I had been searching for a scary, haunted tree prop to use in my yard haunt. Although there are certainly some fantastic and creative static tree props on the net, I was unable to find what I was looking for. I wanted action, the kind of tree that would reach out and grab someone like right out of "Poltergeist".
The following is two years of planning and execution and has to be my favorite prop so far.
Oh, did I say "I love pneumatics!"…And now for the cop-out. The only thing original here is the Tree and Mechanism. Others have taken the time to write instructions for making air controlled props and control valves, all of which I found at the Monster list of Halloween Projects . I, um, borrowed their expertise and applied it to my warped imagination. Feel free to do the same.
As always, proper tool safety is needed. Be sure to read and follow all manufacturer warnings and instructions on use. Always wear safety goggles.
For those who need a primer on using pneumatics (compressed air) to operate a prop, please refer tothe PHANTASMECHANICS tutorial on haunting with compressed air before attempting. I "borrowed" a copy from Omars Haunted Trail (omarshauntedtrail.com) as the the experts at Phantamechanic have retired from hauting. There are also a number of Internet sites and videos devoted to working with air in Halloween props.
Please - Do not attempt without researching the process first, it can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
