Animated 'Haunted' Ouija Board

Step 10: Make the planchette

Next I needed to make the planchette. I decided after a few sketches, and after how my lid came out that I would like to have a bit of a steampunk theme, so I designed it in that way. Whatever you want to make, the main parts of construction still are applicable.

I looked around for what a planchette should look like, and there are infinite variations, but a majority look like a 'stretched love heart' shape. I sketched out this shape onto some scrap 6 mm ply (left over from the base of the box) and cut it out.

Next I drilled the hole which is pretty common on the planchettes I have seen.

I then got my piece of magnet matched with the magnet on the bracket/belt in the box, and carved out a small recess on the bottom of the planchette with a knife to fit the magnet (and deep enough for the magnet to sit flush with the surface of the wood). The magnet is not centered with the planchette on purpose as it helps make the movement look less mechanical (or symmetrical). Important! Make sure you match the magnet - if you don't it will be repelled by the one on the bracket inside the box, and won't work. You need to flip over the planchette magnet and make sure it is attracted to the bracket magnet! Doubly sure the magnet is the right way up, I epoxied it into the recess on the planchette.

I then covered the planchette with brass shim, copper and used a small glass lens (also from the scanner the motor came from) to 'punk it up'. You may just want to stain the wood.
Finally, cover the bottom of the planchette with some felt, for a nice smooth base that won't scratch up your lid/board.