Hoho P423

Hoho P423 marks the end of a year-long sabbatical as a sculptor, and represents a great deal of artist reflection and a fair share of innovation. This is the first astrobot in a long time to stray from a long-running gear motif. It’s been increasingly difficult to source the three-speed hubs I’ve been regularly using for the eyes of astrobots of this scale. The previous proteus design required ten planetary gears – that’s two and a half disassembled three-speed bicycle hubs! They say necessity is the mother of invention, and they are not wrong. After a lot of rummaging around the bins at the studio and a doing a lot of head scratching, I had enough eureka moments to formulate a complete parts list and plan for Hoho.

For those who have seen my work before, Hoho’s eyes may be the first thing to notice: ball bearings set into copper housing. For me this is a big step toward having my Astrobots look more human, as well as allow me to scale the eyes more appropriately to the size of the figure. Welders take note – welding thin copper wall to a heavy solid steel nut requires a steady hand and some practice!

I also worked hard on redesigning the ball-and-socket joints: the shoulder joints have 25% more range. The neck joint has been reduced in length and width to make it closer to a human. The hinge joints have been overhauled to be less wide. They require more delicate welding, but they look much more appropriately proportioned. The knees have kneecaps, and the elbows don’t – just like a real boy!

Last but not least, this astrobot is the first to undergo a completely revamped cleaning and polishing process, making for stronger welds and improved finish quality.

The Silver Wings

The wings of Hoho once belonged to a silver eagle pin – until I cut it’s head off! I also removed the backing pin, trimmed the tail feathers down, and drilled a hole for the machine screw. The pin was in a small collection of charms, necklaces, pins, and other similar items offered by the client as an option for me to include in the piece. Silver can’t be welded to steel, but I was able to find the right bolt for the threaded grease port on the hub. It’s nice to be able to take them on and off, and the silver is a nice touch against the copper and old chromed steel.

The name ‘Hoho’ is a mash-up of the two last names of the couple who commissioned me to make this beautiful robot as an anniversary celebration gift.

Hoho was an absolute pleasure to make. I took my time and enjoyed every moment of the build process. I wanted to give it my all for my comeback piece and I’m satisfied with the results.

Parts List

1950’s vintage coaster brake bicycle hub, large nut, two three-speed bicycle gear rings, removable silver wings two hose faucet handles, two large square nuts, four carriage bolts, bicycle headset lock ring, ten three-speed bicycle pawls, quick release axle, seven ball bearings, seventeen lock nuts, eight bicycle chain plates, four flooring nails, nineteen washers, hardware, copper, bronze.

13 x 6 x 3″
3 lbs, 8oz.

Related Links

Proteus Class Care and Maintenance