We made our first tool by melting aluminum and pouring it in a sand mold made from a wooden version of the tool. The idea was to make a tool that would help make other tools easier. So we decided on making a sand tamper to pack the sand tighter around the next things we plan to cast.
Last night was Makers Local public night. Greg and Phil where playing with an aluminum forge. Phil got the forge kit from BackYardMetalCasting.com and this was the first time it had been fired up. It seemed to work fairly well. The best part is that no one died!
We decided it might be bad to breathe the exhaust fumes from our 40 W hobby laser so a few members decided to do everyone a favor and rig up this elaborate duct system to make things a little safer for everyone. Now instead of filling the shop with various gasses and particles it is blown out through this duct work and outside through the giant exhaust fan upstairs. Safety first!
I finally finished the turnable composter I made from an old, food-grade, plastic barrel for our garden at the shop. All of the wood and wheels and parts I found at the shop so the total cost for this project was effectively zero. The turn handle has gone through two different versions but might need a third version. Now that it has been filled with super heavy, wet dirt and compost the weaknesses of the turn handle are clearly visible. Feel free to give me some ideas for a better turn handle to turn the barrel over while filled with heavy dirt.
March 21st was my birthday. I wasn’t having a good day so I decided to hang out at the shop. Turns out it was a great idea! I got to play with fire and it was so COOL! Here is a video of me making a HUGE fire ball! The video is short but sweet! 🙂