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Automata online forum FAQ:

What are Automata? Because of their diversity, automata are difficult to define. Here is our loose definition of them: "Machines that replicate human, animal, or inanimate objects’ motions, capabilities, and/or everyday tasks. These can be hand cranked, motor driven, or computer controlled.” This definition may be expanded as time flows.
What is this Automata online forum for? This forum is to enhance communication within the Automata community. All topics related to Automata are welcome here, including design, construction, tools, materials, collecting, history, restoration, and more. In addition we have provided a sub-forum for "Buying, Selling, and Wanted" conversations.
How do I subscribe to the Automata online forum? Go to this link and follow the instructions.
After I subscribe where will I find the messages? The default setting for the forum is that all message threads will be emailed to each subscriber. You can reply to messages and begin new ones from your email app. Additionally, you can view and reply to the messages on the Automata online forum website. There are other options that you can see/choose on your subscription page on the Automata online forum website.
Can photos be posted to the Automata online forum? Yes, photos are welcome. Note that all photos submitted will be resized to be no larger than 1024 X 1024 pixels.
Can Video be posted to the Automata online forum? Sorry, no. We have limited storage space. Please post to another service (YouTube, for example) and then post a link to your video.
Can I post messages to this forum without subscribing? Yes. All messages from non-subscribers will be approved by a moderator before appearing as a forum post.
What is the advantage of becoming a subscriber? As a subscriber you will have message delivery options. Non-subscribers must visit the Automata Forum website to view the messages. Subscribers will automatically receive new messages.
Why are my messages moderated? In an effort to eliminate spam from this forum, the first two messages from all subscribers will be passed by a moderator. Once approved, the messages will become public. All messages from non subscribers will be passed-by a moderator for approval. The 'moderation delay' will rarely exceed four hours during the business day.
When was this forum started? This forum began in June 2019.
I want more help understanding this forum platform: Take a look at this GroupsIO help page, or post your question here in the forum and someone will help you.
Are you going to sell my information? No, we are not.
Why are some Automata online forum features disabled? The following features have by default been disabled: Calendar, Chats, Database, Files, and Polls. Any of these features will be enabled as need arises.
How do I make a New Topic post? There are two ways:
1. From your email application address an email to the group (automata@automatamagazine.groups.io). Fill in the Subject, and then type your message. Then Send. Your new message will be sent to all members of the group.
2. From your browser go to the Automata Magazine group forum on the Internet (https://automatamagazine.groups.io/g/automata). Scan down the menu until you see New Topic. Click on New Topic and you will be taken to a screen that will let you post a new message.
How to add images and video?
1. First, note that video files are too large for this group forum...so they won't be accepted. You should instead send a link to your video. Your video may be hosted anywhere. I host mine at YouTube.
2. If you are using your email application to make the post simply attach an image(s). The image(s) will be resized by the groups.io platform to max dimension 1000 pixels.
3. If you are posting your new post from the forum website, look up into the toolbar and you will see an "Add Pictures" icon.
Is there a list of topics?:
1. There is no drop down that shows a list of topics.
2. If you want to make a post about "My Favorite Suppliers" simply include that text in the subject line. Same with "What's on My Workbench". Simply include in the subject line something like this..."What's On My Bench: This is how I animate a lizard tail".

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Favorite Suppliers 9

While reading through posts it's always exciting to find new sources of suppliers which can be used for automata. However, as the number of posts grow it will become more difficult to find the thread

While reading through posts it's always exciting to find new sources of suppliers which can be used for automata. However, as the number of posts grow it will become more difficult to find the thread which contains the supplier you remembered reading about. (I typically visit these sites right away and then bookmark them.) It would be efficient to have a single thread listing the suppliers we use along with a brief description of what the company offers. Here are some that I have seen been posted in various posts (Bolded company names are linked to the company's website.): Proxxon - High quality power tools for model builders, precision mechanics, mould makers, tool makers, opticians, goldsmiths, watch-makers and more, giving users high-performance power-tools in a size never offered before. Woodworks LTD - The largest selection of quality craft, hobby, and woodworking supplies, including wood parts, wood craft supplies, wood turnings, wood stampings, hardware, wire or jute, wood fruit and animals to balls, beads, shaker pegs, dowels, dowel caps, stair plugs, doll making supplies, pens, door hangers, toy wheels, and small furniture parts, all at wholesale prices. McMaster-Carr - Supplier of hardware, tools, raw materials, and maintenance equipment and supplies. McMaster maintains a wide variety of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and utility hardware not usually located from a single source. If you have favorite suppliers please add them to this thread.

