Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Sculpture: Mechanical Spiders


"Spider No 26 was made with recycled watch parts and an automotive light bulb.

In order to create the legs, forty-eight watch stems must be cut in different sizes to simulate the organic appearance of real spiders’ legs, which vary in size and shape between species. Each of these segments is carefully arranged into a leg and soldered at the joints with lead free, silver bearing solder. Each side of four legs is then soldered together at the base, forming what looks like a claw.

To make the body of the spider, two very small watch plates are soldered together with watch stem posts, forming a sort of chassis for the eyes and bulb to rest in. The eyes are made by layering and soldering together various stems and watch strap springs. An automotive light bulb is very carefully removed from its metal base and soldered to the body chassis by its lead wires. A “cap” of another watch plate forms the top of the spider. This spider an “antennae” made from a watch stem and a spring.

After the body is made, the leg assemblies are carefully arranged and attached by soldering. The legs and body are then manipulated in order to make the spider stand properly. All joints are then resoldered for added stiffness."




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