Project Ideas

About

While Texas Inventionworks has plenty of machines to keep you busy learning, there is nothing that allows you to learn and master a machine better than using it for a personal project. Personal projects can be easy to imagine, but hard to execute. On this page we will compile links to learning materials outside of machines- such as CAD, PCB Design, etc. as well as a list of step-by-step easy to advanced projects you can complete with TIW machines (and some outside materials). 

If you have completed a project that was documented through completion, please send it to us so we can put it on this website/facebook/instagram!

Maker Resources

Beginner Projects

• Make your own Arduino FROM SCRATCH, using E1 and othermill PCB training. If you're feeling confident, try and design the PCB on Eagle.

• Make a mini USB Arduino using E1 training and possibly Othermill PCB training.
• Open Source Pulse Oximeter, using 3D printers and E1 training. 
• Easy Infinity Mirror With an Arduino. Instead of using foam, Laser-cut the case with living hinges. 
• Laser Cut Padfolio (to stand out at EXPO ). 
• Laser Cut Chess Set.
• Make your own t-shirt by using the vinyl cutter/ sticker machine and the heat press- note: you cannot sell t-shirts you make at TIW. 
• Make a magnetic chess set on the 3D printers. 

Intermediate Projects

• Create THE FAMOUS LED Cube and solder it all together in E1/E2. If you want a challenge, try adapting this project to use RGB LEDs.
• Create a POV Globe (super cool- click the link) with just a 3D printer and E1 training. 
• Make a 10x10 LED Matrix with an Arduino NANO. 
• Make a UV Sanitizing Chamber, and be very, very careful with it. Try miniaturizing it- a pocket sanitizer?
• Edge-lit laser cut acrylic sign that you can control with your smartphone. You don't need to do the bluetooth component, but it adds another layer of complexity. 
• Build custom wooden fenders for your bicycle.

Advanced Projects

• An advanced design Edge-Lit clock using the Laser Cutter and E1 training.
• Not your grandma's ugly christmas sweater. Make a video-game compatible shirt. 
• A cheap and easy mini CNC machine. 
• Make a computer... that fits in an Altoids tin.