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Zack
Special user
526 Posts
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Posted: Apr 2, 2010 2:57pm
I'm trying to make my own spring puppet. I have the body worked out -- the spring is the problem. I don't think I'll be able to get one off the rack, so I'm figuring I need to get some wire and wrap it around a pipe. All of the wires Ive found so far aren't springy. I've found some spring steel manufacturers on the web, but I'm not sure what to buy.
Does anybody know what type of wire to use and where to get it??
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Michael Baker
Inner circle
Near a river in the Midwest
8463 Posts
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Posted: Apr 2, 2010 3:38pm
You need what is known as music wire, or piano wire. You will need to get a small coil, so you'll have enough. Google those names and you should find sources. Once you get it and before you try to use it get back with us, so you don't kill yourself with the wire.  If you order a coil, be sure to get one with a brake.
~michael baker
The Magic Company
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donrodrigo
Special user
U.S.A. and Europe
593 Posts
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Posted: Apr 3, 2010 1:45pm
Mr. Baker what about a SLINKY remember those as a kid.
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Michael Baker
Inner circle
Near a river in the Midwest
8463 Posts
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Posted: Apr 3, 2010 2:11pm
I hadn't thought about that. It might be worth a try.
~michael baker
The Magic Company
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Eldon
Special user
Virden, IL
848 Posts
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Posted: Apr 3, 2010 11:16pm
A Slinky is a Tension or Torsion Spring. Don't you need Compression Spring for a Spring Puppet?
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Spellbinder
Inner circle
The Holy City of East Orange, NJ
6439 Posts
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Posted: Apr 3, 2010 11:26pm
You don't actually need a spring in a spring puppet. Foam rubber works quite nicely.
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry
http://www.magicnook.com
Publisher of The Wizards' Journals
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pixsmith
Regular user
132 Posts
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Posted: Apr 4, 2010 11:33am
My thought is that some of the "original" spring animals (and I mean way way back) used mattress or maybe sofa springs. Those would be the right size, and might just require some cutting. Of course, almost no one knows what or has a mattress or sofa spring, but you might check with antique furniture restoration people to check on possible sources. I have cause to use typewriter springs a lot. Yeah, try finding one of those these days.
Just a thought
Pix
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Zack
Special user
526 Posts
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Posted: Apr 5, 2010 2:29pm
How do you use the foam rubber? Do you need to sculpt it into the shape of the puppet?
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jay leslie
V.I.P.
southern california
6322 Posts
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Posted: Apr 5, 2010 2:35pm
Slinkys can be stretched out
Most bed springs are way to hard
Foam (easiest) could be rolled (tube shape) or cubed then stuffed inside. Alternative: Use those 50 sponge balls that are junking-up your sock drawer and stuff them inside.
http://www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com our 75th year
The one and only www.miraclemagiccompany.com/
And you know what they say - if it works... it's a Miracle!
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Eldon
Special user
Virden, IL
848 Posts
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Posted: Apr 5, 2010 11:59pm
Duh! Never thought about streching the Slinky.
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Spellbinder
Inner circle
The Holy City of East Orange, NJ
6439 Posts
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Posted: Apr 6, 2010 7:06am
Quote:
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On 2010-04-05 14:29, Zack wrote:
How do you use the foam rubber? Do you need to sculpt it into the shape of the puppet?
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I liked a foam "log" that was hollowed out and inserted in the puppet. Unless your puppet has unusual cavities (like cheeks, for example" you don't need to worry about sculpting the foam any more than you would sculpt a wire spring. The hollow space in the center of the "log" allowed for the same flexing movements as with a spring; push down and his head goes up, etc.
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry
http://www.magicnook.com
Publisher of The Wizards' Journals
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chill
Veteran user
colorado, usa
307 Posts
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Posted: Apr 6, 2010 9:22am
I bought a dozen of these, tho not here. the spring is 2" dia. and about 18" long. I had to used three to get enough "spring" but they compress well. there are bigger versions that may suit you better.
bob
I spent most of my money on magic and women, the rest i just wasted
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Mark Austin
New user
2 Posts
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Posted: Apr 20, 2010 4:54pm
I used one of the spring snakes from a large Adams peanut brittle can to make my own spring animal.
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JamesinLA
Inner circle
Los Angeles
3209 Posts
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Posted: May 8, 2010 2:39am
Zack,
Buy a spring rabbit and gut the sucker.
Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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