The only completely free-standing, unibody implementation of a harmonograph I knew of at the time. Another unprecedented feature is that the independent pendulums influence each other through subtle transfer of energy through the frame. This results in slightly less pedictable but gorgeous Lissajous curves. The whole thing is completely knock-down for easy transport with special attention given to extremely strong friction joints. (Has to support 100 lbs. of swinging lead!!)
This had some big crowds utterly memerised at woodworking shows as they watched it do its amazing thing. I went through four prototypes over two years to get to this design. The goal was an elegant design that produced… well… elegant designs! Materials: Walnut, 2 automotive U-joints, massive blocks of lead (well encased – melted it down myself), paper and pen.
Google "harmonograph" and "lissajous" to get an idea what this is about. Also, to see how other people have implemented the same idea and read a more complete history of how mine came about, see local.wasp.uwa.edu.au/~pbourke/surfaces_curves/harmonograph/ (bottom of web page).
Posted by Ed M. on 2006-04-08 22:44:51
Tagged: , woodworking