Emmo wrote:

I make small kinetic sculptures by buying old electric alarm clocks,
electric can openers, and other small motorized kitchen appliances at the
Goodwill, removing the motors, and mounting them into welded boxes with
long, bent rods brazed onto the motor shafts. I braze small copper figures
like animals, birds, fish, etc. onto the other end of the rods, and plug
them in, making sharks that swim in circles, for instance.

I now want to add cams, so these objects move in more complex patterns than
just around in circles. Not as complex as automatons, but leading in that
direction.

My question is where to source the cams and followers? Either as parts in
cheap appliances, or more likely, as stand alone parts ?? I would be happy
to fabricate them, but my experiments with 1/8" plexi have not been too
successful - any better ideas??

Bend up a cam out of 1/8 rod and weld or braze it to the shaft; use a
lightweight follower. As long as you actuate _really_ lightweight stuff
with it and dress any welds on the working surface carefully it ought to
stand up pretty well.

--

Tim Wescott
Wescott Design Services
http://www.wescottdesign.com