Making a mechanical whale - Wooden Migaloo

This video shows the making of a mechanical moving whale in wood (also called automaton).
You can see more of my work on my instagram: / syl.gautier
I've named him Wooden Migaloo after the albino humpback whale often seen on the coasts of Australia. Migaloo is an Aboriginal word meaning "white boy".
I made this kinetic sculpture in my workshop in the south of France near Toulouse.
The whale and the waves are made of basswood, the frame is walnut and the base is acacia.
This piece is based on a concept by "The Lost Gypsy".
0:00 - Intro
0:07 - The whale
10:03 - The base
16:09 - The waves
19:00 - Assembly
24:07 - Final reveal
#sculpture #woodcarving #makingof #woodworking #automaton #automata #whale #ocean

[@Roycey77]

It moves with a stop-motion precision. Extraordinary.

[@someguyontheinternet-]

I was thinking that very same thing

[@oriel9347]

Agree but shouldn't he be below the waves ??🙂

[@SylGAUTIER]

It's a very special whale :)

[@simondixon2599]

I've never seen something so amazing created right before my eyes - fantastic job !!!

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you so much :)

[@SkuStyle]

You've not had children yet then, ha ha...

[@rafezetter8003]

That is just beautiful, and your methodology was clearly very meticulous and planned; I would be curious as to how many hours went into it. What I like the most is that you went for a bent wire armature which gives the whale some sideways movement as well as up and down - often you see these and they use a straight "up and down" system with different height "cogs" which doesn't give the same dynamic animation.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks for noticing this, I love the sideway motion as well :) It takes around 50 hours to make.

[@mlight6845]

The sideways movement makes is all come together.

[@nineteenfortyeight6762]

I'd like to see how you figure things out!

[@rafezetter8003]

@@nineteenfortyeight6762 Well, generally I start with a drawing, then decide what dimensions I want and..... oh, you mean Sylvain...

[@JeremyRms]

50 hours only??

[@michelleschry1255]

I admired the piece on Instagram. The process video is wonderful. My favorite part may have been watching you strap the patient down for dissection - surely a stressful moment after your beautiful carving. Well done sir. Thank you for sharing.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks a lot. Yeah it kind of is my favourite part as well and it kind of isn't.... :D It is very stressful indeed. I thought that after a few times it wouldn't but no...

[@Jackie777]

I'm... I'm in love. With the craftsmanship, yes, but also editing, the way you quiet down the loud machinery, but add wind and rain, and your workplace, it looks so cosy, dude, you're like a ghibli character! I'm so glad I found you. You deserve the world.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Aw.. you made my day. :) Thanks a lot

[@sylvieshuu]

That's incredible! I love how the movement of the whale resembles stop motion animation in real time! Absolutely beautiful automaton.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks a lot

[@flowergardenevent1951]

😢😅😅

[@OkiSmokey]

This is seriously amazing! I love the extra movement from the spacing of the wire, I’ve never seen anything use the diagonal like that! I especially love that you designed it to show off the mechanism, as much as it is simple looking, it brings a whole new character to it all!

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks. Sometimes people say that I should hide the mechanism but I really like showing it.

[@Nabooze]

@@SylGAUTIER it adds to the artwork in my opinion

[@howardebenstein3204]

The contrast between the mechanicals and the organic movement of the whale is very cool.

[@woodartvietnam3723]

I love this art wood so much!

[@johnsexton3841]

Mesmerizing to watch and mind boggling to think about the skill and talent in making a Wooden Migaloo. I would love to own one of these pieces of art one day.

[@grover9187]

I was thinking the same thing. I wonder how he learned? More importantly if he teaches. I'd like to know this artisanship is passed onto to someone else.. I guess a KZbin video technically counts as teaching.

[@SylGAUTIER]

@@grover9187 I made a change of career to woodworking 3 years ago and learned a lot about wood with a cabinet maker. As for the automaton I learned everything on my own, trying and failing a lot and a lot of youtube video about everything and anything.

[@bryanrudelich1319]

@@SylGAUTIER Beautiful. If you have not already, check out the works of Arthur Ganson.

[@SylGAUTIER]

@@bryanrudelich1319 I will, thanks

[@elivile.]

Imagine having the patience that this must've taken to create something so damn beautiful.

[@jeanathey767]

Simply stunning! Thank you for showing us every step, especially the hinge mechanism. To hear the church bells (or street clock) in the background brought me right back to French villages.

[@SylGAUTIER]

You're welcome :)

[@alanjackson4397]

Joe pi suggested watching your videos, not disappointing, exquisite workmanship

[@SylGAUTIER]

Nice. Thanks a lot

[@Shade11906]

Oh, this was the best 25 minutes I've spent on KZbin in years! I really enjoyed watching you work and the final artwork was truly magical! Thank you, so much, for sharing it!

