Picture of Mutoscope: The Hand Cranked Cinema.
Hello, this is my first instructable I hope you like it. Please comment at the bottom if there is something you don't understand I'll do my best to make any corrections or clarifications. This instructable will teach you how to make a hand cranked mutoscope out of simple materials. By making this device you can see how animation works and how traditional projectors work. I wanted to build this because I love antiques and wish I grew up during the penny arcade era. I hope you like it! This project overal costed me about $20-$30 just what a student can afford :)

What is a Mutoscope?
A mutoscope is a primitive version of the TV and Movie projector. The mutoscope was developed by Herman Casler in 1894. Mutoscopes were found at many Penny arcades and Piers. The mutoscope industry crashed when the projector was invented and movie theaters were built. However there still remained an audience when the mutoscopes started to play exotic dancers on their reels. Mutoscopes are often referred to "What the Butler saw" because the viewing port made one feel like they were peering into a key hole spying.
Remove these adsRemove these ads by Signing Up

Step 1: How does it work?


How it works.
The Mutoscope relies on the principle of persistence of vision. It is simply just a giant flip book on a wheel. Mutoscopes can be used to teach animation and how movies work. For more on persistence of vision try making a thaumatrope.

1. Make two circles.
2. Draw one shape on one side (a bird) and another shape on one side (cage).
3. Tape it onto a skewer matching up the images.
4. Now roll the skewer in your hand and its a bird in a cage.
jlyvers7431 year ago
A very nice tutorial. Clear photos and instructions. The problem with the adhesive and your PVC pipe with paper stock cards, Maybe a wood dowel instead of the PVC would make wood clue a very strong bond. Maybe a silicone adhesive could work for mixed materials and would have some flexibility. Im just not sure if silicone would leach into and discolour the cards. Thank you for posting this. The finished piece looks very nice.
greensteam1 year ago
Awesome. This is a project I have fancied doing for years. Must find the time soon.
davepeel2 years ago
Hey i love your post how much would it cost me to commision u to make one 4 me get in touch with me at
Viaticus3 years ago
Very cool effort! I can't wait to see the video and finished project with LED's and crank!!

One note - Casler invented it in 1894, not 1984. I was around in 1984 and we had TV by then! I just noticed that small typo in the page above.

Great Instructible...keep up the great (and creative) work!

thekendall (author)  Viaticus3 years ago
Oh thanks! Also, mutoscopes were not very popular because movie theater started to open. so... they decided to put things that you couldn't show in a theater...
joelhunn3 years ago
Very nicely done! You are a highly motivated student! I always loved these and the whole concept. Thanks for the quality instructable!
thekendall (author)  joelhunn3 years ago
Thanks! I am planning to add a video this weekend!
thekendall (author) 3 years ago
Please rate and critique it so that i can improve my instructables and if you like it don't forget to vote. Also checkout some of the other cool projects on here! I will post the video soon
rimar20003 years ago
Me too!