Hobbies And Interests
How the Spirograph Works
The modern Spirograph is a tablet with rings in it and paper is inserted under the tablet. Several geared pieces fit inside the rings on top of the paper. Other pieces, usually circular, are also provided to fit inside the rings. These pieces have several holes in them that a pencil, pen or maker can be fit into. On the original, pins were used to hold individual rings to the paper to keep them steady, which substituted for the modern tablet.
The user of the devise then rotates the pieces within the outer rings. Depending on where the pencil hole is on the piece and the shape of the piece used, the pencil swirls around in a pattern and creates what are called epicycloids in the math world; that is, a circle that spins around a second circle. The result is a colorful geometric pattern that can be a delight to the creator.
The Classic Version
Kenner, Inc. produced the original Spirograph, often referred to as Spirograph No. 401. This toy is the most basic of the Spirograph kits, offering only what made the toy such a success to begin with. The set contains a simple cardboard sheet as a backboard, circles, rings, racks and an instruction booklet.
At the time of invention the pieces were combined separately to trace the patterns, rather than fitting into outer rings cut into a tablet. The outer ring or bar was anchored to the paper and backboard using pegs. A smaller circle was then lead around the larger piece. The classic version is still for sale.
Redesigns
Redesigns of the original Spriograph come with the intent of making it easier to use. One such toy is the deluxe Spirograph by Hasbro. Rather than pegging the outer ring to the paper, the toy now comes as a tablet with a ring built in that sits above the paper. Pieces are inserted into the ring and are rotated within to trace similar geometric patterns to the original Spirograph set.
The Spirogiro Mandala by Quercetti has six uniform gears that are inserted into an outside template. All the drawer has to do is rotate the wheel within the template. Here markers are included to insert into the piece to make the designs. This version also has some traceable outlines that can be included in the patterns, such as bird shapes.
Free Online Games
Anyone who wants a quick Spirograph experience or would like to study the patterns can find free online versions. One such version is at The PCman website, where users adjust a fixed and moving circle radius, the moving circle offset and revolution size using a series of sliding bars. The color of the pattern can be chosen as well.