Neat Steampunk Gadgets
Flickr user donpezzano makes neat steampunky “time machines” and toys out of clock faces, sewing machine parts, and other castoff bits. He doesn’t give a lot of information about parts used or construction techniques, but you could certainly use them for inspiration. (A few of this user’s other photosets are NSFW, so practice safe surfing.) (via Dark Roasted Blend)
Instructables offers a couple of tutorials for making hand-held “time machines” as well:
- Vortex Distortion Space and Time Dilating Device (this user says, quote, “i personally find alot of steam punk to be a bit over comic like, and a bit to fantastical.” Dude. That’s its point.)
- Steampunk / Cyberpunk Time Device
If, like me, you tend to squirrel away any interesting bits of broken things, you’ve probably got some gears and whatnot lying around already. If you’re not quite as loony thrifty, simply dig around in junk shops for broken clocks and other mechanisms that you can dissect.
One of these would be a fun addition to a Victorian costume (you could even attach a functional watch to it somewhere and use it as a pocket watch). I’ve always quite liked the idea of a Gentleman Time Traveler, calmly observing other time periods.
You’ll also want to carry one if you plan to participate in Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day. (If they don’t hold the event again this year, you can always participate in last year’s festivities.)
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