SplatterFX - Articulated Monster Frame

In this Instructable I will show you how to make the best articulated monster frame on the planet (at least I think so) - each of the monster joints (Splivels) allow for a full range of movement!

I created this project for the Houston HauntCon 2008 as a make and take project. My sons and I had a ball there! I want to thank Leonard Pickel and his wonderful family for hosting this event and allowing me the opportunity to go Halloween Crazy in the middle of May! If you are interested - check out Haunted Attractions Magazine online...

Now! Mr. AMF!!!

Step 1 Parts List

There are basically two main parts of this project -

1. The skeleton/frame
2. the Splivels (it is what I am calling them...SplatterFX + Swivel = Splivel)

The skeleton itself will take you maybe 10 minutes to measure, cut and glue - the Splivels will take longer. All of the parts can be found at the local hardware store, but you can do much better if you order nuts, bolts and washers online or from a store that specializes in nuts and bolts.

For this project, the Monster Frame will be articulated at the shoulders, elbows, neck, knees and hips. You can do more (hands and feet) or less. It is really up to you...

Skeleton Parts:
2 - 8' sticks of 3/4" PVC Pipe
2 - PVC Crosses

Splivel Parts:
18 - PVC End Caps
9 - 1/4-20 x 1" Hex Bolts
18 - 1/4-20 x 1-3/4" Carriage Bolts
45 - 1/4-20 Hex Nuts
54 - 1/4-20 Star Washers (Outside Tooth)
2 - 5' x 1-3/8" Flat Plate (Garage Door Strap)

Tools (must have):
Hacksaw
Drill with 1/4" Bit
Vise Grips or Wrenches
Metal File
Safety Glasses (Metal Filings!)
Leather Gloves (Metal Filings!)

Other Stuff:
PVC Glue

Not necessary but helpful/cool:
Bench Vise (this is VERY helpful when cutting the metal plate and drilling the PVC caps)
Grinding Wheel
Bucky Skull
1 - 3/4" PVC Tee

Comments

[tinker234]

wow hey could i use this for a robot im ddesing

[nickodemus]

I can see some niches for those "splivels" you made! Nice work!

[vdutel]

I am very pleased with your design and will try it this year. I am looking into this being in a Coffin using a small motor to move him up and down... Man I can't wait to get started.... Thank You for the cool looking and easy inexpensive way to make a posing skeleton!! You Rock!!!

[srhadaham]

That's one skinny skeleton.

[tiki_robot]

When it is standing up, it is about 7' tall! I was going for the long and menacing look... Typically when I build one of these, I substitute Bucky parts for the exposed pieces. I have one that is part of a coffin prop that I did that uses a Bucky arm and Skull, the rest is PVC covered in clothing.

[cowscankill]

Nice work! Cool hinge design!

[tiki_robot]

Thank you very much!

[Kiteman]

Is the frame strong enough to stand unaided?

[tiki_robot]

Yes, I use a piece of rebar in the ground. One you tighten the bolts in the joints, they stay.