Progress Update: Airfoil Can Crusher

Background and Purpose

Growing up in a family with German roots, I developed a fondness for sparkling water, finding its refreshing taste irresistible. However, this preference led to accumulating numerous aluminum cans, all destined for the recycling bin. The sheer volume of cans occupied significant space, necessitating frequent emptying of the recycling bin. In contrast to Michigan, where I previously lived and benefited from store credits for bottle returns, such incentives are not available in my current location. To address this issue and streamline recycling efforts, I embarked on creating an aluminum can crusher, showcased in Figure 1. This endeavor not only served a practical purpose but also provided an opportunity to delve into woodworking, exploring diverse tools and techniques essential for achieving intricate design elements in wood.

Figure 1

Purchasing

All of the parts for this project have been ordered and arrived. A list of items that were ordered are listed below:

• 12 feet of maple
• 12 feet of walnut
• Wood Screws
• Chicago screws for linkages to reduce erosion

Manufacturing

Up to this point I am ahead of schedule by about 1 week. I have spent a total of 4 hours in the wood shop learning how to use special equipment such as router tables and table saws and various sanding machines. I have learned a lot about wood working through this project and I really enjoy making the various parts come to life. Before this project, I knew very little about woodworking techniques and all the tools that can be used to safely, effectively, and efficiently make various designs. I now feel very comfortable using most of the machines that are in the woodshop.

My project has two main components, the first being the mechanical and dynamic component which is designed to crush aluminum cans. I have completed manufacturing and sanding all of these individual pieces over the last two weeks. I am currently in the process of gluing all of the individual components of the mechanical module as seen in Figure 2. Gluing all of these components took approximately 4 days with curing time. The various parts were not glued together all at once. A strategic assembly plan was used because some high stress joints had to be carefully glued together in order to increase the structural strength. Gluing each piece together made it easier to clamp to ensure proper alignment and placement which was often the most difficult part because glue acts as a lubricant when first applied.

Figure 2

I have also fabricated the crushing plate which is the piece that moves and crushes the can. It is made out of 3 layers of 3/4 inch maple which allows the crushing plate to smoothly glide along the channels as its longer profile prevents it from getting stuck. This piece can be seen in Figure 3. 

Figure 3

The linkage and lever system has also been completed and assembled. I ended up making the linkages and blocks larger than I had originally planned because it allows for more surface area and increase stability and support. This can be seen in Figure 4.

Figure 4

Next Steps

Once the mechanical component of the device is assembled and the glue has cured, I will begin testing the design make sure the moving components slide smoothly. This process will also include hand sanding various components to achieve a smooth and polished finish. Next, I will fabricating the airfoil component of the design. This component will be made out of Oak. This will add contrast between the two species of wood and also create the aerodynamic aesthetic I would like to achieve. It will also compliment the lighter colored countertop that it would be used on. The airfoil design can be seen in Figure 5.

Figure 5