Tiny Pencil Robot

The “TINY Speed Challenge” inspired me to make something which I have always wanted to try. Namely a tiny pencil sculpture. I tried to make the instructables robot figure. It was fun working on it and I enjoyed it a lot.

Step 1: Materials and Equipment

Pencil - Most type of pencils are possible for use. The graphite have to be not to hard and not to soft (H, HB, B). I use carpenters pencil because it is with thicker graphite.

Carving knife

Paper knife

Magnifier - around 3x or more

Step 2: Technique and Tips

First draw the robot`s contour. This helps you to arrange the figure size and proportion on the graphite. Use shallow lines, because they can be visible at the end.

Work slowly and be careful. Remove the material slowly, layer by layer because you have only one chance (Ctrl+Z does not work)

You have to start from the top or from those parts which need more material removing. Leave tiny parts for the end.

For example, the head needs a lot of “chiseling” and if you make the legs first, the chance of breaking a leg is huge.

Press your fingers together (between your two hands) or touch the desk. This eliminates your hand trembling and increases precision.

Use a magnifier for the smallest details.

If you have a small magnifier, with 3x zoom or more, you can put it in front of your smartphone camera to take very good macro photos.

Step 3: Figure Carving.

For more details from the whole process watch the video.

Comments

[Fred Sculla]

I did not really understand the interesting advice:

"Press your fingers together (between your two hands) or touch the desk.
This eliminates your hand trembling and increases precision."

Please clarify - I would like to eliminate fine trembling in my fingers when doing tiny sculptures etc.!

[dobataloud]

Hello, I tried to show what I mean on this pictures

[lonihale73]

This is so stinkin cool 😳😁😀

[Gadisha]

Wow, it's so small

[Carmi]

You are amazing, your steps so clear and show us the quality of work you are doing. Take care 🙋🏽👏🏽👏🏽😉

[dpeach]

Wow! Saying anything else from me would just take away from the awe.
Wow!

[ephraimjhale]

This is insane😁

[AnandM54]

Wow, really brilliant idea and nicely done it. u r really a very patient worker...superb!!!

[AussieAlf]

Hey...that's tiny, well done.
If i tried to do something like that, it would look nothing like yours and a leg would snap off just as i was approaching the final stages.
I recon you're a winner for sure.

[seamster]

This is getting ridiculous. Ridiculously awesome : ) well done!