How to Make Arm Rods For A Puppet! - Puppet Building 101

In this video we dive in on how to make high quality arm rods for a puppet.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS:
Drill:
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Rotary tool:
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Epoxy:
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Face shield:
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Dowels:
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Welding rods:
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My supply list is here!
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Foam:
www.foamonline.com
Cube & Rectangular
Foam Type: Dry Fast (2.15 lb)
Firmness: Medium
Length: 24 inches
Width: 48 inches
Height: 1 inch
About the channel~
I am a maker/performer. I primarily work on projects using puppetry but I also do projects that are fashion design, cosplay, costuming, set building, and much more. On this channel, I have building videos, Shop Tips, time-lapse build etc.
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Music by Kevin MacLeod

[@davidjackson4662]

Please use a small vice or clamp the dowel wood to your work table before drilling, my brother drilled into his hand holding a work piece and lost mobility in his hand. be safe is all I'm saying.

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

What about the big E? Krill doesn't have any meat I can chew into, yeah I seen what consists of what's in the hand I hope everyone else did too

[@jccw227]

I'm amazed at out of all the puppet building tutorials I've seen, *this* is what tends to be covered the least.

[@pubba26]

Adam this is the best puppet building channel on youtube. Thank you!

For sure!

[@reannahardy1772]

These puppet making videos are very useful! :) I'm currently thinking of building another puppet. I've already built four puppets. I'm 14 presently and would love to get into puppet making as a vocation.

[@elliotparker6646]

Hoping to make my first puppet soon! These are really helpful! Thank you!

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

Stupid krill 🤣

[@Gingersdad]

did u make it

[@TheCreatureWorksStudio]

Great tutorial btw! Love seeing others work and different ways of "skinning the cat" always great to see thanks

[@Waytotheland]

These videos show that making puppets is a LOT of hard work. I wouldn’t mind trying this but using some of the power tools and some of the materials just intimates me.

[@johnnyskratch]

your videos are very intuitive. love how much love you have for puppetry. I'm only a little into my time with them. always a fan of puppets but only really got into it after an accident I had that left me only able to artistically manifest some form of creation through puppets. keep up the good work man.

[@canufathom1]

Your teaching style/process works with well my way of learning. I have difficulty sometimes figuring out certain techniques others have taught regarding puppetry fabrication. You speak right to my learning style and make things easy to understand. Adam, I have a sticking point on patterning that I would love to get your take on. I have several different patterning books/DVDs but I can't seem to figure out where to make darts and seams when doing the tape and plastic wrap method of puppet patterning. Any hints and tricks that you may have will be extremely helpful. Patterning is the only area that is preventing me from moving to the next level of puppet building. Please help me to understand and get passed this area.

[@PuppetNerd]

+canufathom1 : Thank you for your kind words. For the pattern making, some people make the darts after they take it off the clay and try to lay it flat. Make cuts that help it lay flat. It's not the best way to execute, but it's the best way to learn I think. Once you do it a few times you will notice the best spot to place darts. But the best tip I can give you is practice. I am planning on making a video on this. But I have a few more videos planned first.

[@canufathom1]

Thanks. When you do your video, after you get through the few you have planned to do prior, please include your technique for determining the best location for seam placement. The darts are a little easier to understand, and I will practice at it. Seam placement is the main confusing part for me, and I'm sure they are for others as well. Thanks so much for this.

[@BineonTheBlueMediaGuy]

What A Great Tutorial, I'm Deciding on Making a Bluey Puppet Using my Big Bluey Plush, and Than Toothpicks for the Rods.

[@michaelmoore8629]

Excellent and clear communication. I enjoy your step by step process.

[@mygeekfamilycotton]

I found some cat toys that could work… they are fiber glass rods with feather at the end (remove the feathers, of course!) Can find them in pet stores or even the dollar store. Impossible to bend, but they have a nice bouncy movement…

[@ladislaoloera6095]

Your video's are amazing and so helpful. Thanks for doing them.

[@chfgn]

Great video! Our arm rods are similar, but we used straightened-out wire coat hangers and we 3D printed the handles because we wanted them to be square instead of round and we couldn't find square dowels locally.

[@TheCreatureWorksStudio]

chfgn you can buy square dowel but why use square? Round handles allow you to roll the handle for smoother wrist turns? Just wondering why you prefer square?

[@DyslexicCrusader]

Great video series! Instead of spray painting the wires, use flat black shrink tubing with a heat gun. Can't scratch it off like paint and it reduces the noise from the rods clanging together during performance.. Haven't tried it yet but I hear using tool dip on the dowels is a nice touch. Thanks for all your helpful tips!

[@PuppetNerd]

+Ben Burris: Yeah! A great option. If have a turn around of only a few hours and no time for paint to dry, I do that too. But I don't like how thick it makes the rods. But both work.

