Personal · 9 builds
Personal projects
The machines being built in the garage, the first design questions for each, and the guides they lean on.
01Sprout Vending Machine
Dispenses portions of fresh sprouts from a chilled hopper.
First questions
- Portioning: auger, rotary valve or weigh-and-drop?
- Cold chain at 2–5 °C and how it is cleaned daily
- Food-grade materials, payment by UPI QR
Planning
02Sanitizer Vending Machine
Contactless, metered sanitizer dispensing for public places.
First questions
- Metering: peristaltic or diaphragm pump, dose accuracy
- Level sensing and refill alerts
- Alcohol-compatible wetted parts, enclosure against tampering
Planning
03Automatic Sandwich Maker
Takes bread through spreading, filling and toasting without a hand on it.
First questions
- Bread handling: grippers, suction or conveyor
- Gantry axes for spread and filling dispensers
- Hygiene: wash-down, food-grade grease, stainless fasteners
Planning
04Semi-automatic Peptide Synthesizer
Automates reagent dosing and washing steps; the operator loads and supervises.
First questions
- Syringe pump resolution: lead and microstepping for µL doses
- Valve manifold and chemical compatibility (PTFE, PEEK, glass)
- Reaction vessel agitation, fume extraction, safety interlocks
Planning
05Air Purifier
Fan and filter stack sized for a target clean air delivery rate (CADR).
First questions
- Room size → CADR → airflow and fan pressure
- Filter stack: pre-filter, HEPA H13, activated carbon
- PM2.5 sensor auto mode, noise at night
Planning
06Need-based Water Purifier
Senses incoming water quality and runs only the treatment stages it needs, cutting the water an RO system wastes.
First questions
- Sensors: TDS, turbidity, flow
- Stage bypass valves: sediment, carbon, RO, UV
- Rules for when RO is really required
Planning
07DIY WAAM 3D Printer
Wire arc additive manufacturing: a MIG torch on a gantry builds metal parts layer by layer.
First questions
- Gantry stiffness and heat shielding near the arc
- Z axis under torch and cable load; layer height control
- Interpass temperature, spatter protection for screws and rails
Planning
08Smart Helmet with Air Purifier
A helmet with a filtered blower feeding clean air to the face, plus sensors.
First questions
- Weight and balance on the head; battery placement
- Blower and filter pressure drop vs airflow
- Impact safety must not be weakened by the add-ons
Planning
09The Third Arm
A multi-purpose robotic arm end-effector: one quick-change flange, many tools.
First questions
- Standard flange (ISO 9409-1) and quick-change locking
- Tool set: gripper, suction, screwdriver, probe
- Payload and moment on the wrist; repeatable location with dowels
Planning