Automata For Beginners - Hobbies & Leisure Activity
Unleash your inner creative by discovering the enchanting world of automata making together with woodworking skills.
The focus of these sessions is to ensure that the group (max 4 people) has an enjoyable time learning to make “moving art” whilst gaining woodworking confidence. There's no need for prior experience as the sessions are tailored for total beginners in both areas.
In all, you'll completed a simple, wooden moving model that showcases your newfound skills and the fascinating world of automata. We may also have time to make a second tutor led design or explore your own idea.
Dates & course durations
4th November 2026.
6th January 2027.
6.00pm-9.00pm.
6 weeks.
Course fees
£190
What you'll cover
You’ll get acquainted with a diverse assortment of basic manual tools. Also, electric drill driver, jigsaw, pillar drill, bench fretsaw and bench sander.
The course covers a wide variety of woodworking skills and techniques including:
- Workshop safety
- Wood as a material
- Measuring and marking out
- Sawing, sanding, drilling
- Using templates
- Glues
- Jointing with friction, pins, screws, dowels, glue
Across the sessions you will also be learning about some useful automata mechanisms (CAMs, Levers, Cranks, Gears, Belts, Linkages).
Your tutor will explain the basic concept of these mechanism using examples of his own work. You can also browse our collection of automata books and either make in class or take away a set of paper and card models designed to further your learning.
Materials provided for two tutor led models or equivalent.
There are no formal entry requirements for this course, although enthusiasm and commitment to prompt arrival are essential.
PPE provided. You’ll be using glues and potentially paint so wear suitable clothing. Avoid baggy sleaves, dangling items or jewellery that could snag on machinery. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are mandatory.
Remember something to tie back long hair and prescription glasses if needed.
While not a requirement, having short nails is generally more practical for working with tools.
You will need to be comfortable standing for the best part of the three hour sessions and have reasonable dexterity for working with smaller components.
Facilities
Students have access to a fantastic range of College-wide facilities such as the Learning & Research Centre, study hubs, computer areas with accompanying multi-function printers and helpdesk advice.
You will work in our state-of-the-art engineering workshops.
City and Guilds Level 1 Award in Computer Aided Design and Parametric Modelling 3D (CAD)
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September 2026
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