Fourth Project

This is not really the fourth project, i have not included a non moving paper mache figure "Dimples" maybe when i'm in the mood I will put it up here.
Anyway, I have been inspired to create a sand powered "automata." Mine is really more like a simple toy, but its a start.
I did not start this post when i started the project so I tend to do a lot of editing of the boring and wasted time spent on my errors in all my trial and errors so I will just say that I have tried many configurations and materials with this and this is what I have come up with:

This is a picture with the back off. sand goes in the acetate cone, hits the wheel which turns the shaft which turns the monkey. The sand then falls to the bottom of the box. By tipping the box over, you can fill the cone and start again.

HELP FROM READERS WELCOME! The current problem I am having is that sand is still leaking out of the holes where the rod sticks out. Im afraid to put anything near the rod since it was so hard to get the thing to turn freely in the first place. So this is a place where any suggestions would be welcome.