Van de Graaff Generator
Inspired by the lightning exhibit at Boston’s Science Museum, this Van de Graaff Generator produces over 100,000 volts of static electricity. This device uses a moving belt to accumulate electric charge on a hollow metal sphere.

Build Materials:

  • Fan motor

  • PVC piping

  • IKEA bowls

  • Rubber tape (used as a belt)

pen Plotter

This was a commissioned project for a local artist who requested, “I need a robot that can draw, but it has to be huge.” The result is a large-scale, computer-controlled plotter capable of creating intricate designs or illustrations. Using common pens and markers, it transforms digital files into precise, oversized artwork.

Build Materials:

  • Fully custom parts made with 3D printing

  • Over 30 feet of electrical wiring

  • Six stepper motors with drivers

This project was about creating a product from the ground up. There were weeks of prototyping followed by weeks of debugging, tweaking and rebuilding.

This part (on the right) is one of the most difficult aspects of the project; the pen holder. This was iteration number 5 of 14.

Snow Machine

Made from common plumbing supplies, this snow maker uses water and compressed air to produce real, man-made snow.

By combining air and water, nucleation points are created that allow tiny water droplets to freeze mid-air, forming snow. This design operates on the same principles as professional snow guns used on ski slopes worldwide.