Turner Contruction

[ErikW]

So as not to hijack the thread in which Charles asked how turners are constructed...

They are basically a target stand on top of a twisted steel bar. Either a slotted lead weight twists the bar on its way down after activation, or, in another design, the weight of the target stand itself does the action. With the separate weight, the target merely twists; it doesn't also drop.

I think gravity turners are the most problematic of all props. In the lead weight designs, the slot becomes worn. They all seem to be much too easily affected by wind. There is much opportunity for a better mousetrap.

[Nolan]

The latest revision of the lead weight turners use a brass plate to reinforce the lead weight so the slot doesn't become elongated.

Another problem with turners is wind.  Sometimes a gust of wind will either delay or speed up the turner.