What DIY projects can you do with aluminum?
- Felt-tip markers
- Solid aluminum ingots
- Dual rack towel holder
- Roof shingles
Despite being available for many years now, aluminum has only recently been gaining widespread popularity as a material for DIY projects. Designers and DIYers are drawn to aluminum because they can be formed into all kinds of shapes and sizes and they are easy to customize and join together. Aluminum products supplied by One Sky Aluminum can be joined in various configurations and shapes; all it needs are simple processes like tapping, bolting, or drilling.
Aluminum products are desired by DIYers and hobbyists alike because of a large number of shapes and sizes that are available for the material. When there is a need to create a custom project or structure without spending a lot of money on fabrication, aluminum is almost always the material of choice. Also, because of the way aluminum parts and products are assembled, builders are able to rework its design while it is still in the manufacturing phase.
If you are new to DIY aluminum projects or if you just want to do an easy project to get your feet wet, here are four projects you can do yourself using aluminum.
Felt-Tip Markers
Also known as sharpies or magic markers, felt pens are staple supplies in the office. Usually, though, they are only sold in forms that are made from cheap plastic which makes them hardly worth keeping once the ink has run out.
Using the right power tools such as a lathe and a drill, you can actually make your own felt pen out of aluminum. Using aluminum for the body of the pen makes it sturdier and more durable, so it can be reused countless times. When you choose to make your own felt marker, you are also reducing the amount of waste you produce because instead of buying a whole new pen when your old one dries out, you just have to buy the ink cartridge because you already have the body.
Solid Aluminum Ingots
If you are willing to push your limits when it comes to DIY, you can also try casting your own aluminum ingots. Before you begin, however, you should know that this project deals with metals that are heated at a high temperature, so make sure that you are wearing the correct protective and safety gear.
For this project, you are going to need access to a high-powered furnace, but if that isn’t an option for you, there are a lot of resources online that teaches you how to make your own backyard furnace. Now, all you need is a few aluminum scraps you might have collected as well as any aluminum beverage cans you have lying about, and a metal muffin tray to pour the liquid metal into.
Dual Rack Towel Holder
This basic DIY project uses aluminum profiles and extrusions to create a simple rack for hanging or drying your towels. The great thing about using aluminum profiles is that you can add or change the components of the towel rack as you see fit, potentially providing you with almost limitless customization choices.
For the sake of simplicity, try and use the same components throughout the project as much as possible so you can easily modify the design. The assembly of the project is pretty straightforward: lay out the parts in the shape of an “H,” take your screws and T-nuts, and connect the horizontal towel holders to the vertical rails.
Roof Shingles
If you or any of your family members have kennels, chicken coops, or sheds that are in desperate need of shielding from the harsh elements, you can actually do so using discarded aluminum cans. It is possible to make DIY roof shingles that are effective and fully waterproof using just a few common beer or soda cans.
You can do this project using just everyday tools you probably already have at home like a hammer, scissors or tin snips, and a circular saw. Cut both ends of an aluminum can and cut it down the middle using your scissors or tin snips to form a flat, rectangular piece of aluminum. Then, lay the flat piece of aluminum into a forming die and press it by hitting it with a hammer or stomping on it.
While making these DIY roof shingles can be tedious, the end result can be extremely satisfying because you are giving old cans a second life. Depending on the area of your roof as well as the style of the shingles you use, you can expect to use 900-1,250 cans per 10’x10’ roof surface area.
Key Takeaway
In our modern world, aluminum is a material that is being used almost everywhere. It is used in everything, from computer parts to pipelines, and even as a building material.
Malleability, extreme recyclability, and durability are just a few of the benefits you can expect when you use aluminum from suppliers like One Sky Aluminum, so the next time you end up with a decent piece of aluminum to work with, remember these unique DIY projects and let them be your inspiration.