Creating an automatic electric can crusher is not only a fun project but also environmentally friendly. It helps in reducing the volume of your recyclables, making it easier to handle and recycle them. This guide, inspired by Danimal’s House's DIY project, will walk you through the process of building your own electric can crusher from scratch, focusing on a simple yet effective design.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- An electric motor (* ½ horsepower works well)
- Various-sized pulleys for gear reduction
- Chains and belts for power transmission
- Hardwood for the crushing platform
- Pillow blocks
- Half-inch rods for the moving parts
- Linear slide with ball bearings for smooth operations
- Half-inch solid steel rod for the crushing plunger
- Grease fitting, nut, and cotter pin for joints
- Adjustable rod (can repurpose from old machinery)
- Tools: saw, drill, torch for bending metal, and others for basic construction
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Planning Your Design
Sketch the design of the can crusher based on the crushing process where an electric motor powers a series of gears to reduce speed and increase force to crush the can. The crusher should include a place for inserting cans (hopper), a crushing mechanism, and an area for the crushed cans to fall out.
Step 2: Building the Frame
- Construct the Frame: Use hardwood to create a sturdy frame. This will house the motor, the crushing mechanism, and serve as a base for the entire operation.
- Mount the Motor: Securely attach the electric motor to the frame. Make sure it's stable as it will generate considerable force.
Step 3: Assembling the Crushing Mechanism
- Gearing Down the Motor: Attach pulleys to the motor and create a gear reduction system to decrease the motor's speed from 1750 RPM to about 52 RPM, adjusting according to the size of your pulleys and the final speed you desire.
- Connecting the Crushing Plunger: Utilize a half-inch solid steel rod as your plunger. Bend it with a torch to create a 90-degree angle for effective crushing. Attach this to another rod connected to the gearing system, so it moves back and forth, crushing the cans.
- Assembly: Use chains and belts to connect the motor to the crushing plunger through the gear reduction system, ensuring the transfer of power.
Step 4: Adding the Linear Slide
Install a linear slide mechanism with ball bearings to guide the movement of the crushing plunger. This keeps the motion smooth and straight, enhancing the efficiency of the crushing process.
Step 5: Finalizing the Setup
- Adjustable Depth: Attach an adjustable rod to control the depth of the crush. This allows for customization based on the size of the can being crushed.
- Hopper and Collection: Add a hopper at the top for feeding cans into the crusher. Design an exit route for the crushed cans so they can be collected easily.
Step 6: Testing and Adjustments
- Safety First: Before testing, ensure all parts are securely fastened and the area is safe.
- Start Crushing: With the setup complete, test the can crusher with a few cans. Observe the crushing mechanism and adjust the speed, depth of crush, and other variables as needed.
- Continuous Loading: For optimal performance, keep feeding cans into the machine to maintain a consistent crushing process.
Maintenance
Regularly check the machine for any wear and tear, especially on moving parts. Lubricate the bearings and the crushing plunger to keep the operation smooth.
Troubleshooting
- If the crusher is moving too fast or slow, adjust the pulley sizes.
- If the belt slips under pressure, consider switching to a chain drive for parts of the system that require more force.
- Regularly check for any loose bolts or parts that could affect the performance.
Video Tutorial
For a step-by-step video tutorial on building an automatic electric can crusher, watch the You Tube video.
It pairs well with this written guide, offering a visual companion to the techniques discussed, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding for builders at all levels.
Discover 25 DIY Can Crusher Plans to Easily Crush Aluminum Cans and Reduce Clutter
1. DIY Wooden Can Crusher
Are you looking for a can crusher to put in your garage? If yes, you don’t need to buy an expensive crusher from a store, especially when you can make one yourself. Yes! With this super-easy Instructable plan, you can make a customized wooden can crusher yourself. You don’t need to put too much time and effort into building this crusher. If you are a beginner crafter, you can also follow provided steps and instructions for ease of work. So, start working on this plan using scrap wood, wood cutting tools, nuts, bolts, pliers and washers. instructables
2. Homemade Can Crusher with Scrap Wood
This homemade can crusher is an ideal consideration if you want to get rid of a huge cans stock from your kitchen or other areas. It would be a great way to keep your garage organized and clutter-free. Moreover, you will require less space to store crushed cans than empty cans. If you also want to make this crusher yourself, you don’t need to be a professional crafter.