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

Nice game hope everyones enjoying destroying yourselves

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

@@PuppetNerd it's kinda complicated now as it's all branched out

[@WideOpenTour]

Love the videos! We use a small vice in the workshop when drilling or cutting. It helps with precision :)

[@PuppetNerd]

+Pete: So do I when I work on my own projects. For this series I try to simply things for people with limited tools. Unless it is a specialized too or material I feel people should know about.

[@goofyguy2]

I just use the straight bottom part from a hanger and bend the other parts off with pliers,I bend the top into a "P" shape and use a wooden handle and it works just as well,I can bend it easily for different areas the arm is is also,Although I do recommend what you did more.

[@PuppetNerd]

❤️

[@TheCreatureWorksStudio]

I use bow cutters instead of dremel to cut the rods. Also electric shrink wrap for both handles and rids. For the tops of the rod I also curve them like you do but fill that with Propoxy to give it some weight.

[@TheCreatureWorksStudio]

Rods not rids. lol

[@PuppetNerd]

Hey! Typically I use cutters to split them too. Since I had to use the rotary tool to cut the notches towards the end of the video anyway, I decided to use the rotary tool in an attempt to minimize the amount of tools I was using. I imagine some of the viewers are on a budget. In that case, I would recommend the rotary tool since it is more versatile for cutting, notching, etc. While the cutters are can only cut. If I could only have one tool. The Rotary tool would be it!

[@PuppetNerd]

Also I have used the shrink wrap too! It's great stuff. But not my preference. Though it has benefits like not getting scuffed as easily, I feel it comes at the cost of making the arm rods too think for me. I find myself using it more then I have a project that's due the same day and there is not time to wait for paint to dry. Thanks again!

[@oscar0006]

Adam Kreutinger blinking mechnisem of oscar

[@avenhanna3441]

Thank you for the information i love your channel ❤

[@buyezspace]

I love your channel, I'm hoping to make my own puppet soon. Your videos are amazing and really helpful. 😃

[@PuppetNerd]

Awesome! Can’t wait to see it!

[@moyosplushchannel1669]

GOD i love how you teach me how to make armrods

[@ashleyfeltner7353]

I love your channel

[@pierrenewer8992]

Ahora ya se como hacerlas, gracias

[@Mooncity1]

Have you ever made the removable arm rods? Sometimes, I may want to take the rods off and just use one or none.

[@silvergirl7187]

LOVE IT!

[@IhContei]

Adam EU AMO VOCÊ - I LOVE U! Came to from BRAZIL - PLEASE! Come to Brazil, PLEASE!

[@channelnameanddescription4747]

i just took a broken fly swatter and twirled the top together.

[@BakinJake]

Thanks for these videos. I'm picking up some good tips. A couple thoughts: 1. Could you use the stamped part of the rod inside the dowel? 2. I cut a notch deep enough along the axis to put the rod below the dowel's circumference. Then I drill a hole perpendicular to the cut and bend the tip of the rod to stick into the drilled hole. Glue into place and finish. No spinning because it is self-keyed.

[@PuppetNerd]

You can do whatever you want. This is just one method.

[@GarabatososPuppets]

Please Adam a tutorial on removable arm rods, that is, rods that can be put on and off, I Love your work, and you are a great teacher!!!

[@PuppetNerd]

It’s on my list!

[@GarabatososPuppets]

Thanks!!!!!

[@JosephScarbrough]

For the longest time, I did what a lot of amateur puppet builders do: recycle wire coat hangers, then wrap a generous amount of duct tape around the bottoms for handles. While I haven't actually made arm rods in a while, I recently took to using wire similar to what you use in this tutorial, and recycling the wooden handles from sponge brushes from Walmart that are less than a dollar each. As I said, I haven't actually tried making them yet, but based on your tutorial, I'm going to assume that even contact cement wouldn't be ideal for inserting the wire into the wooden handles? Also, what specific type of spray paint did you use? I ask before no matter what paint I've tried before in the past always ends up chipping away.

[@madisongaming8411]

I love your videos

[@PuppetNerd]

Thanks so much!

[@LamangoKaijura]

Instructions not clear, ended up with live scorpions.

[@PuppetNerd]

+LamangoKaijura - Sorry. I'll try to be more precise in the next one. 😉

[@sandrar.8601]

I thought the tutorial was very clear and easy to follow...thanks Adam...

[@Shrimpy08]

I ended up with knives I wonder how I am tiping😏

[@madisongaming8411]

Hey

[@stacyramsey1818]

I’m remaking my yellow guy puppet from this!TYSM!

[@PuppetNerd]

Cool!

