Timberkits Overview
If you like frivolous mechanical gadgets, you've come to the right place! Timberkits models are wooden mechanical automata that function by way of a hand-cranked system of cams, cranks, levers and pushrods. Automata are automated toys that have existed for centuries. Unfortunately, the creation of automata requires much artistic and engineering skill and a well equipped workshop. But now these toys are accessible to the less-talented of us thanks to Timberkits.
My ever expanding collection of Timberkits models.
Timberkits has taken care of the difficult job of engineering and the tedious task of parts production. All that's left is the fun of assembling the kit. The kits can also be purchased fully assembled, but that wouldn't be much fun.
The Musician Pack.
Each kit includes several stacked trays of parts, a parts map, instructions, glue and a small swatch of sandpaper. The parts tend to be in pretty good condition, so I've had little use for the sandpaper. The parts can be painted, but I prefer the look of plain wood. There's more than enough glue to finish a kit. Some kits also include a stick of wax that can be applied to moving parts to prevent squeaking. But I have not used the wax and none of my models squeak.
A Timberkits box, parts trays, parts map and instructions.
The instructions consist of a series of step-by-step exploded views with a few written notes here and there. I'll give the instructions an "okay" mark. They're adequate, but you'll definitely want to bring your brain along for the ride. I've found minor inconsistencies between the instructions, parts map and parts trays. This is especially true with the small lengths of dowel pegs. You'll want to have a ruler marked in millimeters. Use the ruler to confirm that each part is what the instructions call for. Obviously you'll want to keep the parts neatly organized in their trays until they're needed. Use tweezers to pick parts from their trays. It's important to carefully visualize what you're building and understand the mechanisms before gluing. Once the glue dries there's no going back.
I like to use a process of elimination to keep myself from mixing up parts. Not only do I confirm that a given part is needed for the current instruction step, I also confirm that the part is not needed for any future steps. This requires studying the instructions over and over before and during construction. My process of elimination also works well for sniffing out those aforementioned inconsistencies between the instructions, parts map and parts trays.
Shown below are the tools I most often use to assemble the models. There's a small round file and Xacto knife for occasionally reshaping or trimming a part. The tube of glue and swatch of sandpaper are included with each kit. Tweezers are for pulling parts from their vacuum formed trays. Parts should be test-fit before gluing. The pencil is for adding reference marks to aid in reassembly. Toothpicks are great for coaxing glue where you want it. A ruler marked in millimeters helps identify and confirm which parts are which. A small machinist square (also marked in millimeters) is for squaring and centering parts.
Recommended tools.
The glue that's included with these kits isn't always consistent. Sometimes it's too thick or dried out completely. It's just as easy to use carpenter's glue or white glue.
Use carpenter's glue and toothpicks.
I usually work on these kits over the course of several days. But it is possible to assemble a kit in one day. If I'm feeling ambitious I'll simultaneously work on different subassemblies while I'm waiting for the glue to dry on others. Good luck!
Timberkits is located in the UK. But there's also Mechanical Kits, a US distributer for Timberkits as well as other mechanical wood kit brands such as Modelshop (ARToy), Pathfinders and more.
Mechanical Kits
Timberkits, Modelshop, Pathfinders & More!
