Inside The Head

Through trial and error, I have tried all sorts of ways to install the

inner workings, or controls inside the Ventriloquist Figures that I create.

I have found that simple is better in the long run.
As you can see from the
pictures that I have included,
my process goes like this. First I prepare

the head by cutting out the eyes,
access panel and the jaw. In this case the

jaw was already done by Braylu.
After sanding and any patch work, I paint the
head and mouth/jaw. Then I install and adjust
the jaw piece for a good fit.

I use Magic Sculp to attach the rod and jaw in place.
Then I cut three small wood blocks about 1/2 " square.
I glue these in place with Gorilla Glue,
and insert an eye screw in each one.
These are for the eye control to attach to
and for the pulley for the mouth.




I use centering springs in the back of the eyes
with a large paperclip bent to make the
control synchro bar and eye movement linkage.
I cut the ends off of a Q-tip,
leaving about 1/4" of the stick.
I insert the synchro bar into the springs
and then the Q-tips which are then glued
in place with Gorilla Glue.
The last step to this is to use elmers glue
on the cotton ends of the Q-tips
to harden and make a nice endcap.
After I install the eye plate with eyes attached,
again with Magic Sculp,
I am ready to attach wires and cords.





These pictures are of the Cheeky Boy Head Cast
from the Kenny Croes Collection.
I had to cut a notch in the eye plate
for the jaw to open and close correctly.





The Inside is completed with a pulley
attached to the upper center block,
and to the back of the jaw.
I only use one eyehook in the back of the jaw.
One cord is attached and goes up through the pulley,
another cord goes down and is attached
to a spring on the top of the control stick.
I use 6" fishing leaders as cables
to attach to the synchro bar and through the
left and right side blocks/eyehooks to work the eyes.
These work quite nice and are ever so quiet and smooth.



With all the inside mechanics installed,
I then use Gorilla Glue to glue the control stick in place.
After I attach the skull cap, I then finish my paint
job.
Install hair and finishing touches, such as eyebrows,
and any small
details, and finish off with wraping
the thumb control with soft glove leather
for a really nice and comfortable feel.



There You Go! MontanaDan