This machine is intended to demonstrate how various pendulums can be coupled together to produce highly unusual, elegant movement.

The curved double-ended pendulums attached to each wooden arm are indirectly joined to each other via pivoted rods that connect to a disc-shaped central pivot point. Suspended from this pivot point is a smaller single-ended pendulum. The three rods connecting all of the pendulums form a 'Y' shape, which enables all of the pendulums to influence each other's movement without being rigidly connected.

This pendulum system is set in motion by pulling the central pendulum to the side and letting go. While the two double-ended pendulums eventually swing out of phase with each other, the single-ended pendulum swings back and forth in a complex manner because its pivot point is also moving.

The overall effect is that of a silent mechanical ballet.

The pendulum weights, their graceful arms, and the delicate connecting rods are all made of brass. The base and the arms are made from a really fine piece of walnut. The light-colored V-shaped inlay at the base is made of boxwood.

As extensive use is made of tiny ball bearings, the motion of this pendulum composition is totally silent.

Approximate Dimensions: 24" long x 6" deep x 26" high.

Unlike many of my other machines, building this one was a pleasure from start to finish. I wish they all could be this enjoyable.

Before embarking on this particular design, I had done quite a bit of research into using pendulums to make a visually interesting piece. One of the things I learned is that, aesthetically, there is a fine line between being too bland and too cute, too rigid and too loose, and too contrived and too chaotic.

However, I think I got it just right with this one, and from a strictly woodworking and metal-crafting standpoint, there's no denying that this a very attractive piece that looks great from any angle. (Of course, since this machine is somewhat delicate, it's not recommended for the clumsy, the careless, or the ham-fisted. You know who you are!)

Indeed, there are many potential variations on the general themes embodied in this piece that I may explore in future machines.