|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Kaleidoscope DIY |
| Create a kaleidoscope of colour, like our spiral scope, from a handy kit. |
|
|
|
|
The following steps are a guide only. When making your own kaleidoscope, make sure you carefully follow the instructions provided in the kit.
1
Start by laying all the different components out on a bench so that you can see what you have to work with. The kit consists of a brass tube, axle, three mirrors and some fittings.
2
Attach the axle to the tube. First, scrub the inside of the tube with steel wool, then solder the axle to the tube. The axle should be positioned parallel to the centre of the tube.
3
Assemble the prism. Lay 3 x 12cm lengths of tape on the table (don't remove the protective coat from the mirrors until you have finished). Sit the first mirror face up across the tape. Sit the second piece of mirror on the edge of the first at about a 60-degree angle. Next, fold it back onto the tape leaving a small gap. Do the same for the third mirror.
4
Form the mirrors into a prism and tape together. Attach felt pads to each corner of the prism to ensure the mirrors fit firmly in the tube.
5
Stick a 15mm square of clear glass to the inside of the eyepiece with epoxy glue. Next, glue the eyepiece to the tube. When dry, carefully insert the prism into the tube.
6
Now it's time to make the colour wheels. The kit comes with a number of different patterns. Alternatively, you can make your own design. Once the shapes are cut to size the edges are lined with copper foil. The pieces are then formed into the pattern and soldered together.
7
The colour wheel is then attached to the axle.
|
Materials
Kaleidoscope kit (comes with comprehensive instructions on how to put your kaleidoscope together, including diagrams and drawings of the different patterns you can use for the spiral)
Soldering iron (for this project you will need a good quality soldering iron, not supplied with the kit)
Coloured glass
Copper foil
Steel wool |
Cost
A soldering iron will set you back around $66 but once you've got one, you're set up for most glass work.
Spiral Scope kits vary in price from $28.95 to $45.
|
More Info
There is a huge range of kaleidoscopes available from Finn's Stained Glass. For more information contact Finn's Stained Glass, 129 Boundary Road, Peakhurst, NSW 2210, ph: (02) 9533 4333, fax: (02) 9533 3066, e-mail: Kathy@finnsglass.com.au.
Website: www.finnsglass.com.au.
|
Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
|
|
|
|
|
