Attaching Arm rods to Puppet Arms

[shtick]

Whats the best way to make a removable puppet arm? I've ben researching my brains out to find something in the nature of a snap on snap off kind of thing!

 

[Iokitek]

Puppet Planet has some building info including a technique to make a removable armrod with a rubber band.

Hope that helps...

 

[shtick]

I was thinking something a little more sturdy.

By the way, people keep referring to puppet planet for building tips. All I see there is a store selling puppets. Theres no builders page or anything like that!

 

[Jinx]

I really like the method the Grey Seal Puppets' "The Foam Book" describes. (http://www.greysealpuppets.com/) Fundamentally it is an axle made from a doll joint and a wire arm rod bent into a hook that locks into it. The doll joint is embedded nto the palm area of the puppet's hand. It is very firm, articulates during performance, and doesn't come out unless I want it to.

Of course there are hundreds of ways to go about it. I've seen people use threaded rods into clevises from RC kits, magnetics, etc. etc., but the Grey Seal way has worked really well for me. I highly recommend their book!

 

[Buck-Beaver]

If you're looking for a quick, sturdy "snap on, snap off" method I think that this is the best way to do it. Mind you it's more difficult and time consuming than the methods Jinx and Io mentioned.

 

[FISH'N'WOLFE]

I agree, that's the method I use as well.

 

[shtick]

Snap Lock System?

I'm interested in using a snap lock system for a puppets hand. Problem is I don't know what this system is called or where to get parts for something like this. It involves a smaller tube with a spring loaded ball and a bigger tube with a hole to ft the ball. I have a picture.

If anyone could identify its name or where I can get these parts please do.

 

[Buck-Beaver]

I've seen these used, but they're not very common with puppets. Probably the best thing to do is check out hardware stores and surplus/findings shops (if you have any in your area). You can sometimes salvage these off camping gear.