Stegosaurus

Steg was a real beast back in the day. I doubt there were many predators to deal with. His age is quite old, and many disagree on exactly when he roamed. I’ve animated him for your viewing pleasure, as shown in the video below.

[Animation Video Here]

The spines, head, and tail of Stegosaurus are made from a single piece of hard maple. The body and legs are made from roasted maple, which is a process wherein the maple wood is baked in a roasting kiln at a controlled temperature.

The process removes moisture, oils and sugar, and creates a stable structure. The roasting process is typically used for slabs that will become guitar necks, and Stegosaurus was once-upon-a-time a slab that was intended for a guitar neck. (I used to make electric guitars and my necks were made from roasted maple.)

The wheels are made from the same hard maple that makes up the spine. I cut the wheels on my CNC machine so I can control exactly where the axle holes and peg holes are located, as well as the precise size of each wheel.

The pegs that hold the legs to the body and wheels are made from birch that I buy in bulk, already shaped and ready to use. The dowels that make up the axles are also birch, and purchased in bulk. The pegs and dowels are the only parts that I purchase. Everything else is made from scratch.

I finish sand to 220 grit, then apply a spray lacquer, sand some more, and build up a few more coats to give the wood a nice semi-gloss appearance. Finish can also be done a flat finish if desired. The wood detail will be readily evident, but won’t reflect light quite the same. It’s a matter of preference.

As Stegosaurus rolls across the landscape, the legs move in opposition and the tail end of the spine rises and falls, pivoting at the head end.

Videos of the creations in action are yet to be made.