"FAKIR" magician automaton by Thomas Kuntz

This video shows the presentation and some construction highlights of a magical automaton (edition of 5).This piece, an original sculpture by Thomas Kuntz portrays the exotic albeit "dead" Fakir, performing a peculiar cups and balls routine ending in regurgitation. The mechanism needed to be extremely precise to produce the desired result.It was constructed of solid brass the cams acting on levers were cut by hand... all other mechanical components were custom machined metal as well either brass or steel.To allow the operator the ultimate control over speed and stop/ starts there is NO electricity on this piece, all functions are purely mechanical, cams levers gears linkages and a very unusual bent pitch sound device also controlled by a cam that emits a sitar kind of sound over the hum of a ratchet/pawl assembly that also serves the purpose of protecting the machine if the operator turns the crank in the wrong direction.
The case is custom made too from solid oak and the mechanism can be viewed from a door at the back
video editing and shooting assisted by Blake Bolger
odd video sounds by monocle mechanic

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• fakir
• automaton
• automates
• magic
• apparatus
• magician
• automaten
• mechanische
• hindu
• hand
• cranked
• puppet
• theater
• gear
• cutting
• wheel
• ratchet

[SuperBeanson]

That is astounding- but I really wish instead of this fragmented video you woukd just show an uninterrupted view of the whole cycle

[MrTheChompiras]

thanks for the vids and please upload the Pulling the Will video cuz i cant find it anywhere.

[levyonn]

Really great!!!!! But my favorite is still "The Great Kundalini" XD

[cormatches]

GREAT!!!

[CanadaIndieFilm]

I'll think twice about describing myself as an automaton to my coworkers. This automaton is much more complicated than I am.

[Steve1945]

Simply marvelous! You excel in every facet of automata making. Did you design and make that gear cutting tool, too?

[tomcathead]

Really great Thomas! I can't believe you are cutting your own gears. Of course if you have the machinery......

Love seeing the details and behind the scenes.

[shamsham1983]

well done kafir!

[mangor]

Incredible and wondrous sir! Enjoyed the inner workings too!

[mangor]

fantastic and amazing Thomas, you are incredible sir!