Initial Design
Prototyping
My idea was to create a “plant pot rotator” with an Industrial Revolution Functionality aesthetic. I planned on welding scrap sheet metal to create the frame, and then use a motor and arduino to rotate the pot. I’m not sure yet if I’m powering the system via a wall port or a battery. I was able to get some of the electronics from the idea forge and some scrap steel from the ITLL machine shop. But I’m I need a little more steel so hopefully eco cycle has some. Also made a simple cardboard prototype of the frame.
Planning
CAD Design
Fabrication
Ran into some hurtles as I didn’t know sheet metal wasn’t the best for welding. And that welding certain steels give u brain cancer. But I made it work by extending my pieces and adding bends. I also didn’t know how difficult it would be to manufacture sheet metal, as it isn’t the easiest to cut with mills. The best way would have been to water jet but you know how it is at the idea forge machine shop. Thankfully the ITLL machine shop and Craig in particular came in clutch and worked through it with me.
Also shoutout Luke and his Grandpa, Don, for letting me use their garage and mig welder. If I were to do it again I would definitely talk to Craig or someone in a machine shop about my design early on. So they could give me insights on the best way to create it and with the right materials.
