What is a turntable in a machine?

A turntable lets a whole model spin round. A turntable is two plates with a smooth bearing between them. The top plate spins while the bottom stays still — perfect for crane cabs, tank turrets and carousels.

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Try it yourself

Spin the turret all the way round. Does the bottom move?

Build it: 9 builds that teach turntables

  • 📡 Spinning Radar: A motor-driven radar dish that sweeps round and round on a turntable — with a blinking light. (level 3 of 5, about 25 minutes, 15 steps)
  • 🎠 Chair-Swing Carousel: Crank faster and faster — the chairs fly out wider and wider! (level 2 of 5, about 35 minutes, 16 steps)
  • 🌬️ Oscillating Fan: A desk fan that turns its head left and right all by itself! (level 3 of 5, about 40 minutes, 18 steps)
  • 🌀 Spirograph Drawing Machine: A machine that draws flowers! The paper spins while an arm swings the pen. (level 3 of 5, about 45 minutes, 19 steps)
  • 🪖 RC Tank: Two motors, two tracks, one remote. Spin on the spot and climb over anything! (level 4 of 5, about 60 minutes, 27 steps)
  • 🛵 Front-Drive Servo Trike: One front wheel does everything: its own motor drives it and the Servo swings it round. (level 4 of 5, about 50 minutes, 21 steps)
  • 🦾 Crank Excavator Arm: Crank the worm gears to swing the digger round and lift the boom — then dig! (level 4 of 5, about 50 minutes, 22 steps)
  • 🤖 Robot Arm with Servo Claw: Swing, lift and grab! Three motors and a remote turn you into a factory robot operator. (level 4 of 5, about 60 minutes, 30 steps)
  • 🌐 AWD with Central Diff: All four wheels driven, with a differential in the MIDDLE of the car — like a rally car. (level 5 of 5, about 90 minutes, 28 steps)

In the classroom

Common engineering questions

How can I try turntables at home?

Spin the turret all the way round. Does the bottom move?

Which builds teach turntables?

9 MightyCog builds teach it: Spinning Radar, Chair-Swing Carousel, Oscillating Fan, Spirograph Drawing Machine and RC Tank and more. Start with Spinning Radar: 15 steps, about 25 minutes.

Ideas that go with it