittings are from an old refrig and were used to hold shelves or drawers. (I keep everything). This holds the bunny and keeps it from falling forward, the linkage holds it in also.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Lookin' even better now, Dano!
Great ideas you've come up with.

[Buckeyelights]

Dano,

Nice work, creative too. thanks for sharing the progress pics.

Joe

[Just Whisper]

I'm jealous....again.

[chris]

Looking very nice Dano!

[Nevergoback]

wow, that's coming out really great...can't wait to see it moving and painted...or painted and moving.

[andy anderson]

Looking good.

[DanoNJ]

Here's the bunny before paint and after....

[theedwin]

Awesome work as usual Dano! Love the jumping bunny idea!

[Sickie Ickie]

How cute. :)

[EnlightenedGrinch]

*sniff* Looks awesome...... *sniff, sniff*

[chris]

Happy Easter looks awesome Dano!

[Sickie Ickie]

16 days left if my calculations are correct! :D

[Val]

Awwww.... love the bunny, Dano :)

[DanoNJ]

This picture shows the back of the bunny. You can see how the 'T' rail will work. There are two boards (you see one) that are attached to the snowman and are routed out to accept the riding element.

[DanoNJ]

work in progess picture. Here is how I test the mechanics of the prop. Since the motor will be working two seperate items, the linkage was a little more complicated (which I made more complicated later). I typically will use all scraps with screws so I can move pivot points and shorten / lengthen struts.

[DanoNJ]

Quick pic of the prop, unpainted.

[Sickie Ickie]

That is going to look really sweet, dude.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

That's gonna be cool when it's finished. Looking good!

[Nevergoback]

You will shoot a video of the rear workings so we can see your masterpiece in action, won't you? Of course, I will parcel away your design for possible future application.

[DanoNJ]

You will shoot a video of the rear workings so we can see your masterpiece in action, won't you? Of course, I will parcel away your design for possible future application.

Not to worry.. will be posted soon.

[DanoNJ]

This picture shows where the bunny rides.

[DanoNJ]

Here he is painted up. First is pre-shading then after shading. I happy the way the broom ended up looking.

[DanoNJ]

As requested.......... here is a video of the back of the prop. This video was shot as the linkage was being worked out yet. (work in progress)

YouTube- Waving Snowman

[DanoNJ]

Here is the almost finished Waving Snowman. I did work out and smoothed some movment (next post).

YouTube- Waving Snowman - front first vid

[DanoNJ]

And here is the finished entry!!!! Ta DA! I'll post the tally next. (need to get my material list)

YouTube- Waving Snowman final ver.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Looks terrific!! Great job!
It looks like the bunny is trying to jump back into the "magic" hat. LOL
That's a real professional looking prop, Dano.

[DanoNJ]

Do you know for the life of me I can not remember that rabbit's name!!!

[Buckeyelights]

Outstanding prop, Wonderful job Dano!!!

[theedwin]

Excellent work Dano! Great prop! Your painting skills are amazing! Thanks for all the videos.

I really like the "layers" in your prop. The way the hat falls just behind the snowman's head and the bunny hopping in front. Excellent use of a single motor as well! Great job all around bud!

[chris]

Dano looks awesome Merry Christmas!!!

[Sickie Ickie]

Dano, as said many times already, that is an Awesome prop!

I like the double movement from one motor, and you really are a great teacher from your videos you just posted. Have you done any M&Ts or speaking anywhere on your props?

Painting is nice and I love the illusion of the hat going over the head. Fantastic job, man!

[Just Whisper]

Geez, I don't know what to say that has not already been said. It is truly inspiring and wonderful. I am so impressed. It does look very professionally done, as grinch said. It is a prop I would be proud to have in my display.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Do you know for the life of me I can not remember that rabbit's name!!!

Wasn't his name "Hocus", as in "Hocus Pocus" (magic talk). LOL

[Just Whisper]

I think you are correct Grinch.

[Sickie Ickie]

Wikipedia says, "Hocus Pocus, the fictional rabbit who turns on his magician owner in the 1969 Christmas television special Frosty the Snowman."

You guys get the cigar!

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Cool! Another prize!

[DanoNJ]

Material list:

1/2 sheet of 1/2" ply (@ $23 for full) = 12.50
Motor = 8.00
Paint (all in stock) = 3.00
Hardware nuts and bolts - all on hand)= 3.00
Scrap wood for linkage (in junk bin) = 1.00

Total = $27.50

Actually didn't cost this much out of pocket since I have stuff in the shop, but for the purpose of the contest....

Thanks for all the feedback!

[Nevergoback]

Wow that really came out great. The paint job and the movement are flawless.

[bethene]

fantastic snow man!! love the bunny jumping!! great movement~~

[cinders]

Love the snowman! What great movement on the hat and bunny.

[DanoNJ]

Recieved my prize from Val on Sat. THANK YOU VAL!!!!! I have to agree with SI and Edwin, great products and wonderful customer service!

Thanks again to everyone!

[Val]

Your Welcome, Dano! Thanks for the compliment too :)

[DanoNJ]

I recieved my proze package in the mail yesterday! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Had a great time w/ the contest. When's the next one starting??