By Mike ·

3D printing...some random thoughts 10

Greetings... As I mentioned in a prior post I'm exploring the purchase of a 3D printer. Here are some of my random thoughts. Is 3D printing "legal" in the automata world? I've sort of worried about th

By Jim Coffee ·

What's on my workbench: Cams and Bells

Greetings... I've been slowly working through things to get The Electric Chair completed. It's slow...and it's hard to show the progress in such a manner that I think is interesting. That said...to no

By Jim Coffee ·

My trip to the Miniature Show 2

I am in the process of creating an automata called 'The Electric Chair'. It is what it sounds like. One of the issues that I've been wanting to deal with is the clothing for both the convict and the g

By Jim Coffee ·

3D Printer

I value this forum. Some of the posts so far have been from automatists that use 3D printers. I had been on the path of purchasing a mini lathe and a mill. After reading the 3D printer posts and after

By Jim Coffee ·

What's on my bench: French Curves

Greetings...My current project is The Electric Chair. Slow progress. Lots of little details. This build includes what I call the Drive Frame. The drive frame sits below the automata and powers the aut

By Jim Coffee ·

What's On My Bench - The Guards of Medusa 8

I'm finally ready to show my creation after several months of development. I thought it would be easier, but the next one will. Here is a link to a video.

By Randy ·

Metal Lathe, do you machine wood 3

Greetings... It would be interesting to know which of you own a metal lathe. If so my questions would be... Do you appreciate owning it? Practically speaking...does it help you? What size/brand is it?

By Jim Coffee ·

Miniatur Wunderland: Is it an automata? Does it contain many automata?

My vote is Yes. I ran into this on YouTube a while ago...probably years ago. It was not until the last month or so that I equated Miniatur Wunderland to automata. Here is a link to their YouTube chann

By Jim Coffee ·

What 3D software do you use? 2

A few years ago I was using SketchUp to do renderings for me. I found it to be both easy and difficult. And then one day I opened my eyes and realized that I had not used it for about a year. I went b

By Jim Coffee ·

Random motion 5

I was browsing 507 Mechanical Movements last night and this one caught my eye <http://507movements.com/mm_125.html>. It's a way of creating random linear motion. I think very interesting...and a mecha

By Jim Coffee ·

What's On My Bench: Connecting the links

I'm in the process of connecting the cams to the parts of the automata that need motion. I've been using polyurethane belting for about four years now. I've been using it only to "drive" things. I sou

By Jim Coffee ·

What's on my bench: Removable CamPak 2

Greetings all... The automata that I am currently working on calls for 6 cams. As I contemplated the build I realized that if I "built these things in" that it would be a difficult build...and that ma

By Jim Coffee ·

Tiny Insect Contains the Only Mechanical Gears Ever Found in Nature 2

I thought this was interesting. https://www.thevintagenews.com/2020/01/02/mechanical-insect/ -Randy

By Randy ·

What's On My Bench - Colorado Christmas 18

As Jim suggested it will be easier to follow the progress of projects if we post a separate topic for each of them. The last few days have been bitter sweet for me. Saturday, my CNC went bonkers on a

By Mike ·

Happy New Year 5

I hope all of your 2020's are filled with lots of great automata! Mike Wooden Curiosities

By Mike ·

Cycle speed and realism 4

Over the years, I've seen a lot of automata and videos of automata and a thought has been slowly forming about what makes a piece interesting and engaging. And it comes down to speed. To my eye, an au

By V Bass ·

Mixing Media Within the Mechanics 6

I was wondering about the pros and cons of mixing media within the mechanics of our autuomata. For example could I use a brass, aluminum or steel rod in place of a wooden dowel rod, but then have wood

By Mike ·

What Was on the Bench 6

My Grand daughter's 13th birthday presented a difficulty. What on earth can you present her for this very important (so I was told) day ? Besides, she seems to have everything else........The decision

By Gus ·

What's on my bench: Progress, and a mess 7

The top portion of the Electric Chair is completed in terms of all of the items that will move have been installed. Still lots to do, of course, but at this time I have started working on the drive fr

By Jim Coffee ·

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