Build a glider out of Dollar Tree foam board! This project is a great activity for parents and children. While we will be building the glider version of this plane in class, you will take home the plans to build an RC powered version if you would like.
Who Is This Class For
Families who want to build a plane project together.
RC enthusiasts who want to venture into the world of scratch building.
Those interested in learning techniques to build structurally strong objects from simple $1 foam board.
Individuals who just want a fun project.
What You Will Learn
You will learn the techniques required to build a majority of the planes that Flite Test offers. While you can buy any of their pre-cut plans, you can also download their models for free and cut them out using Dollar Tree foam.
In this class we will learn how to take their plans and turn them into planes. We are building just one of their 60+ planes. If you like model planes (RC or not), you should check out Flite Test’s YouTube channel.
Come join us for an introduction into the hobby of scratch building your own planes!
You don’t need to bring anything to the class other than an enthusiasm to build a plane and learn how to build them on your own.
Cost of Class: $25
You can come alone or bring a friend or child with you. The cost of the class includes the material and instruction to build one glider.
Interested? Curious? Possibly intimidated? When it comes to woodworking the router is one of the most advantageous and versatile machines in the shop, and quite possibly the most confusing and under-utilized. Come and learn the basics of this wonderful machine. We will be looking at the different sizes of routers and their purpose, the various ways to handle each one, and cover many of the various bits and joinery that is possible with a router. Finally we will use what we learn to craft a keepsake photo project that you can take home.
Take home a router project that you can mount a picture on.
Who is this class for?
Beginner or intermediate woodworker who wants to learn more about using a router in your projects.
Someone with no woodworking experience.
Skills you will learn.
Safe operation of a router
Different types of routers and bits
Why one router is better suited than another for a certain job
Specific router recommendations
This is a basic class open to any age (under 19 will need a parent or guardian present at all times) and will provide an opportunity for a “hands on” experience.
This is a companion post to the paper instructions we are handing out at the 2019 Kingsport Mini Maker Faire. If you don’t have that paper, you can download it to help you build your own infinity mirror.
Bill of Materials
The following links are samples of what is needed. Certainly there is nothing that requires these exact materials. Some of the items you can find locally or might even be able to snag for free from your home or by asking around.
The links to Amazon below are affiliate links.
LED strips
In the mirror we had at the Maker Faire we were using red LEDs. But you can choose your color to personalize the mirror the way you want. You can even buy strips that have a remote so that you can change the color according to your mood.
The strip we used in our build was 12 volt LEDs. This is the most common and generally cheaper option. You can find 5V strips that can be run with a cell phone charger. Typically they are a bit more expensive.
There are a couple of helpful things to know if you have never used LED strips before. First, they can be cut to length at the little copper pads between the LEDs. There are 3 lights per section on 12V strips and only 1 light per section on 5V strips. You must cut at the copper pads between the sections for them to work properly after cutting.
Second, you have to ensure that you have enough amperage from your power supply to power the number of LEDs. That said, for a project this size, at 12V you only need a 500 mA (or greater) current supply.
Power Supply and Connectors
12V power supply for the mirror.
You probably have plenty of power supplies in a box or drawer at home that can run this project. If you have 12V LEDs you will need a 12V supply. Make sure you have a 5V supply if you have 5V LEDs.
The power supply we are using for our project is from an old network router. There are plenty of these types of supplies to be found for $1-3 at most thrift stores.
The front of the mirror is plain glass with window tinting film applied to it. Our infinity mirror was based off the size of the glass we had lying around. It is the scanner glass from a disassembled home printer. All other dimensions for our mirror were based on that.
Alternately, you can use a one-way (also called a two-way) mirror instead of glass and tinting film. This is the type of mirror that you can see through from one side but is reflective on the other side. You can skip using the tinting film if you use one of these very expensive mirrors.
Tinting Film
There are some films that probably work better than others; however, just about any film you get will work to some degree. Even plain glass with no film will work, it just won’t look as nice.
If you have a window tinting shop in your area you might take your glass to the shop and see if they have a piece of scrap tinting film that will fit your glass. More than likely they will have plenty in a trash can.
However, if you need to buy some tint film, the more “mirrored” the reflection is, the better the effect. You can buy enough film on Amazon to do a dozen mirrors for less than $10.
Rear Mirror
Mirror sandwiched between a thin sheet of plywood and the rabbet cut into the edge of the frame. (The front of the box is facing the table below).
The rear of the box is just a regular mirror. Or, it could be another piece of glass with tinting film on it. It won’t be as reflective as a regular mirror, but it will work. You will want to add some type of backing (a thin piece of plywood will work) if you are using plain glass with tint film. A piece of plywood is also recommended (but not necessary) if you are using a regular mirror. This will help protect the back glass/mirror of your infinity mirror.
Assembly
Main Box
Cut 4 boards that are slightly larger than your front glass. Or, read through some options below to know how large your wooden box needs to be.
Assemble your 4 boards in the manner shown on the paper handed out at the Mini Maker Faire (or the PDF download). You want the box to be slightly larger than the glass and mirror you are using.
Even though we put a frame on our tinted front glass, we also cut a rabbet into the frame.
You can cut a rabbet in the box to set your front glass into. And then you can cover with some more decorative wood. That is the way our mirror is assembled. Or, you can just attach your glass to the wood and cover with a paper or wooden frame.
If you do not have a router or table saw to cut a rabbet, you could make your frame large enough that your glass can just sit inside the wooden box. Then attach some small strips of wood to the inside of the frame that the glass can rest on as you put a more decorative frame on the outside of the glass and box.
