I want to make a simple hand mechanism for some of my rod puppets but I keep getting problems left and right.
I want to control the finger of the rod puppet like the way the Muppets did in the Dark Crystal and  like Lips from The Muppet Show. I need some help and some good advice on how to make this.

Here are some YouTube videos that should give you an idea of how to mechanize your hands.




This is a cool one but pretty complicated. Still the same basic concept though.
puppet hand

So there you have it!  Feel free to ask specific questions if you are having a problem with any part of the concept.

Also check out this older thread. It shows the process of building the above concept in wood. http://puppetsandstuff.com/community/index.php/topic,3520.0.html

It just shows that once you have the basic idea you can execute it in many ways.

Good videos Shawn!

I really like the other videos from Humphries as well.  Makes want to build something new.

Julie

thanks.