What i have to ask is how long should i make the arms for a puppet thats the size of gonzo, or elmo, or rod from avenue q? i was thinking a foot. also, what is the best way to create removable arm rods? i was thinking of attatching a tube to the foam hand underneath the skin that i could push the wire rod into. if i do this then i cannot glue the hand to the arm and ill have to make leather joints to hold it together. Anyone have a better idea? i bet you do 

There are so many threads on here re:Arm rods, I can't imagine getting into that again, I'd suggest you read up on those...
The idea of the tube for the rod is discussed in other threads and has merit, it does not mean you can't attach the wrists though...
Ok length of arms should be set by the size of the rest of the body. No one can tell you "yes a foot is good" unless they know the size of the head. The elbow should be in the middle of the arm (without the hand)The arm should be long enough that when the hand is up in the air the elbow reaches the top of the head (like yours) This is with the arm anchored on the shoulder, so I guess height of head plus neck equals half the arm length...
Hope that helps

Just use the search box at the top right corner of the page to find things you are looking for.

Billy D.

Steve is right about the fact that we can not really give you an exact length. He points out how I normally figure things out, and that is to compare it to my own body.  Now granted everyone's body is a bit different but it give you a starting point.

sorry i chose such a rerun topic guys, i just wanted something specific so i thought id post my own question. as for the length i guess ill just figure it out when i get that far. But i think i found my own solution! i bought this aluminum-screw/clamp-thing that i can adjust to tightly fit the rods :]





im using the project puppet pattern for the hands and rods, the difference is that ill cut the rod apart where it sticks out of the hand and glue one side into this thing and then just leave the other skrew a little loose so i can slide the other half in and out.

Now There you go! I was directing you to the other threads but what you have is found is a really good idea. if you bookmarked any of the other threads on this topic go and post this there as well so that it can be shared with those that get notification emails. This is a hot topic and I think you have a new and very viable solution, just goes to show it's always worth revisiting thorny problems and I stand corrected!
Was this from an electronics parts store? is it for joining cables?
Instead of mounting it "mid rod" (potentially weaker and visible) perhaps you could mount the aluminum block to the hand and have one point of attachment... This would be easier if you were following the method some use of a thin plywood palm to reinforce the hand. It could be worth it just to use this block to attach the rods. The next question would be about access to the screw. How often do you want to remove it? There is a method that builds a pocket into the bottom of the wrist to make for a slick finish around the rod, perhaps you could get a small screw driver in there easily enough...
Be sure to post some photos of how you implement your discovery,
Sorry for my initial jaded sounding response, it is a good lesson to me that you have such an excellent new (to me anyway) idea for this.
Scoob

:D thank you so much scubasteve! ill post my um.. invention on the tutorials with some drawiings of how ill use them, it shouldnt be too long before i do it. BTW i got them at home depot in the electronics section, one of my pics has all the names and details of it on the package ;]

My two concerns with them is the weight of them and access to the screws to tighten them as mentioned above...for the weight factor they may cause the hands to be to heavy and cumbersome and your rods won't be able to hold the weight and your arms will be out of control and waving in directions that you don't want.....just something to consider as you build. 

Let us know how it goes......

Daryl H

Could you use computer stand off screws ? They might be lighter  



Billy D.

Ok guys i have the answer to your questions!!

it weighs as much as two quarters

its only a hair past an inch in length

and i planned on making the screws have a permanent fit
by using this superglue gel i bought to keep them in place

i hope this helps