Rod Arm Help

[intozlight]

I was wondering what you guys found that works best for the wire in the puppet rods? I have tried several gauges and types of wire but have been less than thrilled with the results.

____________

Director Davies
Ripplesministry.org

 

[puppetise]

give me a day and ill give the detailes on the type i use

 

[ravagefrackle]

i use welding rod, not sure of the guage, but its good and strong

 

[davidmartiste]

Puppet 101 blog has a great tutorial where 3/32 'piano wire' is used [check hobby shops ie: model kits, remote toys, etc.] You can vary the build depending on your method but, the end product is a good quality rod.
http://swazzle.com/blogs/2006/01/puppet-building-tutorial-arm-rods.html

 

[Phantom]

I've used stainless welding rods (sold by the pound) they are durable but hard to bend. Now I use Simpson insulation supports. $10/100 and are slightly easier to bend. They work well, not sure of the guage.

 

[intozlight]

Thanks for all the help guys. I am also looking into making a removable arm rod, perhaps with a bike spoke and cap.

My newest Puppet should be done in a couple of days. I will post the pics when he is done.

__________________
Director Davies
ripplesministry.org

 

[rumtar_10165]

of course I use metal coat hangers for the rods of my puppets.

 

[Tim]

If you have a library handy and if they carry THE PUPPETRY JOURNAL they just ran an extensive 2 issue article all about arm rods. econd part is out now.

 

[intozlight]

Arm rods - Cont

Well all, I have been researching and finally decided on a rod arm holder - taking bits and pieces from everything I learned here. I decided on square handles for better control - although I rounded the edges on my sander to give them a more comforatble feel.
Looking at one of the tutorials, I noticed that they had wrapped wire around the rod and had pushed it into the side of the handle - while this makes for a very sturdy rod, it did not have the finish I wanted - so instead, I drilled oversized holes in the center and "roughed-up" the end of the rod. I foung that Gorilla glue ( avail at any hardware store) feels like it will hold forever. But alas only time will tell if i have made the right decision. Additionally, for the end I decided to solder a loop on the end for sewing inside the hand. This again makes for a nicer finish and of course only matters to me. We will see how sturdy this is as well.
Overall I am very happy with the final product and will post pictures of Bernard - The boy-beaver genius as soon as I take them. Thank you all for your input.

______________
Director Davies
RipplesMinistry.org

 

[Punch'n'Judy]

If you're looking for a smooth finish but with the metal still set into the wooden handle, which is the Henson way, cut a channel down the side of the rod with a small chisel, which is the same depth as the wire, so it will sit flush with the wood. This channel leads to the drilled hole where the wire bends at a right angle into the wood.

I think these things are all personal, like marionette controls, and you have to use whatever works best for you, but keep an open mind to improvements.