[JustWhisper]

OMG, everyone's spiders look amazing. See how you have inspired all of us, Spider Rider? I know you have already seen mine. But I will post pics for those who have not seen it. Mine is made using SRs basic design. But I used someone else's idea for attaching the legs. Sorry I can't remember who. I needed a smaller version of the spider so I made mine about half the size.

The abdomen on mine is a child's punching ball covered in papier mache and then a coat of fiberglass. I found the papier mache alone did not hold up well to FL heat. It is still in the upper eighties here so I am curious to see how it will react when it gets cooler.

 

[Birk]

Put my spider up about an hour ago, its windy out so we will see how it holds up, i will post a pic in the morning, i have somemore painting to do on it, but someone was taking pics of my house already today, so im forced to start putting everything up,

 

[hoodoo]

the blow-mold pumpkin body , i added last year the face made for neat markings on its back

This makes me want to make a spider that faces my house, with the back facing the road. The back will be lit up like a jack o lantern then when the kids get to the door, get candy and turn around, they are facing the face of the spider... I just might have a new project. lol.

 

[Birk]

.
Here is mine, making a cocoon to place on top of the bush to rest the legs on

 

[Sssgarry]

finally got the spider area started , and started painting the new version of mine ( half scale of the big one )
pretty happy with how he's looking

gave him more of an agressive stance than my big spider

 

[Spider Rider]

Fabulous job! The reach out and touch someone pose is very effective.

 

[Guest]

Made one...It was easily the hit of the display.

 

[Guest]

The supports detract from it somewhat but overall I'm pretty happy.

 

[Spider Rider]

Excellent job and I'm glad it was popular. I had to rebuild my legs this year (after over a decade of haunting) What did you make the butt out of?

 

[Zombastic]

The spider is probably the coolest and most satisfying prop I've made.
So many people took pics with it on Halloween.
Thanks for the inspiration everybody!!!!!

 

[Ragged Grin]

@Rider...

The butt is an exercise ball covered in a thick, unwanted comforter and a little tippy web slinger thing formed from chicken wire, then covered in 7 layers of paper or fabric mache (I alternated). It's sealed with spar urethane and unfortunately was too heavy for leg only supporting so the pvc covered iron supports were set in place.

 

[Spider Rider]

Well my spider's legs finally gave out after over a decade so I made some new ones for Halloween. The uppers were one size larger than the bottom ones which were 1 1/4 inch. I used a reducer at the upper joint.

 

[GhoulishCop]

Having long admired Spider Rider's spider, this has always been a project on the to-do list, but after reviewing this thread after a long absence I think it's time to move it towards the top of my list!

But I'm conflicted. Originally I was going to build a static spider, but then I started collecting a few videos of those wiper motor spiders and I liked the motion they gave so I was going to go that route. But I really do like the height and look of the stationary ones so I was torn. I couldn't have it sit up high but also have the legs move too. Then I thought perhaps I could combine them.

I really like Sssgarry's pose with the front two legs up and reaching out, so I'm thinking I might be able to animate just those two legs. My idea is to use a shiatsu massager, though I'm worried it will move the legs in a circular motion rather than an up and down one. Also, a shiatsu massager is rather big and bulky and will put additional weight on the body -- the head really. And that's another thing: it will also increase the size of the head in proportion to the body and that big bulbous sac at the back really sets these spiders apart.

So, the point of my post is, does anyone have an idea on what motor might be best to use to animate the front two legs of the spider? Certainly I could use the wiper motor but that almost seems like overkill if I'm only trying to move two legs. I also have an old ceiling fan motor that I salvaged that I've been trying to figure out how to use and figure I could hook it up to a dimmer switch of sorts to control the speed . Would a vent motor work (assuming they can be found at a reasonable price)? A reindeer motor? I'm open to all suggestions as I'm still in my design and planning phase.

Great job to all of you who have tackled this project already! As was previously noted, you've each put your own mark on the design...and a spider calendar, as was once suggested, with all the different designs would be pretty cool!

Rich

 

[Nepboard]

GhoulishCop,
I to am going to do a spider theme this year. I have researched spiders to model it by and have settled on the wolf spider. The body of the spider will be 8 feet long with the legs probably extending 6 feet out from either side. I will have the abdomen stationary with the front of the spider raising up and down pneumatically. I will also have the fron legs animate along with the two fangs. When the controller triggers the prop it will come down onto a body and "eat" a guy who will then scream, yell, shake etc. I am going to animate the front legs/fangs with a massager. Remember that you can disassemble a shiatsu and weld different angled arms onto it to get the motion you want.

 

[ElPitchfork]

Thanks for the inspiration. Here's my work-in-progress, the spider from Hell.

 

[Spider Rider]

Another unique variation! Great job El Pitchfork, way to think outside the box.

 

[ElPitchfork]

Brian Rosenberger of Marietta was just preparing to mow his lawn. Little did he expect to discover a new species of spider.

“That’s one big bug,” Brian commented.

Slightly smaller than a VW bug, the new arachnid named Arachnida Demonicus, is different than your every day spider in that it doesn’t seem content to spin a web and wait for flies.

“Ate the neighbor’s poodle. Three chomps. All that dog did was bark. Shoulda run,” noted Brian. “It turned my way and I ran for the house and locked the doors.”

Lazy it ain’t. Lock up your dogs and invest in firearms. Backyards beware.

Mostly finished product. thanks for the inspiration.

 

[awokennightmare]

I love the way this prop looks! Outstanding!

 

[Sadler Vampire]

Spider Wiper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HD8YVHLbt0&list=UUXyeKnAI3_CSo_5uwh4lybg

Hope this helps

 

[awokennightmare]

These props are so awesome! I'm terrified of them!