Being one of the band fix-it guys (not technically a position, but if it gets broke, somehow it finds it way to me), I was asked to make a marching machine (also called Troop Blocks) for one of the pieces of music we were playing. The piece is Godzilla Eats Las Vegas, and is a fantastic arrangement. I found plans to build a marching machine similar to mine here, and elaborated on them to improve them to fit what I needed. Mine is a little larger, and has bolts for adjusting the tension of the strings. This is my first Instructable, so let me know if there is anything I can do to make it better. Enjoy!
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Signing UpStep 1: Materials
Parts needed (To build a 14" X18" Marching Machine):
Paracord
Wood Screws
Glue (optional, but it makes the frame stronger)*
(2x) 1/4-20x1 1/2" carriage bolts (for tightening the paracord, it works well, but isn't necessary.)*
(2x) 1/4-20 lock nuts (aviation nuts)*
(2x) 1 1/4" fender washers*
Clear Lacquer (optional)*
*Not Pictured
Wood For the Frame:
(2x) 1x2x16 1/2"
(2x) 1x2x14"
Wood for the blocks:
(30x) 2x2x4" (making a few extras saves time later)
Everything I used in this Instructable I had in my garage, making it cheap to build. I decided on a 14" X18" frame, and cut the pieces out of a 1X4. The "Troops" were cut out of a few ripped 2x4's, and I made them 4" tall. I selected the blocks with the best wood, meaning few knots or defects, just to make the final product more visually appealing. Making a few extra blocks saves time later if you mess up with drilling the holes, that way you don't have to pull the saw out again. I used paracord after reading other places about people having issues with the strings breaking. The wood screws are to hold the frame together. Later in the process, I decided on using some carriage bolts and lock washers to tension the cord, so they are not pictured here.
Tools Needed:
Drill
Clamps
Drill Press (optional, but it makes all the holes alot easier)
Router Table (for finishing)
Sander
Paracord
Wood Screws
Glue (optional, but it makes the frame stronger)*
(2x) 1/4-20x1 1/2" carriage bolts (for tightening the paracord, it works well, but isn't necessary.)*
(2x) 1/4-20 lock nuts (aviation nuts)*
(2x) 1 1/4" fender washers*
Clear Lacquer (optional)*
*Not Pictured
Wood For the Frame:
(2x) 1x2x16 1/2"
(2x) 1x2x14"
Wood for the blocks:
(30x) 2x2x4" (making a few extras saves time later)
Everything I used in this Instructable I had in my garage, making it cheap to build. I decided on a 14" X18" frame, and cut the pieces out of a 1X4. The "Troops" were cut out of a few ripped 2x4's, and I made them 4" tall. I selected the blocks with the best wood, meaning few knots or defects, just to make the final product more visually appealing. Making a few extra blocks saves time later if you mess up with drilling the holes, that way you don't have to pull the saw out again. I used paracord after reading other places about people having issues with the strings breaking. The wood screws are to hold the frame together. Later in the process, I decided on using some carriage bolts and lock washers to tension the cord, so they are not pictured here.
Tools Needed:
Drill
Clamps
Drill Press (optional, but it makes all the holes alot easier)
Router Table (for finishing)
Sander
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1
JuCo
says:
Feb 21, 2013. 4:33 AMReply
this is way easier than trying to get 50 volunteers. thanks.
1
ToniRose
says:
May 25, 2012. 7:34 PMReply
Love this. Although I thought it was something to play in a marching band so was very confused. Although that could be cool in a street band, one guy breaking formation to go "march" on trash cans, parked cars, etc.
3
St Jimmy
says:
May 21, 2012. 11:44 PMReply
Awesome! My band is doing an instrumental about WW2, this should be useful!
97
rimar2000
says:
May 21, 2012. 6:24 PMReplyVery nice!
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