Dug’s Automata Tips, Techniques and Tricks – Tools and References

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This is a list of related books, materials and tools which may be helpful when reading articles from our blog series Dug’s Automata Tips, Techniques and Tricks.

Tips & Tricks No. 8 – Joints for Automata Figures

Further Reading
The Human Machine (Dover Anatomy for Artists)
Amazon UK – Amazon US

Making and Manipulating Marionettes
Amazon UK – Amazon US

Reference Models
Art S. Buck Artist’s Model – Female
Amazon US

Art S. Buck Artist’s Model – Male
Amazon US

Athlete Action Figures – Set of 2
Amazon UK – Amazon US

Materials
Basswood Sheets 1/4″ x 4″ x 24″ (pack of 10 sheets)
Amazon UK – Amazon US

Brads 3/4″ x 15
Amazon UK – Amazon US

Tools
Coping Saws
Amazon UK – Amazon US

Coping saw blades
Amazon UK – Amazon US

Scroll Saws
Amazon UK – Amazon US

Tips & Tricks No. 7 – Building Boxes

Further Reading
Basic Woodworking by Sunset Books (Out of print, but easy to find and inexpensive)
Amazon UK – US

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery by Gary Rogowski
Amazon UK – US

Tools for Doweling
Dowels Pins

Commercially made dowel pins come in a variety of diameters for joining different thicknesses of wood.
The 1/4″ diameter dowels will serve your needs if you are using wood that is at least 1/2″ thick.
Amazon UK – US

Dowel Centres
Dowel centres are little metal caps that go into a set of holes that have been drilled for dowels The dowel centres have points that are used to mark the locations for the dowel holes in a second piece of wood. Sets include pairs of common dowel sizes.
Amazon UK – US

Dowel Centering Jig
This tool clamps to the edge of a board, automatically locating the center. Metal bushings of various sizes aid in drilling holes into the edge of the board.
Amazon UK – US

Corner Clamps or Right Angle Clamps
These specialized clamps hold boards at right angles to each other, making the drilling for through-doweling much easier.
Amazon UK – US

Collar Stops
Collar stops are rings that are temporarily attached to a drill bit. The bit will drill only as deep as the collar permits. This is handy for drilling the faces of board that will be blind-doweled.
Amazon UK – US

Tips & Tricks No. 6 – Rotary Tools

Rotary Tools
Rotary Tools – Amazon UK – US

Rotary Tool Bits
Rotary Tool Carving and Engraving Bit Set – Amazon US

Structured Tooth Tungsten Carbide Carving Bits – Amazon US

Abrasive Brush Set – Amazon UK – US

Diamond-Point Bit Set – Amazon UK – US

Glass Drilling Bit with Cutting Oil – Amazon UK – US

Emery Impregnated Polishing Disc – Amazon US

Rotary Tool Accessories
Right Angle Attachment for Rotary Tool – Amazon UK – US

Flex Shaft Attachment – Amazon UK – US

Rotary Tool Hanger – Amazon UK – US

Abrasive Belt Cleaner – Amazon UK – US

Further Reading
Power Carving Manual: Tools, Techniques, and 16 All-Time Favorite Projects – Amazon UK – US

Instructional DVDs
Frank Russell’s Power Carving Fur, Feathers, & Fins: How to Carve with Foredom Power Tools and Accessories – Amazon UK – US

Tips & Tricks No. 5 – Wooden Heads and faces

Wood Shapes

Hardwood eggs – Woodworks – UK, US
3/8 inch dowels – Amazon UK, US
Assorted wooden stars – Amazon UK, US

Hobby saws

Razor Saw – Amazon UK, US
Hobby saw miter box – Amazon UK, US
Pin vise set – Amazon UK, US

Further Reading

The Artist’s Complete Guide to Facial Expression – Amazon UK, US
Cartooning the Head and Figure – Amazon UK, US
Facial Expressions: A Visual Reference for Artists – Amazon UK, US

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