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Assembly

Drawing MachineFESTIVAL NUM / ASSEMBLY DRAFT

Follow the photos to build a machine that makes amazing drawings all by itself.

Make your first drawing! — workshop photograph.
SAFETY: Switch OFF when changing parts. Ask an adult to help with tight collars and sharp bamboo sticks.

Build a drawing machine

  1. Step 1 of 18

    Put in the batteries

    Part 1 / Wake up the gears Put two AA batteries in the holder, matching the + and − marks. Keep the switch OFF.

    Put in the batteries — workshop photograph.
  2. Step 2 of 18

    Add the motor gear

    Push the small gear onto the motor shaft. Match the shape of the hole and press gently.

    Add the motor gear — two workshop views.
  3. Step 3 of 18

    Add the other gears

    Place the biggest gear in the middle and the two other gears on their axles. Check that all the teeth meet.

    Add the other gears — workshop photograph.
  4. Step 4 of 18

    Test the gears

    Switch ON for a moment. Do all four gears turn? Switch OFF again.

    Test the gears — workshop photograph.
  5. Step 5 of 18

    Help the gears glide

    With an adult helping, gently rub a little dry soap where the spinning gear teeth meet. Keep fingers clear.

    Help the gears glide — workshop photograph.
  6. Step 6 of 18

    Prepare three bamboo sticks

    Part 2 / Build the moving arms Use three 40 mm sticks. Put ONE collar on the bottom of sticks A and C. Put TWO collars on stick B. Leave the other ends free.

    Prepare three bamboo sticks — workshop photograph.
  7. Step 7 of 18

    Join the two arms

    Pass stick A through the last hole of one arm and the second-to-last hole of the other. Its collar stays underneath.

    Join the two arms — two workshop views.
  8. Step 8 of 18

    Make a V shape

    Turn the arms with sticks pointing up. Put stick B in the third hole from the far end of the upper arm, and stick C in the third hole from the far end of the other arm.

    Make a V shape — two workshop views.
  9. Step 9 of 18

    Check the stick heights

    Part 3 / Make everything fit The center joint stick must be flush underneath its collar. The two outer sticks should protrude a little below their collars.

    Check the stick heights — two workshop views.
  10. Step 10 of 18

    Try the arms on the gears

    Put the two protruding ends into holes in the small gears. The center joint slides over the big gear. Press gently to check the arms sit level.

    Try the arms on the gears — two workshop views.
  11. Step 11 of 18

    Lock the arms

    Take the assembly off and add three top collars. Use a flat table and ask an adult for help: these collars are tight and the sticks can be sharp.

    Lock the arms — two workshop views.
  12. Step 12 of 18

    Test the moving arms

    Put the assembly back into the gears. Turn ON briefly and watch. If it jams, switch OFF and try different gear holes.

    Test the moving arms — workshop photograph.
  13. Step 13 of 18

    Build the pen holder

    Part 4 / Give it a pen Take the fourth bamboo stick, the last round collar and the oval pen-holder piece. Add the round collar and slide the oval piece onto the stick.

    Build the pen holder — workshop photograph.
  14. Step 14 of 18

    Attach the pen holder

    Put the pen-holder stick into a hole near the far end of the arm that reaches over the big gear.

    Attach the pen holder — two workshop views.
  15. Step 15 of 18

    Attach your paper

    Part 5 / Make your first drawing Switch OFF. Put a little double-sided tape on the big gear, then center your round paper on it.

    Attach your paper — workshop photograph.
  16. Step 16 of 18

    Put in your pen

    Slide a pen into the oval holder. Adjust it until its tip just touches the paper, without pressing hard.

    Put in your pen — workshop photograph.
  17. Step 17 of 18

    Make your first drawing!

    Turn the switch ON and watch the gears move the pen. Turn OFF to stop. Try a new color or a new position!

    Make your first drawing! — workshop photograph.
  18. Step 18 of 18

    Bonus: the fifth bamboo stick

    Keep experimenting! Save the fifth stick for experimenting. Put it into a stationary hole only when you want to use that hole as a fixed pivot. Otherwise, leave it out so it cannot block the moving arms.

    Bonus: the fifth bamboo stick — two workshop views.

Workshop draft: Photographs are from the original build. Some steps (batteries, paper, pen installation) still need dedicated photos. Before publishing, verify a specific beginner gear-hole recipe and test collar installation with a first-time builder. Robot in a Can · Festival NUM · Photo-first assembly guide