I was confused by this page: http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=795

Apparently the older version was wood.

Want!

I am assuming that he is using some computer-controlled equipment for the production of at least some of the parts.

Lovely bit of absolutely unjustifiable enjoyment of a mechanism. Hope he sells lots!

to answer some of the questions:

All of the working parts are milled out of .090 brass sheet. And good spot, the backer board for the prototype was indeed AC thermply. The production model is 3/4 birch. I use a shopbot CNC router to cut out the parts.

some of the design decisions are aesthetic, i.e. having gear teeth all the way around as opposed to just where needed. I felt it added to the symmetry, and well, just looked cooler. And no, it is not technically either an iris or a shutter in an optical sense. I created a different project with a more traditional iris but the leaves need to be so thin they would not stand up to architectural use like I had in mind. This is a compromise design solution. To keep the general aesthetic but make it out of sturdier materials and have it be able to completely shut (something a camera iris does not do.) This is really a decorative object anyway so it is built accordingly.

some of the design decisions are based on production limitations. The birch ply is relatively inexpensive and machines easily but still lends a decent look. The final piece (not shown) for my studio was created in wenge but required re-sawing, glue-up, and planing before final machining. Machining had be done in several passes to accommodate grain and tear-out. The brass also has all sorts of extra engraving and several other spur gears. But it would be in the $1500-$2000 range to make for sale. Even so I have had to raise the price on the simpler version $100 to keep in production.

I also sell on makers market a porthole inspired window for those who want to use this in an exterior application. It seals the opening so it becomes a window rather than a hole someone can reach through. (though if someone reaching in through your peephole is really a concern this is probably the last thing you want on your door ;-) go for a steel door and a CCTV camera)

finally, David Roy’s work has long been an inspiration to me.

Anyway, thanks for the interest and feel free to contact me through BBBazzar/Maker’s Market with any specific questions.

Chris

I’m pretty sure the only brass in there is the nails.. The gears are made of wood that’s been painted golden.

Samsam von Virginia

WAY too inexpensive for this concept, materials and thought put into it.

The Iris is beautiful and I agree with Art above, the asking price is a lot lower than I expected.

If the price stay that way, you will have a sale from me next week.