Lanterns made from components

August 29, 2024 | 16:47

TPO - With an endless passion for crafting, Nguyen Tuan Anh (District 12, Ho Chi Minh City) has created hundreds of models assembled from car and motorbike parts. His "lanterns" made from these parts, with their ability to light up and move, can be considered unique because even if someone tried to replicate them, they couldn't be exactly like the original.

The workshop of this man born in the 1980s, originally from Da Lat ( Lam Dong province ), is always in operation with grinding machines, cutting machines, welding machines... connecting component parts to create shapes.

He started working about five years ago and, despite never having studied mechanical engineering and not being technically skilled, he considers himself strong in logic and artistically inclined. Looking at the way he connects the details of a "mechanical installation," one can see his talent for composition and his ability to express his own intentions.

"About 4-5 years ago, I conceived a groundbreaking idea for automotive and motorcycle components... Over time, with accumulated experience, the workshop's products have become quite complete in terms of both technical and aesthetic aspects. Currently, the crafting process is greatly supported by technology, but fundamentally, the handcrafted element remains the main focus, giving each product its soul," Tuan Anh shared.

According to Mr. Tuan Anh, finding spare parts is no longer as difficult as before because traders proactively approach him with offers. The availability of parts is abundant, and organizing them requires a more systematic approach compared to before when they were all laid out on the floor. "I invested in a sandblasting machine to clean the parts. You can clearly see the difference between gears that haven't been cleaned and those that have undergone sandblasting. Cleaning parts with a sandblasting machine saves time and labor, resulting in higher productivity," Mr. Tuan Anh shared about the parts cleaning process.

Today, Tuan Anh's workshop is equipped with additional technological equipment to support the crafting process. "Today's collectors also demand more, such as control over hand and foot movements, blinking, even voice commands, smoke effects, fire effects… That's why I and my colleagues in the workshop have invested in learning more about programming, CNC, and even sandblasting machines for cleaning components…," Tuan Anh explained.

The workshop's "component lanterns" are quite diverse. Among them are many extremely complex pieces, requiring incredibly precise details during manufacturing.

The unique and eye-catching designs of each artwork are clearly captivating, assembled from components such as ignition systems, gears, sprockets, chains, springs, and shock absorbers. The image shows a rooster, a scorpion, and a tiger fish in the final stages of completion at the workshop. These products are awaiting the addition of lighting devices so they can glow brightly during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Most of these creations weigh around 10 kg or more.

The most challenging project for Tuan Anh and his team is portraying Bumblebee from the blockbuster Transformers . This "masterpiece" from the workshop is nearly 4 meters tall, has been in production for almost a year, and is expected to take several more months to complete. When unveiled, Bumblebee must meet safety requirements due to its massive size, impressive movements, and ability to emit smoke and fire.

The Porunga "lantern" boasts a high level of technical and artistic perfection, captivating all eyes and awaiting its public unveiling. In the Dragon Ball series, Porunga is the most beloved dragon. In the photo, Anh Huy is meticulously completing the tiny details of the Porunga dragon. According to Anh Huy, after more than three years working at the workshop, he finds this job strangely appealing; the more he does it, the more he enjoys it because it's always creative and doesn't follow a rigid, pre-established routine.

The team working alongside Mr. Tuan Anh mostly consists of students who have graduated from engineering and mechanical fields. In the photo, Thang, the person holding the welding rod to fabricate the Optimus character, has also been involved in this interesting work for almost 5 years.

Pham Nguyen

Source: https://tienphong.vn/nhung-chiec-long-den-bang-linh-kien-post1667684.tpo