Kinetic builds
Revisiting "Making things that do [something]"
Free Friday! I’m in the middle of a huge project for a contract. It’s definitely a build that “does something” - it’s used in conservation research for endangered animals. Yes, cryptic; but I expect to share more soon. Until then, enjoy this formerly subscribers-only post on projects that “do.” ~JRC
Making things that do [something]
Kinetic creations and why they are so fun
First published July 12, 2021, as a subscribers-only post
I appreciate making all kinds of things, but I think I enjoy most making things that do something (e.g., move or come apart). Sure, producing a picture frame is fun. But crafting a drawer, at least for me, is more so.
In recent months I've made several moving or working objects. Yes, drawers are among these. So too is a folding paint rack. I've made a motorized costume prop and put several tools on wheels. Whatever it is, if it does something - anything - I like it all the more.
I like action in my builds because it takes a little more to get it done. A box can be any old size. But a drawer with slides has to fit and work smoothly once installed. These details make the build ever-so challenging. And that challenge adds to the experience of creating.
Another fun aspect of a kinetic build is one gets to play with it after it's completed. I built a drill press stand with three "soft close" drawers, and I love slamming them shut (since they don't slam). I must have opened and closed those drawers a hundred times right after I made it. I was admiring my own handiwork, and it felt good to interact with what I had built.
This last week I made a rare-for-me "strictly woodworking" build. It was a toy chainsaw for my future nephew (my brother's first child) due next month. The toy is intentionally sturdy and simple. Yet, I did throw in one small complexity.
I started out thinking it would be all one piece, crafted only from poplar. But nearing the end, I decided to make the chain bar removable. The final build uses a couple of bolts to hold the bar. They thread into thread inserts on the main body. It’s simple but effective.
I did so for no other reason than to make it do something. Now, I expect my nephew will not be able to take it apart - it would be a choking hazard if he could! In all honesty, I didn’t do it for him; I made it that way for me.
I did it because doing so made the build more fun.
And that's the crux of the matter with kinetic builds. It's just a good time all around. So when I am dreaming up a new project or am mulling over options for a plan, I always favor action.
When my projects do something, I want to do more of them.
Until next time.
JRC
You always build up things that work, Love it !!