I'm trying to make my own spring puppet. I have the body worked out -- the spring is the problem. I don't think I'll be able to get one off the rack, so I'm figuring I need to get some wire and wrap it around a pipe. All of the wires Ive found so far aren't springy. I've found some spring steel manufacturers on the web, but I'm not sure what to buy.

Does anybody know what type of wire to use and where to get it??

You need what is known as music wire, or piano wire. You will need to get a small coil, so you'll have enough. Google those names and you should find sources. Once you get it and before you try to use it get back with us, so you don't kill yourself with the wire. If you order a coil, be sure to get one with a brake.

Mr. Baker what about a SLINKY remember those as a kid.

I hadn't thought about that. It might be worth a try.

A Slinky is a Tension or Torsion Spring. Don't you need Compression Spring for a Spring Puppet?

You don't actually need a spring in a spring puppet. Foam rubber works quite nicely.

My thought is that some of the "original" spring animals (and I mean way way back) used mattress or maybe sofa springs. Those would be the right size, and might just require some cutting. Of course, almost no one knows what or has a mattress or sofa spring, but you might check with antique furniture restoration people to check on possible sources. I have cause to use typewriter springs a lot. Yeah, try finding one of those these days.

Just a thought

Pix

How do you use the foam rubber? Do you need to sculpt it into the shape of the puppet?

Slinkys can be stretched out
Most bed springs are way to hard
Foam (easiest) could be rolled (tube shape) or cubed then stuffed inside. Alternative: Use those 50 sponge balls that are junking-up your sock drawer and stuff them inside.

Duh! Never thought about streching the Slinky.

I liked a foam "log" that was hollowed out and inserted in the puppet. Unless your puppet has unusual cavities (like cheeks, for example" you don't need to worry about sculpting the foam any more than you would sculpt a wire spring. The hollow space in the center of the "log" allowed for the same flexing movements as with a spring; push down and his head goes up, etc.

I bought a dozen of these, tho not here. the spring is 2" dia. and about 18" long. I had to used three to get enough "spring" but they compress well. there are bigger versions that may suit you better.
bob

I used one of the spring snakes from a large Adams peanut brittle can to make my own spring animal.

Zack,
Buy a spring rabbit and gut the sucker.

Jim