Paper Craft Automata

TIME TO COMPLETE

An hour or two

WHAT WILL YOU MAKE?

You will learn to carefully cut and fold paper 3D models. You will also learn to use common materials to make a mechanicl device called a cam.

WHAT WILL YOU NEED?

Crafting Materials
Paper
Tape (Duct, masking, etc)

STEP 1

Print and cut

Print the Makey template on cardstock and cut only on the solid lines, not the dashed lines.

STEP 2

Make Makey

Folding on the dashed lines, glue together the back and sides of Makey.

STEP 3

Fold the arms

With the white side up, fold the white flap down on Makey's arm and apply glue to it. Fold the red side up and stick¬†it to the glued area.

STEP 4

Pinch the arms

Pinch the seam of the arms to pop it out and form a tube.

STEP 5

Start the mechanics

Straighten out a paper clip and then form one end of it into a square hook. Slide the two arms through the side of Makey and push the hook through the arm tabs where they cross.

STEP 6

Cut the box

Draw a 3"√ó3" square, and then adjacent to each of its four sides,¬†draw four more 3"√ó3" squares, making a large + sign. Cut out around the edges of the outer shape.

STEP 7

Fold and tape

Fold the sides together to form a box with an open top. Tape the sides to keep them in place.

STEP 8

Poke holes

Use a paper clip to poke holes through the center of three sides of the box.

STEP 9

Putting it all together

Glue or tape Makey to the top of the box with the paper clip coming from Makey's arms down through the center hole. Push another paper clip through the two side holes and bend off one side so it can't pull out.

STEP 10

Attach the mechanisims

Make a squared U shape inside the box with the paper clip and then bend the paper clip coming down from Makey around it. Make sure that when the "u" is at its lowest point, that Makey's arms are at their highest.

STEP 11

Finish Makey

Bend the clip 90¬∫ down and then 90¬∫ away from the box to form a crank. Glue the front of Makey on and you're done. Turn the handle to make Makey wave his arms.

WHAT'S NEXT?

You can add a motor to automate Makey, maybe even a solar panel to keep him cheering on sunny days. If you would like to make your own paper craft models, take a look at Pepakura, the tool I used to make this Makey.

Please Note

Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. Power tools, electricity, and other resources used for these projects are dangerous, unless used properly and with adequate precautions, including safety gear and adult supervision. Some illustrative photos do not depict safety precautions or equipment, in order to show the project steps more clearly. Use of the instructions and suggestions found in Maker Camp is at your own risk. Maker Media, Inc., disclaims all responsibility for any resulting damage, injury, or expense.