Mechanical Praying Mantis

Not long ago I was looking through one of my Facebook pages and an ad popped up. Not just any ad. It was from Metalkitor advertising their line of metal (you heard right) kits.

I loved building Erector Sets when I was a kid in the 1950s and 1960s. Metalkitor model kits and puzzles that are made of metal are like Erector Sets-on steroids! There are lots of bolts and screws, gears, springs and all sorts of other mechanical fasteners.

I’ve seen some impressive puzzles/kits before, but never in metal and never ones that had articulated points, moving parts and lights. Intrigued I clicked on their website link and looked at their products. Wow!

The site had all sorts of metal and mechanical goodies including insects, animals, engines and Steampunk.

I was blown away by the selection. There’s ever conceivable type of animal, a huge amount of insects, mythical creatures, all types of engines and boy, do they have Steampunk

There are literally dozens of metal puzzles and model kits to choose from offered in all sorts of skill levels.

There are puzzles and models for all ages. Build them yourself or make it a family project or you could even start a club and cooperate in building the puzzles or model kits.

Out of curiosity I watched a couple of Metalkitor’s videos on YouTube just to get a feel on how to go about building the puzzles and model kits. It’s a little intimidating at first but as I watched the videos it all looks logical and sequential.

Follow the instructions and diagrams carefully and with a little time and patience any of the puzzles or model kits can be completed successfully.

I contacted Metalkitor inquiring about reviewing one of their products. They replied and they sent me their Mechanical Praying Mantis kit. Cool!

As I prepare to build the purple-wing Mechanical Praying Mantis I’d like to offer a few suggestions.

First, look through the Instruction Manual thoroughly. Make sure all the part trays are included. There are seven in all (A through G). Each tray is segmented into sections and numbered. Laser cut parts are grouped by type. Do not mix these up. They are very precise and are used for specific areas of construction.

There is one pop-out, laser cut, metal part sheet (S), one bag filled with plastic, translucent purple wings and body parts and a large bag filled with numerous small bags all containing screws, bolts, springs, lights and other small fasteners and parts-all are numbered.

A separate bag of tools is also included that holds two small Phillips head screwdrivers, five Allen wrenches, three bolt and part tightening tools, tweezers and a small magnetic rod for picking up small parts.

I suggest you have a separate, small segmented box for placing small parts into as you use them. Again, take your time, pay attention and keep organized. It makes the whole process a lot easier.

An Xactor handle and blade, easy release tape, glue or epoxy (mistakes do happen), a flat-head screwdriver for poking out parts, a magnifying glass or scope and small pointed tools for manipulating parts are some extras you may want to consider.

I have large hands and I wear glasses so any additional tools that aid me in assembling the Mantis are welcome. There are a lot of very small parts so be careful. Work in a well lit, flat surface. An overhead light and a small flashlight or stationary light would be helpful.

I am impressed. I have never seen such an well organized model kit before. The attention to detail is astounding. Every part(s) is carefully categorized in the trays and bags, The segmented flats make it easy to find parts during construction and the individually numbered bags with small screws, etc. practically eliminates the problem of losing small parts.

When the Mechanical Praying Mantis arrived via USPS it came in a New Year themed, colorful, flip-lid, heavy cardboard box.

Inside the Mechanical Praying Mantis box with its slide on lid and covered with color photos on all sides, opened easily after cutting the tape sealing the lid.

Inside the box on top was the large Instruction Manual sitting on a foam inner lid.

Under the lid were the various trays, bags and parts. The shipping box and product box guaranteed that the Mechanical Praying Mantis (color-coded) parts would not be damaged during shipping or when stored.

As a graphic designer I cannot help but be depressed by the design, engineering, planning, packaging and overall appearance of the product. It took a considerable level of talent and team work to pull off such an impressive package.

Paper choice, colors, content packaging and instructions, along with the tools needed were carefully planned and executed.

Besides being a fun project to complete it is a challenge and offers the opportunity to slow down and relax.  Metalkitor kits are excellent educational tools.

Children need structure, critical thinking skills and ways to improve their dexterity, cognitive skills, problem solving challenges and goals. Metalkitor provides all of that in their kits.

As a former high school teacher I recognize the enormous potential of the Metalkitor kits. I taught graphic design and drawing but I also taught AP classes for advanced students as part of the school’s career planning/vocational program.

Metalkitor kits would be great tools and exercises for such classes as mechanical engineering, CAD or any other vocational class that teaches building, mechanical repair, etc.

I believe it would be wise to let students construct such kits. What better way to learn about metal work, fasteners, couplings, tensile strength and the other components of building a device, vehicle or building? Group projects would teach students how to cooperate and work with each other.

I taught drawing. The Metalkitor would teach students of balance and counterbalance as it pertains to drawing human figures and animals. It would enable them to visualize and illustrate objects in 3D.

The possibilities for educational tools are unlimited. Metalkitor kits are more than ‘toys’ or ‘puzzles’ or ‘fun projects’. They could be so much more.

I highly recommend Metalkitor kits. The attention to detail, engineering, design, subject matter and mechanical movement are impressive.

Small parts are easy to locate and larger parts pop out easily with no rough edges or flashing and fit together precisely-a sign of excellent planning and engineering. 

The Mechanical Praying Mantis figure moves its legs, pinchers, head, torso, wings and other body parts enabling it to pose in dozens of positions with no shifting or loose parts. Add the translucent parts that are illuminated and you can’t help but be impressed by the talent, time, effort and engineering that went into its design and execution.

When I consider the amount of effort, man hours, assembly, design, material selection, manufacturing, laser-cutting, tooling, parts sorting, packaging of flats and bagging of parts, instruction's writing, drawing, schematics and printing, box printing, assembly and packaging and the shipping I am astonished that the cost of the Mechanical Praying Mantis kit is not at least three to four times of it's asking price.  Astounding!  Well done Metalkitor!  

For a look at other Metalkitor kits and projects click on this link. For a closer look at the Mechanical Praying Mantis figure with additional photos click here. for videos click here.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.