> About Our Instructions

> What You'll Get

> Tools You'll Need

> Customer Video

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About our models and kits

All our kits are professionally engineered, designed and manufactured in the USA. We use 100% hardwoods, and each part is precision carved by computer controlled machinery for a guaranteed fit and accuracy.

Our design process starts with extensive research into the history and function of an item. Then we keep five objectives in mind 1: The finished model must be functional. if it doesn't work, and work well, then we don't want to make it. 2: It must be easy to put together. 3: It should look fantastic. and 4: We optimize the manufacturing process to keep the cost of the kit as low as possible (without sacrificing any of the first three objectives), and lastly, is it something we can be proud of.

To do all that, we make countless sketches, 3D computer models, physical prototypes and revision after revision after revision until finally, we have a product we like. Then we start writing the instructions.

About our instructions

All of our instructions are written and edited by professional technical writers who are also model makers. We build the models three or four different ways until we work out the easiest and best ways to assemble the kits. Each step of the way is professionally photographed, including which parts to use, what the model looks like before, and after the parts are assembled.

More than just an assembly guide, our instructions are often peppered with useful tips, historical information, advanced techiques and in many cases, relevant physics and mathematical information too.

What You Get with our kits

In addition to all the necessary hardware and instructions, each of our kits comes as one or more "panels" of wood - a panel is a natural plank of wood, with each part carved out by a computer, except for a few small tabs that hold the parts to the plank. The tabs are only about 1/10 of an inch thick, so they are easy to snip with a utility knife or sturdy scissors. Any remaining nubs can be easily trimmed with scissors or just sanded off.

This manufacturing process helps us to insure that no parts go missing, ever. Also, the modeler can see how each part was made. Separating the parts from the plank is really quick and easy.

Once separated, the pieces are easy to identify from the photos in the instructions. Our instructions are highly detailed, filled with photos of every step of the construction process and often including tips, tricks and even advanced techniques in some cases. We also usually include historical information, basic physics relevant to the model and other interesting notes.

What you'll need

You'll only have to supply the tools and some wood glue to complete the kits.

The tools you'll need are only the ones mentioned above- scissors, a utility knife, plus a ruler and optionally sandpaper and/or a file. Clamps or rubber bands are useful to hold parts together while the glue dries (large binder clips from any office supply store also work great).

If the kit requires any string, twine, dowels, leather, screws, bolts, wheels, or other special parts, they'll be included in the box too. You won't need to supply any other materials to complete the project.

Customer Video

Here's a short video made by one of our customers.
Building and shooting the Desktop Trebuchet:

More information

Since our kits are all made from solid hardwood, they can be beautifully finished with stains, finishing wax or oils for a truly museum quality display model. But not only do they look good, when constructed properly all our kits are fully functional, working models (except, of course, for our Perpetual Motion machine which is historically accurate but alas, scientifically impossible.)

Once completed, the modeler will have a truly unique item that he built himself. A source of pride and accomplishment for all to see and admire.