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you, I'm glad you like it so much :)

[@RylaDuska]

This is perfect. Poetic even. It was so beautiful to watch a masterpiece come to life.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you I'm very happy you liked it :)

[@alton31ellis]

May no turd comment that it’s cgi or not exactly the motion of a baleen whale. The thing is a craft king. Sweet af. Thanks for sharing.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks :)

[@aerialcat1]

Joe Pieczynski Recommend you, and I was not disappointed… Outstanding craftsmanship.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks a lot :)

[@rebecculousrk]

The engineering of the device, and working out the lovely motion, I’m so deeply impressed by both the creativity and the design. This is just so impressive. My dad is a master woodworker. He’s 88 now, I sent him this video. Ironically, he was also instrumental in passing legislation prohibiting the capture of orcas in Washington State’s coastal waters. That this beautiful video combines two of my father’s passions made watching it a very special experience. Thank you for filming and posting this remarkable project.❤❤❤

[@SylGAUTIER]

With great pleasure. Your father sounds awesome!!

[@StoneTitan]

Impressive. Looked better than I expected, and I could easily imagine that you'll make even better ones in the future.

[@lamusicademorfeo]

Oh WOW!!! Is..... The Wind Fish! from The Legend Of Zelda (Link's Awakening)!!!! Beautiful work ;D

[@BeingMan11]

i want one for Christmas. When I use power tools I usually end up in the emergency room with bandages. This guy is awesome, only one nick throughout the whole process.

[@Sturmhut]

This just made my day! Your ingenuity and craftsmanship is absolutely remarkable!

[@charliegirrl31]

Absolutely breathtaking and inspiring, thank you for sharing 🥰

[@SylGAUTIER]

My pleasure

[@user-qb9bg7kp1e]

I am using a translator because I am Korean. I'm impressed with your spirit.👋

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks a lot

[@debbieflaherty1975]

For most of my untalented life, I have been saying “In my next life, I want to come back as a carpenter”. I’d be delighted to be able to do this! I love automatons and mechanical items! Thank you for sharing your gift!

[@SylGAUTIER]

With great pleasure

[@kzookid2051]

I love how you show all the processes, down to cleaning out the extra wax on the waves. I look forward to exploring more of your channel and Instagram page. Thank you very much for sharing this with us.

[@SylGAUTIER]

My pleasure

[@markbehm]

Thanks for the great video! The little temporary wire-spring-clips to find the link lengths: Genius.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Happy you enjoyed it :)

[@Houtsnijden-met-Peter]

Mr. Gautier, this is beautiful, I am jealous of you.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you

[@Nettle314]

That is sick! Well done !! Beautiful

[@fairstival3792]

This is so cool! It reminds me of the wooden snake toys I used to have as a kid. I sometimes forget just how much work goes into making toys and wood crafting in general. Great work seriously amazing.

[@mkyeti8]

This is an absolutely stunning piece. It’s inspiring. Beautifully done video too.

[@kevintheblacksmith]

This is one of my absolute favorites. It’s amazing

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you :)

[@stevenhavener7327]

Joe Pie sent me, Wow, Fantastic ! thank you !

[@SylGAUTIER]

No ! Thank you ! :)

[@janeabarlow]

What a beautiful thing you have made. Thanks for making the video, it's truly amazing.

[@RichardLeonard1]

Great to see a full making of video, really interesting to watch! Keep up the great work :)

[@SylGAUTIER]

I will ! Thank you

[@martinsechrist1393]

Joe Pie sent me. Hasn't been wrong yet, looking forward to enjoying your channel.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks and welcome

[@bonnieouellette4087]

You are the kind of smart people Wright books about....absolutely 1000% over the moon smart. WOW .

[@SylGAUTIER]

Not sure that would be interesting but thanks :)

[@jonathangrussing7163]

Really interesting project. Inspired me to try to make one for my grandson. What kind/size/gauge of wires do you use for the mechanism?

[@SylGAUTIER]

Please show it to me when finished. I used 1mm piano wire

[@jonathangrussing7163]

@@SylGAUTIER. Finally got it done. Just in time for Christmas. Not sure how to send you the video though. Doesn’t seem to be a way to add a video to this message.

[@SylGAUTIER]

@@jonathangrussing7163 you can add it to your KZbin and send me the link if you want

[@rajilifeable]

Amazing work you are a great man 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💕

[@Sonofsun.]

