More about this project: This is my entry for the Summer's Woodworking Third Annual (2015) 2x4 Competition. For a long time I've been intrigued by automata, which are essentially mechanical moving sculptures. Having a background in engineering and a creative streak, I really enjoy how automata blend engineering and art together. For the competition, I had to build something creative using only a single 8-foot 2x4 as my primary source of material. I had never built an automaton before, so I thought this would be a fun challenge and a chance to stretch my skills with my limited tools. I ran into some issues along the way and had to make changes as I went, but I enjoy the problem solving process. Seeing the idea come together in the end makes it worth the effort. Overall I consumed 4ft 10in of my 2x4, which included 7 inches of 2x4 used for the dowel cutting jig. Thank you to Brian at Summers Woodworking for organizing the competition and giving me an excuse to work on a fun project. TOOLS AND SUPPLIES: (Purchases through these affiliate links help support this channel at no extra cost) Table Saw: Miter Saw: Band Saw: 1/4 Sheet Orbital Sander: Dremel Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit: Bench-top Drill Press: Drill: Forstner Drill Bit Set: Shop Scissors: Flush Cut Pull Saw: Handi Clamp: Wood Glue: Glu-Bot Glue Bottle: Clear Shellac Spray: [Ben Brandt / B2Builds is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to .] Much of the work I did here was learned from or inspired by other YouTube users. Here are a few links to videos on some of the techniques I used in this project and other more talented automata artists: Make Dowels on a Table Saw: Using cutting templates & spray adhesive How to transfer an inkjet photo to wood How to make gears Gear template generator I'm still fairly new to the bandsaw, these band saw tips helped me: DiResta Jimmy Tips 5 Some Talented Automata Artists on YouTube: Tom Haney Dug North Al Conquergood