[@kawaiifun4kiddiesgames]

I really needed this

[@PillaNirmalaServices]

Very interesting sir

[@skalphog9469]

hi im new but i already love your channel but i have a request bc im curious and i need help. can you maybe consider making a video on how to make a dome out of foam for your puppet?

[@g6ob812]

so good

[@bradbrown2168]

The p shape is simply epoxied onto inside foam?

[@bbrachman]

Adam: could you do a video on the different ways to make hand control rods removable. I have a puppet I do not want to cut into to insert rods. I have thought of bands that stretch over the hands. (not a great idea). I do not like the look of just the bent wire that slides over the hands or wrists. I was thinking about a band that will snap or use velcro to keep it on the puppet. Easy to take off.

[@PuppetNerd]

Already did! Check it out here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKeplohqrdOJiK8

[@phenomenal_woman]

I wanted a drill like that because this was in 2017 the amazon page is no longer available. Would you mind giving us the make a model of your drill? Thank you so much.

[@boredwarlock5216]

Hey have you seen Randy feltface? How does he do it!?!?

[@christopherfaulkenberry2615]

I ordered the welding rods from the link. They’re great. However, they are copper in color rather than silver. I had to heat shrink them. is this a change or is there something missing?

[@PuppetNerd]

Nope. They have always been copper coated.

[@GravityFarm]

@@PuppetNerd Why not use 16" Insulation Supports? (shhh..)

[@samkuklaTVLandProductions]

Where can you buy Arm Rods?😕(just curious🤔)

[@ConquerYourVictory]

I'm here because of a obsession with Randy. I wanted to know how does Heath McIvor manage to puppeteer so well

[@thepuppetfam957]

Thanks Adam it help me

[@lotsabirds]

Umbrella spokes work well too.

[@thedrivingdad]

Can't seem to get the rod type in Australia...any suggestions Adam?

[@PillaNirmalaServices]

Thank you sir

[@LittleShopofProps]

Wow this helped so much

[@ashersmasher9067]

omg! your A LEGEND!

[@hafnium4863]

I LOVE THESE

[@PuppetNerd]

Thanks!!!

[@hafnium4863]

@@PuppetNerd your welcome btw can u subscribe to me?

[@PuppetNerd]

I’ll check it out.

[@PuppetNerd]

I’ll check it out.

[@hafnium4863]

@@PuppetNerd thanks

[@mattholdzkom5929]

Does the spray paint not scratch off of the metal? I've always assumed you'd need to de-grease or prime them for that to work.

[@jccw227]

Any tips on making a neck sleeve?

[@supermarioshawn4094]

Can you show how to make puppet shoes

[@mrguppy1016]

How long are the rods.???

[@gzx7393]

U my favorite

[@creativepuppetry1366]

Can you make a tutorial on making removable arm rods?

[@JosephScarbrough]

There's a method out there I recently learned about, where after bending the end of the rod into a loop like Adam did, you attach a small "flag" to that loop that you then cover with double-face tape and slip it into the opening in the hand. I haven't tried it myself, but it seems pretty simple and ingenius.

[@josiahklecan1846]

What rods would you recommend for a character like Elmo with a little heavier hands ? Cause I don’t know which rods would be the best and not be all floppy ya know? (Btw it’s Josiah haha)

[@PuppetNerd]

I would recommend the ones linked in the description.

[@arifkuyucu]

The wooden rod is not carved right in the middle. If it's possible, what can't we do with a center drilled wooden stick? Can you give an example of this in the upcoming video? I want to understand how much important is it. Also I want to ask that, I couldn't find it from the metal rod you used. Does this piece have to be flexible? Can you offer another alternatives please?

[@PuppetNerd]

I’m sorry. I do understand your first question. The links to the rods I use are in the description.

[@lol.pa.i.n.v1746]

Great

[@krissy846]

Do you recommend mellisa and Doug puppets? I own a few of em but sometimes they get too stiff Can you make a vid on his?

[@PuppetNerd]

I’m not sure what you are referring to.

[@krissy846]

There is a Company Mellisa@Doug Who make Puppets and Other Toys, You should make a Tutorial Reviewing these Puppets They make

[@TrippLilley]

He upgrades a Melissa & Doug puppet in a recent video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX-ceX5smbOpg8U

[@puppetville-bethobrien4139]

Three groves ...thank you!!!

[@PuppetNerd]

👍

[@OakTreeIsaac]

Are coat hangers okay?

[@PuppetNerd]

They will work. But I would recommend a stronger material.

[@jerrymoore440]

I have been hunting now for a couple of years for "How to make a Wayland Flowers Madame puppet" any info would be greatful

[@PuppetNerd]

Hmmm. I’m not familiar with that.

[@annakarayorgi6303]

aren't the arms heavy when you use wooden dowels ?

