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!

Contents
Maker Resources Beginner Projects Intermediate Projects Advanced Projects

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.