harmonograph

I built this harmonograph, in part for the Art Faculty show at the college where I teach photography. I wanted it to be made primarily of wood, so I hollowed out redwood blocks that I filled with lead for the weights. I have made a couple of changes since...

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• harmonograph
• lissjous
• pendulum
• drawing
• machine

[gonepishing]

is there any likelihood that a tabletop harmonograph would be a success?

[eventhorizon53]

I think the biggest problem you would have with a scaled down version is not haveing enough weight to keep the pendulums moving long enough for an interesting and meaninful pattern to develop. The varying weights make the pendulums move at different speeds. As the energy diminishes in a differential manner it changes the relative direction of the pencreating the distinct pattern. So I am not confident that you would have great success after going to the effort of building it.

[guilhermelemmi]

That's really beautiful, congratulations! I was wondering how the third pendulum (table) get started. Is it necessary to swing it manually or will the pressure from the pen on paper do that? Thanks!

[eventhorizon53]

Thank you so much! All of the pendulums are started manually.

[JamesaOz]

Thanks for that. I once made and took a 2 pendulum harmonograph made out of Meccano to a school fete, and sold a few patterns for a few cents. I also found it essential to have similar proportions. I head lead weights to friction took a long time to slow it, making very detailed patterns.

[moggmatou]

@eventhorizon53

the speed of a pendulum is dependent upon the length of the pendulum, not the weight. The weight of the pendulum would only effect the how long it will take the pendulums to reduce in arc, not time, due to friction from the pencil and mechanism. The shorter the pendulum the quicker the movement. If you have enough height for the pendulums, light mechanism, and good nylon joints, it could work, but if you want it to be truely tabletop, the picture is going to be tiny.

[g32forst]

What a fascinating contraption. The woodwork is gorgeous, you have a fine sense for balance, contrast and detail.

[sarlupe]

aaaaaaa camera movement hell.

[MPS186282]

@VladimirNable No, that would be impossible.

[gonepishing]

@eventhorizon53 well, on your advice I completed a full-size harmonograph :)

video on my channel

[VladimirNable]

Does this machine can work endlessly, doesn't it?

[VladimirNable]

Terrific! It's crazy machine!

And how much paper was you already use for it?

[gonepishing]

also, forgot to congratulate you on a fine piece of work!