A pneumatically powered mechanical translator–rotator system has been designed and constructed for use in the direct laser vaporization (DLV) of materials. This translator–rotator was initially developed for the reproducible DLV production of refractory metal atoms to be reacted with small molecules and characterized in matrix isolation experiments, but has applications wherever a reproducible DLV stream of a material is required, such as matrix assisted laser desorption ionization. Key features of the new translator–rotator design are the employment of an inexpensive air ratchet to provide power for the translator–rotator mechanism, the elimination of magnetic relays and electrical limit switches through the use of an all mechanical gear and slot mechanism, and a triple O-ring gland capable of maintaining high vacuum, 10−7Torr, while the translator–rotator is in operation. ©1997 American Institute of Physics.