Articulated Skeleton

[HumanObscura]

I'm a photographer who has been using skeletons as subjects for a few years now. I've essentially been using halloween props and the like and reworking them. When I started I took them apart and wired the joints to make them "posable." They were still essentially marionette puppets, useable but the set up for each image was time consuming and generated much profanity.

I wanted to make some relatively free holding ball and socket joints. The challenge was a worthy one, first time making ball and socket joints, additionally the nature of the skeleton meant I had to walk a delicate line between the size/function of the joint and the appearance.

I ended up using delrin as it seemed something I could "machine" with the equipment I have.

The shoulder joints and hip joints were made in the same method.

Articulated wrist and wired hand for posability.

First camera tests. I shoot in film and older methods, these shots are 8x10 negatives shot on X-ray film.

I have two more skeletons this size and many more in other scales I also intend to articulate so any and all advice is appreciated.

 

[HumanObscura]

In my research before the build I came across these camera mounts as possible joints, I ruled them out due to their size, ironically the deleon joints ended up being the same size, so I bought a pack of these.

Additionally, material question, does anyone know of a plastic like deleon with a higher friction rating, thus making it a better material for joints.

 

[parfaitelumiere]

higher friction, you mean, better grip, or better glide?
If you want it glide you can buy teflon.

 

[HumanObscura]

higher friction, you mean, better grip, or better glide?
If you want it glide you can buy teflon.

Better grip, the delrin joints hold in place well, but I think if I used a material with more grip it would support a little more weight.