This project was built and designed by Drew Fisher from Fisher’s Shop. It combines woodworking and engineering into a one-of-a-kind display piece that features working nautilus gears inspired by the Fibonacci spiral.
These gears rotate in mesmerizing patterns, turning simple motion into dynamic art. With thoughtful design and contrasting hardwoods, the finished piece is both functional and visually captivating.
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Designing the Nautilus Gear
Drew began with the idea of using the Fibonacci spiral as the foundation for the gear layout. This sequence, where each number is the sum of the two before it, forms a smooth curve commonly seen in nature.
Using an arc tool, Drew connected squares with semicircles to sketch the spiral shape. Once the layout was finalized, the design was extruded digitally to visualize the interacting gears in 3D.
Crafting the Gear Teeth
To form the gear teeth, Drew used Fusion 360 to pattern shapes evenly along the spiral path. This automated feature allowed for precise adjustments and testing.
After refining the shapes through simulation, the final gear design emerged with smooth interaction between each component. The teeth followed the nautilus curve, offering both motion and symmetry.
Selecting the Materials
Drew chose curly maple and Australian jera for the gears to add contrast and strength. These hardwoods not only provide durability but also bring out rich tones and figure in the final piece.
For carving, the Onefinity X50 Woodworker CNC machine was used. It secured each blank and carved the gears cleanly in about 20 minutes per piece.
Preparing the Background
To support the gears, Drew built a backdrop from black walnut. The panel was cut to size and fitted with mounting holes for the gears and motor.
A soft roundover was added to the edges to smooth the look. This also helped tie together the mechanical and artistic elements of the build.
Integrating the Motor
To power the display, Drew repurposed a motor from an old record player. Its slow, steady movement was ideal for spinning the gears at a visually pleasing pace.
This low-speed motor added to the calming effect of the artwork. It also fit neatly behind the walnut base without adding bulk.
Gear Installation and Framing
The gears were mounted to the walnut board with enough spacing for smooth rotation. Each gear was fastened with a washer to allow for free spinning while minimizing friction.
Drew used walnut scraps and an angle gauge to build display legs. These legs tilted the artwork at just the right angle for easy viewing.
Flattening and Detail Work
To ensure precision, Drew returned to the CNC machine to flatten the pieces and align the gear positions. A flat surface was key to the gears meshing properly.
Smaller accent gears were added using additional wood species. These colorful variations gave the final piece a burst of visual texture and movement.
Final Assembly and Finish
All components were cleaned, sanded, and tested before the final build. Once everything fit together, the gears were secured and tested for motion.
Danish oil was applied to highlight the figure in the wood and protect the surfaces. The finished piece had a rich, natural sheen and smooth movement.
A Fusion of Art and Engineering
This nautilus gear display showcases the balance between creative design and technical precision. With contrasting woods, graceful movement, and a spiral-based layout, the result is both calming and impressive.
It’s a perfect example of how woodworking can go beyond furniture and become a medium for interactive art. The gears draw the eye, while the craftsmanship keeps it there.
Want to See the Full Build?
Get Drew’s plans here: https://fishersshoponline.com/plans/p/nautilus