[@PuppetNerd]

Naw. Wood is pretty light.

[@samferguson9735]

Does that hurt

[@johnmazzoni487]

Any suggestions for removable rods? I saw something a while back that could work, but for the life of me I can’t remember

[@michellesmiddy3940]

I would like to see a tutorial on removable rods as well.

[@pyperduckworth4092]

Do you have to use that glue or can I use super glue

[@angeladevine3218]

That glue is better than super glue. you could also use pre-mixed Contact glue or some people know the brand evo stick

[@coolcritswiththej-girls6329]

wow 1:49 scaaaaaared me!

[@roidroid]

Why did you cut the flattened ends off? Those could have been the ends you glued inside of the handles.

[@Isaac-cw8yz]

roidroid your right I did it!

[@LindyDesignLab]

Face shield... So much smarter than wearing a second pair of glasses to protect my prescription lenses :P

[@angeladevine3218]

Is there a way to only have one puppet rod for one arm and using fishing wire(or something like that) and attaching it to puppet arm with the rod then threading that to the body and to the other arm that has no rod and use one rod to control one arm fully and slightly control the movement of the other arm?

[@PuppetNerd]

Give it a try. Let me know how it works out.

[@angeladevine3218]

Yeah I was testing it last night and the fishing wire doesn't move. I have just seen it on other people's puppets. I'm going to try one more thing

[@PuppetNerd]

You might need to use a Braided Dacron line. I’m sure the clear line would stretch.

[@angeladevine3218]

Adam Kreutinger I will check that out.

[@delilahrain1556]

hey adam! i was wondering how long approx are the arm rod wires after you cut off the flattened metal? i really like the length you work with, and i dont know if you said how long it is after the flat parts are cut off

[@AXLGREASE]

16 inches

[@aydenspuppetproductions2002]

I saw you on the news adam

[@rhondascraftylife713]

Adam....I'm all for using affiliate links...but do you happen to have one for the welding rods that does not require I buy 10# of steel??!?!....I'm just getting started and do not need THAT many rods!

[@tradffy9567]

Buying a arm rod from amazon is way cheaper than the homemade ones

[@PuppetNerd]

Hmmm. I don’t think so.

[@tradffy9567]

I made it anyways, lol

[@NostalgicChuk]

Do you have to drill in the dowel or can you just put the rods on the side

[@PuppetNerd]

+AwesomeChuk Productions: You can do whatever you want. It’s art!

[@NostalgicChuk]

Adam Kreutinger true thanks. Also can you make a video on puppet feet and legs

[@foxystringer7046]

Ok👍

[@PuppetNerd]

❤️

[@JanineMKartist]

But they are sold in 1lb packs . Would only need to 2 puppets max

[@520cuber8]

or you can wrap layers of tape around the handles.

[@gussyshobbies9989]

Any give away I’m doing something like sml

[@PuppetNerd]

Sure! I’d love a giveaway!

[@PillaNirmalaServices]

But I am watching your show daily

[@rosenjeri8761]

👍

[@mr.potato1210]

If you want to make a cheap one just cut part of a metal hanger and bend it

[@drakeshazamvideos9376]

Video idea: how to make a puppet tounge

[@maricarmen8776]

😮 🙏

[@rickytheplushboy7537]

I need one of your puppets 😦

[@PuppetNerd]

You can make one! I have patterns on my website. www.AdamKreutinger.com

[@zoepetterson3367]

Do u sell your puppets ??

[@nutshelledturtle1759]

I should probably use arm rods when I make puppets. But damn does that seem expensive.

[@PuppetNerd]

How else do you control the arms?

[@nutshelledturtle1759]

@@PuppetNerd Glove Hands like you did with the green puppet.

[@PillaNirmalaServices]

I too make puppets. But now I retired as teacher

[@georgegordon1140]

how make a blinking eyesbrown

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

That's easy just make a crocodile head look back at you

[@LimesChannel]

Lol imma just use a metal clothes hanger

[@provokedrobin608]

Can you please make me one? I'm a puppeteer myself. I never had a puppet in my life

[@OakTreeIsaac]

@@dgamma_ yeah how does that make any sense?

[@weeniekid4891]

Who saw that bunny puppet in the back

[@PuppetNerd]

I did!

[@JanineMKartist]

Sparks look scary

[@sherrylkeith6549]

I did something like that with the help of plans from the Stodoys.

[@g6ob812]

v

[@ChildrensWorld57]

I made 7 puppets boys and girls I’m on facebook . Also other puppets animals I’m on facebook

[@789productions9]

I use coat hangers and corks 😂 #cheapcompromise

[@PuppetNerd]

😂😂😂😂

[@789productions9]

Adam Kreutinger 😂