Kinetic Toys
Category:
Project creation
Class Length:
3 Hours
Bring movement to life with this playful introduction to woodworking and simple mechanics. In this class, students will design and build a small hopping toy. Choosing between a kangaroo or rabbit design while learning the fundamentals of cutting, drilling, shaping, and assembling moving wooden parts.
Working with bandsaws, scroll saws, and drill presses, participants will explore how motion is created through balanced pivots, precise drilling, and careful fitting. You’ll learn how to make adjustments for smooth movement and refine shapes for a satisfying “hop.” By the end, everyone will leave with a charming kinetic creature that wobbles, rocks, and springs to life.
This class blends creativity and craftsmanship, offering a fun, hands-on way to strengthen tool confidence and introduce basic mechanical design concepts.
Upcoming class dates:
Class topics and tools:
- Bandsaw and scroll saw cutting for curves and detail
- Drill press operation and accurate hole placement
- Fitting and testing dowel joints for movement
- Shaping, sanding, and assembly for smooth motion
- Understanding simple mechanical balance and motion
Open to:
Adults ages 18 years and above and youth ages 16-17 who taking the class along with a parent or guardian
Skill level beginner, intermediate, or advanced:
Beginner
Prerequisites (if required):
None!
Safety notes:
- Plan to arrive a few minutes before class starts. For safety and instructional reasons, we are not able to allow participants to join the class more than 10 minutes after the class has begun.
- Safety glasses are provided for all participants, though you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
- Hearing protection is strongly encouraged for classes that involve the use of saws and other equipment. Hearing protection is provided for all participants, though you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
- For all classes that involve the use of tools and other equipment:
- Please do not wear dangling jewelry or baggy clothing.
- Closed-toed shoes are required. Sandals are not permitted.
- Long hair must be tied back.
Not yet available!
Cost:
$125
participation. Learn more about our scholarship options below.
Financial support
All of the programming at MAC is supported by donations, which enables us to offer classes at a lower cost to all participants. We also understand that our class fees may still be a barrier to participation for individuals with limited expendable income.
To ensure that our courses are accessible to as many community members as possible, we currently offer three levels of financial support: 25%, 50%, and 75%. If one of these discounts would make your participation possible, please select the option that best aligns with your personal needs and circumstances.
Individual participants may enroll in up to three discounted classes per calendar year.
To receive a financial support discount of 25%, enter “community25” in the Promo Code field of the registration checkout page. To receive a financial support discount of 50%, enter “community50” in the Promo Code field. To receive a financial support discount of 75%, enter “community75” in the Promo Code field.
More classes
Here's a sneak peek of a few of our upcoming classes.
