Thread: My first project for next year

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Hey All, still getting over the heartbreak of Halloween being over, but I was looking to recreate one of my favorite props. It's a typically cheaply made animated tombstone that I got at Michaels. it is only a year old, but falling apart rapidly. I would like to re-create it in a more grand, sturdy fashion. I have a pretty good idea of the general construction, but could use some advice on the motor, and electronics. Here's a link to the little guy.
http:// [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQZB2N_uckw]YouTube - The Laughing Headstone[/ame]

O.K. first step, does anyone have an idea on how I should set up the gears from the motor to make it go up and down like that?

I say go with a air cylinder...

I like the one you have...thinking I might try it too.

Dennis

Or if you want to make it motorized (like I would) an irregular shaped cam might get you the movement you want.
Cams and cam followers

Cool prop!

Sweet! I've been looking everywhere for that link, thanks!

Hmmm, a whole graveyard full of singing tombstones, sounds like a winning idea! I would use pneumatics too. That way you can program relays with VSA to sync up the mouths.