Thread: DIY Air Pneumatics

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I would like to start building and designing my own air Props because I find that most feature props are either not realistic enough for my liking or just seem to be missing something which I can't put my finger on. Of course there is some exceptions which are quite good. Anyways I was looking on monsterguts.com for some ideas but you guys probably have some better sites of reference for parts and I'm also looking for materials like instructional DVD's and diagrams. I'm a fairly new when it comes to fabrication but have friends with welders,drill presses etc. Maybe their is a place to buy pre-fab parts???
Anyways rather than me browsing the internet for hours on end maybe if you guys have run across something or have done what I am attempting to do then that information would be appreciated.
Thanks
Blood

What I do may be interesting to you. I buy the air rigging from differenct stores (Fright Props, DC Props) and build props around it. I then layer on a DMX lighting show with sound. So, you don't have to build the entire thing from scratch but you can add the level of realism you like.

Here's my werewolf (small lunger) and a snakes (air whips) from last year:

I am currently working on an upper torso project that will have six axis movement with a possible eight. I am modeling the design from our own points of axis i.e. shoulder, elbow and shoulder rotation. The difficult part with pnuematics is controlling fluid motion without the jerking typical of pneumatic props. Flow control is a big help in this area along with detailed programing. If you are looking for a good DVD google halloweentogo. This site has two very informative DVDs well worth the price. If you are interested in what I have so far look at the post new animatronic arm idea. Good Luck On your journey and keep us posted.

Thanks for the info guys I'll start from there and see where it goes. I have also picked up some books from the library on Pneumatics and see if I can work my way through them.
Blood