Creature Mechanic Richard Landon (Aliens, Jurassic Park, Real Steel) describes the basic tenets of the Single Axis Tentacle Mechanism and how to mount a few of them to create a very simple and effective hand mechanism using foundational mechanical techniques and easily sourced materials.

"Mini-Tutorial" excerpt from Landon's Full Course on CABLE MECHANISM BASICS - TENTACLES.

Beginner Level

017m of duration

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Materials

CLICK on the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson. This is the complete materials list from Cable Mechanism Basics - Tentacles. Not all materials will be necessary for the mini-tutorial.

Some items might be harder to find, but a little internet scouring usually finds you everything you'll need.

McMaster Carr

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

Basic Single Pulley Controller

4 Cable Pulley Controller (self-made)

TOOLS

Bits & Indexes

3/16ths Inch Drill Bit

#36 Drill Bit

632 Tap

Taper Tap or Gun Tap

Crimping, Pliers & Gripping Tools

Cable Crimping Tool

Pliers

Vise

Cutting Tools

Band Saw

Chop Saw

Clippers

Felco Cable Cutter

FX Heavy Duty Cutters

X-acto Knife

Hammers

Heavy Hammer

Measuring Tools

Center-Finding Ruler

Digital Calipers

Measuring Tape

Power Tools

Cordless Drill

De-Burring Machine

Drill Press

Metal Sander

Scotch-Brite Wheel

Punch & Press Tools

Driving Punch

Screwdrivers

Socket Head Screwdriver

Torches, Solder & Accessories

Laser Microtorch or Crème Brule Torch

Other Tools

Heat Gun

SUPPLIES

2 Barrel Crimps

7/7 Cable (Wire Rope)

Aluminum Housing Stops (self-made)

Aluminum Scrap Metal

Bar of Aluminum

Cable Tensioning Ferrules (from Flanders Co.)

Clothesline Pulley

Compression Spring

Electrical Tape

Extension Spring

Ferrule Caps (from Flanders Co.)

Fire Line Braided Kevlar

K & S Aluminum Plate

Key Rings

Loop Crimps

Motorcycle Throttle Conduit Cable Housing from Flanders Co.

Music Wire

Nylon

Oval Sleeve Crimps

Power Pro Line

Set Screws

Shaft Collars

Sharpie Marker

Single Barrel Crimps

Small Metal Bar

Speedometer Cable

Spring Housing

Spring Steel

Stiff Nylon Tube

Tapping Fluid/Wax

HEALTH/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When working with toxic and/or dangerous materials or tools:

ALWAYS read labels for appropriate use guidelines

ALWAYS wear a high-grade respirator

ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area

ALWAYS protect your skin

ALWAYS wear eye protection

Artist BiographyRichard Landon

Master Character Effects Mechanical Designer

See Full Bio

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How to create a basic hand mechanism - MINI-TUTORIAL

Richard Landon