This is certainly an area where you can get creative in your assembly of the box and attaching the glass.
LED Strip
The LED strip in place. The one closest to us in the picture in the real one. The one in the back is reflected off the front tinted glass.
From the back of the box (with the front glass in place) draw a line around the inside of the box where your LED strip should be attached. For the best result your LED strip needs to be exactly centered between the glass and mirror.
The easiest way to get power into the box is through a power jack on the side or bottom. Ideally you would want to put power through the back of the infinity mirror. But that would require drilling a hole in the back mirror.
Power jack on the side of the mirror.
Our power jack is on the side of the box so that it can easily sit on a desk. If you plan to hang your mirror on a wall, you might want to put your power jack on the bottom of the box.
Back Mirror
Because this is the side that does not show, this does not have to be as pretty as the front. Whatever way you attach the rear mirror to the box, you will want to make sure it is easily removable. This is so you can get into the infinity mirror to make changes or replace LEDs if you want to put a different color light strip into the box.
Ours just has a piece of thin plywood screwed to the box between the mirror and the edge of the box. This sandwiches the mirror in place but allows easy access if something needs to be repaired or changed.
Enjoy Your Mirror!
Now it is time to enjoy your mirror. It is a simple project that is fun to show off. It isn’t too complicated of a project but it can yield stunning results. We hope you enjoyed seeing ours at the Mini Maker Faire in Kingsport.
Do you want to learn how to use a table and miter saw while building a great project? This class is what you are looking for!
The class will be held Saturday morning July 13 from 10a to noon.
Who Should Attend
The Picture Ladder class is targeted towards the beginning power tools user who wants more than just a nice picture frame at the end of the class. But rather, is looking to actually learn how to use woodworking equipment properly and safely.
Skills You Will Learn
Using a table saw to cut down lumber into properly sized strips
Using a miter saw to cut boards to length
Using different types of sanders to achieve proper results
Use of a nail or screw gun
What to Bring
You won’t need to bring anything to the class other than yourself and your desire to learn some new skills. All materials will be provided at class.
We had a wonderful lathe class Friday night with 5 students. Ben, our teacher, did a great job. Personally, I walked away from there with the confidence that I could use a lathe safely. Previously I had been too scared to do a lathe project on my own. I trust the other students came away with the same confidence that I gained.
Ben worked on a pepper grinder which he turned out of a maple baseball bat blank. We learned how to use various headstock pieces to hold the work. For the pepper mill Ben used a mandrill to hold the blank from the center of the piece. Then he cut the profile, sanded, added some decorations and sanded some more. He taught us techniques on measuring the piece so that you can attach other objects onto the turned piece (like a pepper grinder).
We probably would have all enjoyed a little more time to practice on the lathe before the class was over, but I also appreciated the extra information Ben was able to give us by taking more time to teach. Some of the students were able to stick around and work on a project for about 30 minutes after class. Other students said they would come to the next open shop night so they could practice.
As a member of Morristown Makers, I was able to go to the shop the next day and work on a project. I turned out a handle for a wax seal that I have been working on. I 3D printed the seal part and attached it to the wooden handle that I turned at the shop.
Using techniques that Ben taught us, I was able to safely burn in some decorative lines and sand the handle until it it became beautifully smooth. It is ready to be given as a gift to a friend this week.
I decided not to stain the red oak handle I made, but I may do that on my next project.
Morristown Makers now has a mailing list you can sign up on to get updates about upcoming events. We will still post events to our Facebook page as well as other outlets. However, if you want to get a (no more than) weekly update on events at Morristown Makers, then take the time to add your email address to our mailing list.
This will give you a reminder of upcoming events such as classes and also keep you informed of schedule changes.
The lathe class that was scheduled for Saturday April 27, 2019 had to be postponed. We will make an announcement here and on our Facebook page when we set the new date and time. Thank you for your patience.
The shop will still be open Saturday morning from 10a to 12 noon on Saturday the 27th. Please stop by and visit or bring a project to work on. There is no cost for coming in and working on your project during this open shop time.
Are you interested in learning how to turn wood on a lathe but unsure how to get started? Join Morristown Makers as we have local craftsman Ben “Bear” Lyle teach a class on how to safely set up and use the lathe at our shop. He will also teach what you should look for when shopping for your first lathe.
The class will be held from 7p to 9p on Friday evening, August 16 at the Morristown Makers shop.
Who should attend?
This class is for the woodworker who is new to wood turning, or for those who may have some experience, but want help in knowing what type of lathe to buy for their own purposes. Ben will also talk about various types of wood turning projects that can be done.
This class is available for ages 10 and up. Attendees 10 to 18 need to have a parent present. When registering just pay for the student.
We have two classes and one open workshop night scheduled for the month of April.
Introduction to Arduino Workshop
Are you curious as to how you can use an Arduino in your electronic projects? Come to the class on April 20 and learn how to control LEDs and simple motors using an Arduino.
Arduino development boards are used to power IoT devices, 3D printers and many other new technologies. They can also be used to give new life to old toys and even model train systems.
Lathe Class
On April 27 a local craftsman and duck call maker will teach us the basics of wood turning. We will learn lathe safety, tool setup and everything you need to know in choosing your first lathe. By the end of class each person will get some time to work a piece of wood and become comfortable using this popular tool.
Open Shop Night: April 23
Each month on the 3rd Tuesday we have an open time when anyone is welcome to come hang out and work on a project. The shop will be open from 7p to 9p for you to check out what is going on with the group. Every month we have new people show up during this open time. Make this the month you are our first-time guest.
