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How should Ben continue building his automatic can crusher? Post your idea + you might get a free Ben Heck t-shirt!

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Ben Heck needs your help! In the latest episode he explores different ways to build a solenoid-powered automatic can crusher. They're looking for your suggestions on different ways to build and power the can crusher. Post your suggestions here for a chance to win a Ben Heck Show t-shirt! Ten submissions will be randomly selected after Oct. 24.
 
Just post a reply to this thread with your ideas, and you'll be automatically enrolled in the t-shirt giveaway.
 
We're looking forward to your suggestions!
 
Cheers,
Sagar
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    One cheap, yet powerful motor I have used are CIM motors. We use them in FIRST robotics to drive 130lb robots around like they weighed nothing. They are the size of a soda can, cheap as can be($28), and have an incredible amount of torque. Add on an inline gearbox, and itll be nearly unstoppable. (I believe a 10:1 ratio has the power to lift 150lbs from 1.5 ft away) CIM Motor

     

    With this motor, you could go with something to the sort of the locomotive design you have, but you aren't limited to just that. Remember, you can use a motor, without having the motor actually crushing the can. Think of the plunger for a pinball machine. It is spring loaded. Now replace those springs with garage door springs, or lots of surgical tubing. If you have the right bits for your router, you can cut a cam that will be rotated by the cim motor. this can let you easily retract the plunger, and rapidly release it, making for a fast-action can crusher. This video is a perfect example of what can be done with this concept:http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=Sfc7erbtuoE

     

    Also, I'd love to come over and help you out, Ben! If you like my ideas, instead of a t-shirt maybe you could send me a plane ticket to come on down!

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    One cheap, yet powerful motor I have used are CIM motors. We use them in FIRST robotics to drive 130lb robots around like they weighed nothing. They are the size of a soda can, cheap as can be($28), and have an incredible amount of torque. Add on an inline gearbox, and itll be nearly unstoppable. (I believe a 10:1 ratio has the power to lift 150lbs from 1.5 ft away) CIM Motor

     

    With this motor, you could go with something to the sort of the locomotive design you have, but you aren't limited to just that. Remember, you can use a motor, without having the motor actually crushing the can. Think of the plunger for a pinball machine. It is spring loaded. Now replace those springs with garage door springs, or lots of surgical tubing. If you have the right bits for your router, you can cut a cam that will be rotated by the cim motor. this can let you easily retract the plunger, and rapidly release it, making for a fast-action can crusher. This video is a perfect example of what can be done with this concept:http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=Sfc7erbtuoE

     

    Also, I'd love to come over and help you out, Ben! If you like my ideas, instead of a t-shirt maybe you could send me a plane ticket to come on down!

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