Projects / Cam-Follower Engine
Cam-Follower Engine
Build a cam-follower demonstrator on laser-cut 3mm birch plywood: swappable plate cams (eccentric, heart, dwell, plus a square “bad example”) keyed to one 5 mm D-shaft, spring-return follower, and hand crank. Measure how profile becomes motion.
Digital guide + cut files + BOM + code · Parts sourced separately · Ages 8–14 with adult help
Pack contents
- Build guide: frame, cams, follower, dial
- SVG cut files for cams, frame, follower arm
- First principles: dwell, lift, pressure angle
- Optional tachometer Arduino sketch
- Verified BOM (~$25–59 hardware)
Typical hardware cost
Default structure is laser-cut birch plywood with real fasteners and hobby electronics you can source—honest BOM, not mystery modules.
- ~$25–59 in typical parts (makerspace cut toward the low end; mail-order toward the high end)
- Digital pack price ≠ hardware
The $9 pack is the digital guide + cut files + BOM + lessons + code, plus printable Builder's Corner build journal pages. Hardware is sourced separately — see Where to get kit materials. Buy with Stripe is live below.
Questions? Email us at lance.haney@gmail.com.
Pricing
- Home / Personal license $9
- Classroom license $35 — 1 teacher, up to 30 studentsOne $35 Classroom license covers one group of up to 30 students. Each additional group needs another license.
- Build materials available at cost + 10% — email for a quote
Learning outcomes
- Explain how a cam encodes motion vs crank angle
- Swap at least three birch plate cams on one shaft
- Measure lift vs angle with a dial
- Optional: log RPM/period with a Hall or IR sensor