Thread: Flying Crank Ghost Question

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Your right, I don't use alluminum at all. I just cut a aquare out of some Luan, poke the shaft through the center and screwed in 3 eyebolts. I actually put in all in a box. I can even lay the box on the ground or place it anywhere I want. As long as the pullies are above the ghost, the lines can run anywhere

Can I just use the eyebolts instead of pulleys? I was thinking of doing that as it will be MUCH cheaper!
Also, one more question for the experts...do you really need three holes in the washer on the crank arm? Is there any reason I can't attach all three ropes to one hole? I can't see it making a difference, but I could be wrong here.
Okay, make that two more questions. I just want to check, but the ropes go from the ghost, through the pulleys (one on each rope) and then directly to the crank arm, right?
I just want to make sure I'm doing this thing correct. Thanks for all your help guys!

The pulleys are only about a $1.00 each. I only have one for the head. The arms seemed to do better without them. I also didn't use aluminum---too expensive. After I built mine following the directions exactly, there was alot of parts I didn't really need. My only problem is I had to build a frame that would clear my garage door and doesn't leave enough room for the ghost to move properly. I can't really attach it directly to the roof because the door would be in the way when open. The strings also catch on the motor shaft sometimes and snap everything. I hope I haven't scared you into not making one...lol! Work with it and it will all come together in time.

I only used one pulley too, for the head. I started out with three, but the strings for the arms kept falling off of the pulleys, and getting caught between the wheel and the side of the pulley. As for the washer on the crank arm, if it is a washer sanwiched between a nut and the head of the bolt, like phantasmechanics' design, you should drill three holes. If you don't, the strings will wind around the head of the bolt underneath the washer.

Pugsly

Okay, so the extra holes make the washer spin better so that the strings don't get wrapped around the bolt?
I'll go with one pulley and three eye-bolts
Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it!

Hey you guy's have forgotten the most important prop making help site The Monster Page of Halloween links

They mostly come out at night........Mostly
Check out my pic's at
http://www.halloweenforum.com/photo_album_view.asp?cname=2002+home+haunt&mid=416 &cid=1013

I have setup a FCG about 2 years ago and put it back in the same place every year.. I do have a Porch that I used similar hooks that you would use for Hanging Plants for. Not sure if you have a Porch but if so let me know I I can send you some pics on how I set it up; including the much needed conuter weight

I moved my FCG off our porch and into our "grave yard". I was having the same problem of figuring how to fly her then I saw it! My kids have one of those free standing, adjustable hight basketball hoops. I unbolted the backboard and added a small frame that I hung my FCG from. It's all painted black and should not be seen at night. Because the post is adjustable the FCG can be "flown" up to 10 feet high!

If you are looking for a way to use in the yard go to this link and look at the last picture on this page....(http://www.phantasmechanics.com/guild/guild.html) it shows how to use a box platform with pvc pipe. It made me think of different ways to use the fcg platform. Here's my fcg I just built this week 10/23...[img][/img]