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to constructing a simple
cam mechanism.
follower
cam handle
overall length 40 cm
top of box
(and bottom)
are 10 cm2
width
30 cm
(3 x 10 cm)
flaps are
about the
width of
a ruler
Step 2
I scored and folded the box. At this stage, it is best to fix the box temporarily, so that I can
lay it flat again to work on it. I used little pieces of masking tape to hold it.
Instead of making my own box, I could have
used a ready made box like the one below from
YPO, or I could have brought a box from home.
I made the axle about 4 cm longer than the width of the box (so about 14 cm) so that it
would extend a little out from each side.
Step 4
Next I had to decide on the
position of the holes, one on
each side of the box, and one
on the top of the box.
I cut a strip of
card, about
14 cm long
and 3 cm wide. The follower is a
length of dowel
I made a hole in with a small
the centre, and wooden wheel on
scored and the end.
folded two tabs.
The wheel helps it
This card will to sit on top of the
support and cam.
guide the
follower, so that
it moves up and
down, and not
side to side.
I fixed the card strip temporarily in place, and tested the mechanism to make sure it worked
as I intended. Having made any necessary adjustments, I marked where the card was to be
fixed. Then I disassembled the parts and made the fixings permanent.
I wanted to
make a crank
handle which I
could fix to one
end of the axle,
to turn the cam.
Here are just
three simple
ways of making
a handle.
Step 7
• Masking tape