Building the ROKR Vitascope: A Hands-On Review and Easy Build Guide

Editor's Note: This is a review post about the ROKR Vitascope LK601, originally posted by @coopscreations2033 on YouTube. We have compiled and summarized the contents mentioned in the video to objectively and impartially review this building kit for everyone.

Amidst the many unique do-it-yourself kits in the market today, the ROKR Vitascope 3D Wooden Puzzle is both an eye-catcher and a conversation starter. Being unique, it is not just a puzzle but a miniature movie projector that really works, too. It has a hand and a crank mechanism that projects short film strips when assembled. Imagine the nostalgic feel of early cinema.

Many DIY enthusiasts look forward to experiencing the excitement and challenge of building mechanical wooden kits. This one is a popular name on the list. Now, get your hands ready. Let’s unwrap the box, lay out all the pieces, and start building.

Inside the Box

Opening it, you’ll see a handful of laser-cut wooden boards, tiny gears and screws, a few metal rods, a film reel, a wax stick, and two sheets of sandpaper. You won’t be lost in the process because of the clearly illustrated manual. This is a concise guide that includes illustrations and numbered steps for building the ROKR Vitascope.

Unlike other DIY kits on the market, this kit does not have too many boards. But, mind you, it's four regular boards, and these few smaller sheets can never be underestimated when we speak of thrill and challenge.  Here’s a heads-up, though. Be extra careful with the pieces because they are really very tiny. You won’t dare lose one.

The challenge does not end here. ROKR Vitascope 3D Wooden Puzzle has everything you need to assemble it. But use beeswax instead of the wax stick. Beeswax reaches tight spots better than the wax stick. Also, it keeps the wooden parts moving smoothly. 

Now that everything is laid out, let’s get moving because the exciting part awaits. Here are the steps in building the ROKR Vitascope.

Assemble the base

Start by building the side panels of the projector. In this step, you’ll see screws, small gears, and wooden joints that form the base of the ROKR Vitascope. Before inserting anything, spread a thin layer of wax on the moving parts to reduce friction and prevent stiffness.

Do not forget to carefully tighten the screws, not so tight that they crack the wood. Once the main side of the structure is secure, attach the small wire holder across the gears. You may use pliers to make it fit snugly without causing much discomfort.

Install the gears

Now, let’s take on the inner gear system. Bear in mind that these gears are the heart of the Vitascope. So, take your time.

Before inserting the gears, sand the rough edges if you see any. This is to ensure smooth rotation. Even if the manual doesn’t call for it, a light coating of wax helps prevent squeaking and makes the motion much smoother.

ROKR includes metal rods of different lengths to hold the gears. You can easily identify which is which by matching them to the diagrams in the manual. After everything is fitted, check that the gears turn freely. If there’s resistance, loosen one or two screws slightly.

Assemble the lens

Sitting between two wooden rings, the lens is one of the most sensitive parts of the build. It is a clear circular piece that needs to be handled with extra care. As much as possible, avoid scratches or fingerprints on it. 

One more thing, though. Keep the curved side of the lens facing outward, while the flat side sits inside the frame. Once these sides are in their accurate places, secure them using the tiny locking pieces. You can see all these pieces inside the kit. Use small pliers or tweezers to fit these pieces tightly.

Build the projector’s body

Now that you’ve got the lens and gears ready, start putting everything together. The projector’s body connects through a series of panels whose pieces lock tightly. So, remember to press them from the thicker edges to avoid cracking.

When putting pieces correctly, the entire body or structure should look and feel balanced and stable. The moment you see it wobble, double-check to see that all pegs are evenly inserted. This will help the handle mechanism align properly.

Attach the gears and handle

Now is the part where the projector starts to take shape. Use a small nut and screw to connect the handle to the large gear on one side of the structure. You will see inside the kit a bunch of miniature wooden tools. These keep the nut in place while tightening it.

The handle must turn freely. Now that you’ve cranked it, you should see the gears move together smoothly. Clicking it into place might be a minute detail, but it is such a satisfying moment that only a builder like you understands.

Set up the light box

This is what we’re talking about: the light box. It is where you can see the small LED light that projects the film. To set it up, gently slide the LED piece into its wooden case. Doing so gives it a little space, so it doesn’t press too tightly. Neatly feed the wires through the back. This way, you can prevent them from getting caught while putting all the pieces together.  

Once secured, the light box can easily be connected to the projector body. The wiring setup is less complicated and well-designed. No tools or soldering needed.

Make the film reels.

It is time to build the large and small film reels. Each reel is made of two circular frames that are joined together with short pegs. Line these reels up, and press firmly until they snap into place. 

The film strip wraps around three times. It is secured using the transparent tape that is included in the kit. This extra layer keeps or protects the film from rubbing against the wooden frame.

Now, attach both the large and small reels to the projector using the rubber stoppers and the metal rod. Upon turning by hand, these reels should spin freely.

Test it

You’ve attached all the parts, don’t you? Perfect! You’ve come at the best part. Get ready to test it.

Slide the film through the reels, and dim the lights. Next, point the projector toward a white wall. Then, turn the crank. If the light comes on, the gears spin, and you’ll see the tiny film images flicker onto the wall, your assembly is a SUCCESS. If it’s not, see what went wrong. It’s that simple! 

You did it! Give yourself a tap for assembling the ROKR Vitascope. With the final piece in place, the ROKR Vitascope comes to life, and you are ready to project its first film. Now, let’s talk about my personal thoughts and overall review of ROKR.

Final Thoughts

Look! You can never be a certified ROKR enthusiast if you don’t have a first-hand look at what is inside this DIY project. After assembling it, here are my honest thoughts.

I must say that the ROKR Vitascope is a brilliant combination of creativity and craftsmanship. Its mechanical design can’t be underrated. Every part of this DIY project is well thought out. Once built, its tiny pieces transform into one beautiful decorative piece that actually works.

Takeaways, you say? Listen closely.

What did I like?

• Cleanly cut and precise pieces
• The mechanics work well for a wooden model.
• Clear and easy to follow instructions
• All the necessary tools and materials for assembly are included in the kit

What are the Things to Watch Out For?

• Some pieces fit tightly. So, don’t rush. Sand pieces, if needed.
• Avoid over-tightening the screws. It could crack the wood.
• Avoid scratches by handling the film and the lens carefully.

Although not a perfect ten. ROKR Vitascope is a 9. It is a wonderful kit that offers both satisfaction and challenge. It is designed for anyone who loves woodworking and puzzles. If you want to experience the charm of early film projection through a hands-on project, this one is for you. 

Remember, building the ROKR Vitascope isn’t just about building a do-it-yourself model. It's more about appreciating how light and motion come together to create something memorable and timeless.

Mis à jour le 1 nov. 2025