This year I'm making a variation on Rachel's Articulated Wing Framework for my daughter who has dragons on the brain. So far I've used all wood for the "bones" of the thing and binder posts for the joints. I didn't use balsa, so I didn't feel it was necessary to use nylon bushings. I used cable clamps to attach the wings to the backpack frame and they allow the arms to pull the wings forward and back easily. Still working out how and where the wing will attach to her arms (hence the red straps).
The backpack frame was a Kelty Jr. frame and I cut off the top and bottom cross bars to make it as small as possible and drilled new holes to relocate the attachments of the waist belt and lower part of the shoulder straps. I may yet get a different piece of wood to cut a curved piece for the outermost bones, but it's mostly done. Got a used scroll saw to cut the round ends and taper the outer bones. First time I've used a scroll saw and I can see using for lots more projects. I recommend getting a used one if you need to do detailed cuts - very easy to use.
Once we're satisfied with the fit of everything, I'll paint the wood black and use Loctite on the binder posts. Then it'll be up to DW and DD to figure out how to drape and attach the fabric.
Edit: added video of frame in motion
Edit: added video of frame with wings covered in fabric
The backpack frame was a Kelty Jr. frame and I cut off the top and bottom cross bars to make it as small as possible and drilled new holes to relocate the attachments of the waist belt and lower part of the shoulder straps. I may yet get a different piece of wood to cut a curved piece for the outermost bones, but it's mostly done. Got a used scroll saw to cut the round ends and taper the outer bones. First time I've used a scroll saw and I can see using for lots more projects. I recommend getting a used one if you need to do detailed cuts - very easy to use.
Once we're satisfied with the fit of everything, I'll paint the wood black and use Loctite on the binder posts. Then it'll be up to DW and DD to figure out how to drape and attach the fabric.
Edit: added video of frame in motion
Edit: added video of frame with wings covered in fabric