Novelty or Toy

[aussieglen]

Hi Woodies,
Somewhere long ago, I have seen a photo or diagram of a wooden novelty, or perhaps a toy, which, not knowing its name or title, I can only loosely describe as “ a sliding dovetail cross which is mechanically operated by a small handle which, when turned, causes two dovetails to slide too and fro in their respective crossing slots”. The one I have seen years ago would comfortably fit in the palm of my hand and I am thinking of making one as a gift.
If anyone can recognise this from my description I should be very grateful if he or she could put a name to it or point me in the right direction Thanks.
Aussieglen:confused:

[scooter]

Gday Glen, I know the thing you mean, but I can't find much on it.

I found this (http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/search?tags=toy) on google, third toy down. I think you mean something like this with a handle attached to both sliding blocks?

I'd just have a crack at a prototype and fine tune the length of the sliding blocks. From memory, if you put a knob on the handle it's "trajectory" is an ellipse.


Good luck................cheers.............Sean

[bitingmidge]

Glen,

Scoot's on the money, they are often called "do nothing machines".

http://woodenuknow.com/donothingmachines.html
http://www.folktoys.com/atmechanical.htm

And an animation of one at work:
http://www.ovalgraph.com/how.html

Cheers,

P

[Iain]

I'm sure that is in the current or very recent Aus Woodworker, had another name again, some sort of executive toy.

[aussieglen]

Eureka! you found it! Well done guys - I knew you could do it. The details from your links have hit the nail right on the head. I'm very grateful for the help. Now I have not only a project but a choice of designs - great. :D Thanks a million,
Aussieglen.:)