What's really cool about this is that it's like an animation in 20 or 15 fps

[@NarenderKumar-pk1cn]

Man is highly skilled and experienced Video is 100 Times better than video of cooking non veg meat

[@alex8426]

Absolutely beautiful piece of art. Thanks for sharing your talent and great video. Will be following you now and I can't wait for another awesome project of yours.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks, I can't wait as well :)

[@dariosuaza5460]

Que trabajo y obra de arte tan espectacular!!!

[@user-se9tu7mh2t]

Merveilleux mouvements souples de la baleine..❤ imaginaire Jules Vernien...so great merci 😊

[@dadbad67]

Creativity accuracy and precision

[@kingyoman1]

Magnífico!

[@DaveGDesigns]

I saw this on IG and I'm so pleased I found your video on here, the work you put in is amazing and the results are just as astounding I'm blown away and would love to try something like this myself but maybe somewhat simpler to start :)

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks :) Let me know if you try to make one

[@henrykleyn3423]

That is absoluetly brilliant, who said art cannot move.

[@SylGAUTIER]

I don't know, who said that ?

[@D_i_a_m]

absolument magnifique, vous êtes un véritable artiste, j'ai hâte de voir d'autre vidéos de vos créations ^^

[@SylGAUTIER]

Merci. Moi aussi j'ai hâte de les voir :D

[@jennylawson1980]

I’ve never seen something so beautiful made with such detail and affection. You are absolutely amazing at your talent and craft. I am totally 💯 in awe. Incredible work. I hope someday you create an entire collection of under the sea 🌊 creatures. You are very very gifted.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you I'm very happy you like it.

[@thanhtunguyen9779]

The whale is so beautiful, and his move is elegant

[@SylGAUTIER]

Cheers :)

[@panloon7776]

I didn't think I was going to watch the whole video. I just came to see the end result, but it was such a beautiful process to watch. Thanks for sharing this.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@fazan.art.]

Wonder!!!🍀🍀🍀

[@Rigus208]

Thank you so much for sharing your talent . I’ve seen this on Pinterest never did I think I would see how it was made . Hope to see more of your skills 👍😇

[@SylGAUTIER]

I'm very glad you liked it :)

[@loksven83]

I adore woodwork like this, reminds me of my uncle, Bjorn. He always made things like this, he used to make me cute little totems and little wooden charms. I remember one day, he came to me with a totem of a rabbit, my favorite animal, on my 16th birthday. I remember he said, "for you, little rabbit. You may be growing, but you will always be my little bun." I remember how he used to cook and sing, he still does but ever since he lost his leg, he's been a bit slow, but that doesn't change his sweet, thoughtful, and cheerful demeanor! Lots of good memories with him.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks for sharing these memories :)

[@loksven83]

@@SylGAUTIER of course, any time.

[@ramanidpr40]

so beautifull and smooth , you done that so well .....looks amazing ......i would love to put that in my garden wind whirling project

[@chimmykim2195]

Mad that he doesn't have a million subs yet when he deserves it better than those other Yteeeeers 🥺

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you. You can always help me get a million subscribers by showing this video to every person you cross paths with (try not to end in jail though)

[@stephanebahel817]

I remembered coldplay song daddy when i watched you work. The motion is real and your work is awesome. Ton travail est parfait

[@mustafakoyuncu3227]

You are crazy my friend, are you out of your mind? I am not easly impressed but this, this is beyond this world, it is pure madness, your patience, dedication, the finishing touch. You are a true artist, well done.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Can't I be both ? :D Thanks a lot.

[@joepie221]

Absolutely amazing work. Why this channel doesn't have a million subscribers is a mystery. I'll give you a shout out.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks Joe :)

[@joepie221]

@@SylGAUTIER Do I have your permission to include a link to this video/channel?

[@SylGAUTIER]

Of course, no worries

[@SylGAUTIER]

Could you send me the link of where you'll share please?

[@joepie221]

@@SylGAUTIER I sent you the link, but the comment didn't appear. Maybe trapped in the hold folder?

[@formerartstudent]

The sound of those chisels and knives cutting into wood makes my skin crawl, but I made myself sit through the whole video because it was such an interesting project. Nice one!

[@SylGAUTIER]

Oh so you don't like that sound ? Funny how it can differs from people to people. Some (me included of course) love it so much !

[@jascnet]

What a wonderful work of art! It is not only a magnificent project of craftsmanship and creativity, it is also a demonstration of dedication to details, perfection of work and patience in its preparation. My heartfelt applause and gratitude for sharing it. A hug.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you very much, I really appreciate your comment.

[@joydivision1970]

Stumbled upon this. Simply beautiful! Magnifique!

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you very much!

