the world's best model pumpjack mkII by paul freeman

The creation and development of a working pumpjack model.
The initial idea was to build a mechanical sculpture that replicated the movements of a pumpjack. I used a small electric motor to power the unit and experimented with various gearbox ratios to provide a smooth continuous movement. After a few rebuilds the model started to look and act like the real thing. I decided to take it one step further and built a rod pump for it. Which worked surprisingly well.
Ninety percent of the model is fabricated from a rusty cantilever toolbox. The rusty paintwork adds a nice effect making the model look old and battered.
The clip at the end of the movie shows the one and only time I set the model up to work as a real pump. It worked beautifully but the mistake was that it pumped water rather than oil and consequently this rusted the pump mechanism. I have yet to rebuild it.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• paul freeman artist
• scale model
• recycled
• mechanical
• moving art sculpture
• industrial model

[david1012000]

what kind of pump did you use to get it to pump water like that i have an old pump from a vaccum pump wonder if it will work

[paulfreefall]

@david1012000

I built a very simple rod pump. an aluminium tube containing a piston attached to a rod. The piston has a ball bearing in it which blocks a hole on the upward stroke raising the liquid, like a one way valve. not sure about vacuum pumps...

[mower26]

this is awsome just like what me and my dad pump oil with every day!!!

[misbaksel13]

That thing, looks realy great. I want to build one myself too. Though I dont know how

[mjkwyo]

COOOL!~

[MrfixitRick]

I totally agree...except I think there is more to it than self-indulgence! There are all kinds of benefits, both to you and to others. This type of art activity should be mandatory for folks to exercise creation in their lives. Good work!

(I was mainly just pulling your leg with the question hehe)