“Hello makers!
I have a nice project with a lot of steel and quite some interesting electronics to show you today. This project sprouted from a concrete necessity that I had. I needed a kitchen hood but I wanted it to be hanging in a way that would hover over the cooker without ruining the mosaic tiles at the back of it.
So I decided to build one, I wanted the kitchen hood to be durable so I decided to make it in stainless steel and I wanted it to be basic but technological so what else could I chose if not the great Arduino board to be the heart of it.
I must admit that eventually the final product ended up quite more lavish than what I had expected. However I’m very satisfied with it now that I’m using it every day and I hope that you will like it as well and that you will be creative and customize yours if you are going to embark on this project. Unfortunately, this is not a low budget project, as you could easily end up with -500$ in your bank account at the end of it. I have already thought about some improvements that I have added at the end.
This tech project divides into the following sections:
- Concept and sketch
- List of electronic and mechanical parts
- 3D Mechanical design
- Production of mechanical parts (I recommend you delegate this to someone that has a big laser to cut steel)
- Electronic wiring
- Firmware coding
- Final mechanical assembly
- Cooker hood fixing
But before starting:
ATTENTION!!! DANGER!!!
Disclosure: I am not responsible for any damage that you could have if you follow this project.
- This project involves working with AC relays and wiring cables that carry high voltage, 220V in my country. Always double-check all wires to be sure are connected properly. It is imperative that you test the circuit assembled on an electrical system that has a circuit breaker and grounding, in my county all domestic electrical wiring must comply with this two norms. If you get shocked with 220V you won’t die but make sure you release the metal immediately if this happens. In a few words: don’t end up electrocuted!
- The hardware is going in a place that could get very dirty so it is advisable to use silicone, electronic gel or resin to protect it as the grease could form a bridge between the electronic contacts and cause a short-circuit.
- Working with stainless steel is dangerous as it require a high power laser to cut it, it is hard to bend and also involve TIG welding to solder the pieces. I recommend that if you don’t have all this gear and the skills you ask a well-equipped blacksmith or a company in your area to help you out. They are very likely to ask for a compensation in return for their services.
- Once you have the mechanical parts make sure you always use thick gloves during the assembly as steel sharp edges may cause serious wounds.”