In this mechanical character creation tutorial on making a monster puppet mechanical hand, you'll learn the basics of building a cable controlled character puppet hand using easily accessible tools & materials with special creature effects mechanical designer, Peter Weir Clarke.

Beginner Level

2h 56m of duration

English, Portuguese (Brazilian), Spanish (auto)

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Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 52s

2. Tools - 8min

3. Materials - 10min

4. How a Cable Mechanism Works - 6min

5. The Tentacle Mechanism - 6min

6. The Jointed Cable Mechanism - 2min

7. The First Finger Joint - 8min

8. Elastic Return Assembly - 8min

9. Finger Assembly - 8min

10. Running Elastic Cord - 4min

11. Running Elastic Joint by Joint - 9min

12. Constructing the Hand - 8min

13. Soldering the Hand Together - 6min

14. Positioning the Fingers - 9min

15. Cable Routing - 8min

16. Threading the Cable - 7min

17. Annealing Steel Wire - 10min

18. Building the Controller - 7min

19. The Controller Assembly - 5min

20. Designing the Trigger Mechanism - 5min

21. Drilling Your Holes - 6min

22. The Controller Cable Guides - 3min

23. The Controller Cable Guides - 12min

24. Adding a Support Boom - 3min

25. Adjusting the Finger Loops - 2min

26. Crimping - 4min

27. Attaching the Hand to the Controller - 9min

28. Wrap Up - 37s

Materials

CLICK on the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson.

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

Naimie's Beauty Center

McMaster Carr

Reynolds Advanced Materials

Smooth-On Inc.

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

Vice

EPOXYS/GLUES

Propoxy20

Super Glue or Loctite

Super Glue Zip Kicker

PAINT/BRISTLE BRUSHES

Small Paintbrush

TOOLS

Bits and Indexes

Assorted Dremel Bits

Dremel Abrasive Cutoff Wheel Bit

Center Drill Bit

UniBit Drill Bit

Various Sized Drill Indexes

Crimping, Pliers and Gripping Tools

Felco Square Cutters for cables

Various Sized Pliers

Various Sized Crimpers

Various Sized Cutters

Cutting Tools

X-Acto Knife or Razorblade

Pipe Cutter

Files and Rasps

Various Sized Metal Files

Measuring Tools

Digital Calipers

Power Tools

Cordless Drill

Dremel

Punch and Press tools

Center Punch

Screwdrivers

Universal Screwdriver Set

Torches, Solder and Accessories

Bernzomatic Mapp Gas Torch

Hobby Propane Torch

Metal Work Solder

Oatey Water Soluble Tinning Flux

Plumbing Propane Gas Torch

Silver Solder

Soldering Iron

Sparking Tool

Stay-Clean Flux

Wrenches

Various Sized Allen Wrenches

Other Tools

Assorted Size & Shaped Metal Clamps

SUPPLIES

4” 8-32 All-Thread Rods from McMaster Carr

8-32 Weld Nuts from McMaster Carr

½” Copper Plumbing Pipe

1/16” Elastic

¼” Nylon All-Thread

¼-20 Weld Nuts from McMaster Carr

Assorted K&S Brass Stock Tubing

¼” Wide x 1/16” Thick Flat

3/16” Tube

Enkay 101 Assorted Springs

Bike Brake Caliper Mechanism

Cable Ties

3/64” or 1/16” Copper Nicopress Sleeves

Drawing Paper

3/16” Du-Bro Shaft Collars

Hinged Standoff from McMaster Carr Threaded for 8-32 Screws

Pre-made Cable Assemblies (braided steel cable in rubber housing)

Standard Bike Cable

Super Fine Cable

Rags

Scraps of 2x4 Wood

Sharpie Markers

½” Copper Pipe Fittings - 90 degree elbows, 45 degree bends, tee fittings

Velcro Straps

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 BiographyPeter Weir Clarke

Aside from being a gifted Creature Effects Mechanic and Sculptor, Peter also teaches at The Art Institute.

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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