[@ryanmcdermott657]

This should have 1M likes. Mesmerizing.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks. You can always create one million accounts if you want

[@petemclinc]

Recommended by Joe Pie, don't know what this has to do with clocking screw threads? Awesome craftsmanship and execution of mechanical sculpture design.

[@juanacevedo3007]

Saludos desde Urugiay que hermosa manualidad👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@craigcollings5568]

Who would not be in love with woodcarving? The sound, the smell, the feel of sharp steel on soft clear wood.

[@SylGAUTIER]

I agree 1000%

[@c0ldc0ne]

The way it moves looks like a stop motion animation.

[@stoneangel777]

I loved every second of this. People using their God given talents with a simple faith in success is an inspiring thing to behold.

[@gbear056]

I try to accomplish a lot of what I see woodworkers do on KZbin. Not this time. I’ll never try because that way I can still believe in magic. Simply astonishing.

[@Badger705]

That is the most incredible toy I have ever seen! What amazing talent!

[@balajir9110]

Never in my life i have seen like this... Thanks...a subscription just for this wonderful art...

[@SylGAUTIER]

Cheers

[@catzkeet4860]

That moment of taking that lovely carving and putting it up to the bandsaw to chop it into bits……….O…..M….G!!! That physically HURT!

[@SylGAUTIER]

I'll never get used to it

[@ellisburton8733]

A total joy to be able to share in your journey 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@aguilacalva2625]

Wow! , marvelous ; now to put an electric motor to move that crank. I think it would be a good complement ; we would have a beautiful dynamic ornament.

[@blackout7615]

Joe pie sent me. Liked and subscribed. There needs to be more of this kind of useful content on KZbin!

[@SylGAUTIER]

Cheers

[@davidmclaughlin2110]

A modern day Geppetto! Wonderful!

[@Lisargarza]

I could happily just watch a tour of your charming workshop. But the whale, too?!?! ☺️

[@SylGAUTIER]

Maybe one day!

[@MaxRide1]

C'est magnifique! I love that you included the "oopsie" but also love the attention to detail and care you put into your work. Looking forward to more from you :)

[@SylGAUTIER]

Merci! Is the oopsie my thumb ? If so, it was more of a "WAAAAAAA!!!" than an oopsie :D

[@PaintedTurtle001]

Beautiful work! Master class!

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you:)

[@muddycamping3284]

Amazing work! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who wipes excess glue on their bench!🤙🏽

[@SylGAUTIER]

Shush don't tell anyone

[@hellorodney]

WOW !!! thanks for sharing,,, FIVE STARS :) .... when ART and CRAFT meet

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jasonallen1532]

One of the best videos I've ever seen. Wow!

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you

[@badrdesign1]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@SylGAUTIER]

You are very welcome

[@mustofaukir4837]

Sangat indah dan detail.. Salam persahabatan.. Smoga sukses selalu.. Indonesia hadir..

[@paulreynolds9003]

This is why I love KZbin. Where else would you get programme’s like this. A true craftsman

[@guitardzan5641]

A master of his art....

[@skippymagrue]

This is one of the best things I've seen on KZbin in a really long time. Thank you for sharing your talents.

[@SylGAUTIER]

With pleasure

[@louispoulain]

Ce n'est pas la première fois que je regarde cette vidéo mais je suis toujours autant émerveillé, bravo Sylvain !

[@SylGAUTIER]

Merci beaucoup. Si tout le monde fait comme vous la vidéo va atteindre le million très vite :)

[@louispoulain]

@@SylGAUTIER c'est tout ce que je vous souhaite aha

[@awger90210]

Heard about this on Joe Pie's channel ... excellent work. Came for the whale, stayed for the sub.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Ah ah nice, welcome :)

[@Namkhai_de_Combaillaux]

Absolument stupéfiant. Quel travail admirable.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Merci

[@sasquatch...]

joe pie sent me here, nice work

[@paulfernandez2695]

Woowww, you are Master Crafstman . Your artwork it will cost that you want. Exceptional.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🥳🎉

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks

[@rogerleete4635]

Fantastic work. Way beyond my skill level.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you very much!

[@user-yd2go6tx8e]

Высший пилотаж!❤

[@davnol1]

Formidable!

[@hernanm6]

.... wow ... awesome work sylvain !!!!

[@SylGAUTIER]

Glad you like it!

[@OceanSafari-zw5xv]

Precious cinematic sculpture with math. Into memory!))

[@Bloodstop]

Amazing to watch and thank you for taking the time!

[@BonafideGail]

I have NEVER seen such art! Thank you for sharing this.

[@skully7763]

Stunningly beautiful work! Thank you for sharing it with us.