help for a fcg

grim reaper · #1 09-16-2006

i have an old microwave motor that im using for a fcg i have the idea for the frame but motor mounting and the way the motor pulls the strings without tangling i need your help. i have tried phantasmics (i think that was roughly what it was called) but the site won't work.

grim reaper · #2 09-16-2006

i have tried a small version but the strings get tangled

HalloweenRick · #3 09-16-2006

How many RPM's is the microwave motor. Ideally, the motor for a FCG should be 5 RPM or under. That's why many of us use the Dayton motor you saw on Phantasmechanics or A BBQ Rotesserie motor.

grim reaper · #4 09-16-2006

2.5 - 3 rpm motor also i tried to get on to the Phantasmechanics website but it wouldnt work

HalloweenRick · #5 09-16-2006

Try This: http://www.halloweenmonsterlist.info/ All the way to the bottom are at least 10 sites with info on building a FCG. Perhaps your crank arm and leader arms are not long enough? Describe more what is happening with yours. What exactly is getting tangled? How big is the ghost and motor frame?

grim reaper · #6 09-16-2006

the motor is small an mouted on a piece of wood but i couldnt mount it on top it was monted on the bottom so i think the crank arm was lower than the eye hooks for the strings i think that was roughly one problem

HalloweenRick · #7 09-16-2006

Can you take a photo and post it? Its hard to follow without seeing it

Michigal · #8 09-16-2006

Grim Reaper:
Phantasmatics site is good, but for a really detailed look at building an FCG, this site by KicktheFog is probably the best with detailed photos. Perhaps using that page will help with your problem.

I'm not sure what you meant by the crank arm being lower than the eyehooks being a problem. Mine is below the hooks, and she moves beautifully. As others have stated, get some pics and post them. Someone will probably spot the problem.

P.S.
Does the washer you're using spin? It should spin, but not wobble. That's the first thing that comes to my mind.

grim reaper · #9 09-16-2006

thats my problem then lol but know i have change my idea into a flting bat i made a wire frame pappier mache'd it just waiting for it to dy the i will use a grey cloth on it or use paint the bat's body will be static to make it easier to do but the wings will flap up and down. i think this will be a better prop for me lol