Pups Log

The sizes of characters, props, etc. need to be appropriate for each scene. So I decided to make a "Distant view kayak." The silhouette has been deformed to match the character design. First, draw appropriate lines on the timber and cut it according to the plan. Secure the cut scraps in their original positions with tape. Then cut it on the side view. This will complete the rough shape. Use a plane, cutter, and sandpaper to shape the piece.

 Keep drilling every night, making something for the armature’s Jiggs.  Finally, I found a mass-produced ball joint jig. That was very simple.  Drilled 2.5mm holes in the 2-layer 2mm thick brass plates with a jig for correct drilling.   After drilling with a jig, one plate was tapped for a 3mm screw, and another plate drilling with a 3mm bit. Screwed both plates and drilled 3.5mm holes for the 6mn ball joint, and 5mm holes for the 8mm ball joint.  Cut them apart off with the band-saw and grind 4 corners.  Majored and cut a long thread bolt for armature size.  I forgot to make the neck part. That's why he doesn't have an upper shoulder body.  Look like he is Rodin’s “Thinker”  He might think something sitting on the band saw that had made him.  Now we can make an armature original size.  One bad thing happened a while ago when I tapped a brass block, my only 4mm tap was broken.  Need to get a new one sometime…

The factory manager, Shingo, is finally trying to make his own armature. And he has almost succeeded.   He has a huge head of ideas. He can look at ready-made products and modify them to make them more usable. Actually, he was one of the first students in my Qajaq building workshop. He probably didn't have much experience in kayaking before. But his curiosity quickly filled the gap, and he became a master of Qajaq building. I sometimes let him lead the workshops. That's why I got him involved in this stop-motion animation project. Yes, he is very dependable. His partner Sayaka is also involved in this project. She graduated from an art school and previously worked at a famous animation studio. You must be familiar with that studio's work. Yes, it's the one with the giant deer god in it. I left the design of the main character to her. She also completed Qajaq several years ago. And now She can do some rolls too. This project focuses on child kayaker. So, I'm excited ...