Kinetic Contraptions: Build a Hovercraft, Airboat, and More with a Hobby Motor

Kinetic Contraptions: Build a Hovercraft, Airboat, and More with a Hobby Motor — page 8 — Getting Started 7 are cheaper than any other type in the long run Even solar-powered chargers are available (cid:128) Electrical Wire Thin copper wire from phone or Internet connections is used on most of these projects You could also use bare copper wire but if it contacts another wire you’ll have a short circuit For the projects in the Exploring Motors section page 149 you’ll want magnet wire of 24 to 30 gauge If you buy just one size get 26 gauge You can buy it on the Web or at a motor repair shop or you can rip apart an old transformer or large motor For the speed control you can find an old toaster at a resale shop and rip the heating element wire out of it (cid:128) Structural Wire Baling wire is useful as are clothes hangers picture-hanging wire wire twisty ties pipe cleaners and even old bicycle spokes (cid:128) Kitchen and Household Stuff Disposable utensils cups and plates all different types bamboo skewers toothpicks clothespins straws paper and aluminum foil (cid:128) Ofﬁce Supplies Binder clips pencils paper clips large and small stapler rubber bands of all sizes tacks push pins and brass fasteners (cid:128) Corks Film Canisters a dying breed thanks to digital cameras and Thread Spools In really old project books you’ll see a lot of references to thread spools In many cases you used to be able to substitute a film canister but these days it is almost as easy to find a thread spool as a film canister A few other things can fill in for these two endangered species salsa cups medicine bottles and corks (cid:128) Wheels Bottle lids film canister lids checkers poker chips large beads and wood circles cut with a hole saw (cid:128) Tape Black electrical is the most commonly used tape in these projects but transparent masking and duct are also useful to have around (cid:128) Fasteners Nails of various sizes can be used or for an even stronger hold you can use drywall screws and a hand drill (cid:128) Wood Three standard sizes for light construction paint paddles for stirring a gallon of paint usually free at the paint shop so grab a handful tongue depressors and craft Popsicle sticks For beefier projects 1-by-2-inch furring strips are quite useful and a small pile of scrap wood from ¼ inch to ¾ inch thick is needed for baseboards and other parts Wood dowels ¼ inch to 5 16 inch are quite useful (cid:128) Decorations Paint markers glitter ribbons colored paper stickers puff balls pipe cleaners etc

Kinetic Contraptions: Build a Hovercraft, Airboat, and More with a Hobby Motor — page 9 — 9 Safety I could list a lot of specific safety procedures but most of the time it comes down to this be cautious and don’t be stupid Safety should always be your first priority If you don’t put it first you’ll get a bloody finger or a damaged cornea instead of a fun project Most of the injuries kids have suffered at the Watsonville Science Workshop have come from hot glue and knives Here are a few pointers for avoiding injuries (cid:128) Wear safety glasses when using any power tool (cid:128) Never touch the tip of the hot glue gun and don’t touch the glue when it comes out If you do get hot glue on you wipe it off as quickly as you can or it will continue burning If you do happen to get burned you can learn a lot about the amazing function of skin as you watch it heal (cid:128) Always cut away from yourself with a knife (cid:128) Keep your other hand away from the tool when using a knife hammer saw or drill (cid:128) Unplug something before you take it apart Even then capacitors may be holding a charge that could hurt you Don’t open or disassemble anything that says Danger or High Voltage on it definitely not a TV or computer monitor (cid:128) Get adult help if you have the least concern about the safety of a procedure That’s what they’re there for

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