Paul Finman Paul Finman

Maker Spaces

Many communities have maker spaces in which members access common shop equipment.  For example, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho,  there is the Gizmo maker space (Link https://www.gizmo-cda.org/).  Gizmo has two excellent CO2 lasers, very good 3D printers, table saws for cutting plastic sheets, drill presses, milling machines, lathes, etc.   Meeting people in a maker space is a good way to network with local entrepreneurs.

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Paul Finman Paul Finman

Amazing Low-Cost Power Source

It is amazing that an assembled 10-level Marx generator can be bought from China at a cost of $107.63 plus shipping.  This high voltage generator produces sparks with a peak power level of megawatts.  With the right apparatus, this is sufficient to transmute Pepto-Bismal (i.e. ingredient Bi-209) into Po-210.  Polonium-210 is an alpha source that can be used to drive additional nuclear reactions.  
Link https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832688904875.htm

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Paul Finman Paul Finman

Low-Cost Drone Shop

The cost for setting up a drone shop need not be high.  A high quality 3D printer (Link  https://store.anycubic.com/products/kobra-2-pro) does an excellent job, and during the Anycubic 2024 Christmas sale it cost $199.  It will print out all the brackets and mounting fixtures needed for a custom drone.   3D printer filament costs $20 – $30  for a spool weighing 1 KG, and one spool goes a long way.   Miscellaneous tools and supplies cost approximately $100.  Most people already have a personal computer.  For cutting plastic sheet, the minimum that is required is a $2 knife or $10 heavy duty scissors, but a 30W – 60W CO2 laser is recommended (cost approximately $2,500).   A shared laser cutter in a classroom or maker space reduces the per user cost significantly.

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