harmonograph

This is a 4-pendulum harmonograph that I built for the 2010 East Austin Studio Tour. After the event I added an additional pendulum to provide x and y motion to the paper as well as the pen. This is a temporary set-up clamped to my work table. The harmonograph was invented in the 19 century and was popularized as a parlor amusement in the 1890’s. It is still fascinating to watch.