You can complete this activity easily by following step-by-step instructions and guidelines. The items you will need to work on this idea include wood boards, scrap wood, large nuts with bolts, a table router, miter saw, tape measure, power drill, drill bits, wood stain, wood screws, wood glue and a screwdriver. 100things2do
3. Cheap and Simple Can Crusher
Are you searching for a cheap and easy-to-make can crusher? If yes, this DIY plan is surely for you. Even if you are a beginner-level crafter, you can still make this crusher within a few steps and supplies. So, you don’t need to put too much time and effort into getting your hands on this craft. The best thing is that you can make this crusher with already available scrap supplies from your thrift collection without stepping out of your budget. The basic required supplies for this project are scrap wood boards, nails, a nail gun, steel brackets, a power drill, a door hinge and an electric motor. instructables
4. DIY Aluminum Can Crusher
Do you want to crush all aluminum cans from your garage or kitchen to store them in less space? If yes, you can surely do it fun-lovingly and easily by crafting a can crusher yourself. Even if you are not an experienced crafter, you can still make this crusher within a few steps by following provided instructions and guidelines. Indeed, it would be the best way to polish your crafting skills without any difficulty and getting bored. To make this crusher, the needed supplies are wood boards, steel hinges, nails, a nail gun, power drill, table saw, handsaw, tape measure, a jar lid, door pull and a wood stain. affectioknit
5. Wood and Metal Scraps Can Crusher
Learn how to craft these two in on metal and can crusher for your routine use. You don’t need to put too much effort into making this crusher. Even if you are a beginner-level artist, you can still make this crusher by following provided steps and instructions. Indeed, it would be one of the most prominent and efficient ways to crush the cans. So, work on this activity using wooden scrap, metal scrap, bolts, drill, nuts, electric saw, pencil, tape measure, sandpaper and a staple gun. instructables
6. How to Make an Aluminum Can Crusher
This wall-mounted aluminum crusher is an ideal consideration if you have small space to store a crusher. Even if you have enough space to put the crusher, you can still make this crusher according to your needs and requirements. If you are making this crusher for the first time, don’t worry; you can get your hands on it by watching a video tutorial and following discussed steps. Indeed, it would be the best way to make your free time more productive. The needed supplies and tools to make this crusher are a scrap wood board, metal rods, nuts, bolts, heavy metal nails, a nailgun, electric drill, black finishing paint, steel brackets and a hammer.
7. Make Super Simple Can Crusher
Do you want to make a quick, super-affordable can crusher for regular use? If yes, you can surely do it within a few steps with this super-easy tutorial. You don’t need to learn advanced crafting skills to get your hands on this piece of craft. So, you can complete the activity within a few minutes. All you need to do is watch the video tutorial by following step-by-step instructions and guidelines. The items they will need to work on this plan include a scrap wood board and a hand saw.
8. Making a Can Crusher
This super-easy tutorial teaches how to craft an affordable and effective can crusher. You can make this crusher like a pro in your workshop, even if you are a beginner-level woodworker or crafter. You can still make this crusher even if you are not a wood crafter by watching the video tutorial. The video lesson includes detailed steps and instructions. So, it would be fun for all to work on this activity. The basic supplies and tools to make this crusher are wood boards, a table saw, an electric drill, nails, a nail gun, tape measure and cut wood pieces.
9. DIY Soda Can Crusher
Mount this customized soda can crusher on your wall to crush all cans after a party like a pro. This way, it would be easier for you to store all cans in less space. Indeed, it would be the best way to stop someone from reusing empty cans. To make this crusher, you don’t require expensive supplies and tools. All you need to do is watch the video tutorial and follow discussed steps to get your hands on this piece of craft. Once you have watched the tutorial and understood all steps, you are all set to make this crusher. The items they will require to make this crusher include wood boards, a miter saw, tape measure, nails, a nail gun, sandpaper, finishing stain, bolts and nuts.
10. Handmade Pallet Wood Can Crusher
Learn how to craft a homemade can crusher within a few steps and supplies with this super-easy video tutorial. This video lesson includes detailed steps and instructions. So, it would be fun even for the beginner crafters and woodworkers to work on this activity. If making this crusher for the first time, watch the video tutorial for better considerations and information. The basic required supplies to work on this idea are wood pallets, wood scrap, a table saw, tape measure, sandpaper, nails, a nail gun, nuts, bolts and washers.
11. Electric Can Crusher Recycling Machine
Do you want to earn some money without leaving your comfort zone? If yes, nothing would be a better option than making a customized electric can crusher or recycler yourself. Even if you are unfamiliar with this machine, you can still make it yourself by watching a video tutorial and following detailed steps. Once you understand all steps, you are set to work on this activity like a pro. The items and supplies you will need to work on this project include an electric motor, metal scrap, nails, a nail gun, a welding machine, metal surface paint spray and a power controller with a switch.
12. Build Your Own Pneumatic Can Crusher
This pneumatic can crusher is a high-end option if you want a customized can crusher. Indeed, it would be the best way to recycle metal cans without leaving a mess in your home or surrounding. It might look difficult initially to make this crusher because of its mechanism. But you can surely give yourself a try by watching the video tutorial. The video lesson comes with detailed steps and instructions. So, it would be easier for beginner-level crafters to work on this activity. You can also get complete needed supplies and tools detailed by watching the video tutorial.
13. Make a Hydraulic Can Crusher
It is always fun to see the machines work on hydraulic-based mechanisms. Most machines are based on this mechanism. Now, you can make a hydraulic can crusher to crush your metal cans like a pro. You don’t need to invest too much time and money to make this crusher. You must watch the video tutorial and follow detailed steps to craft a machine like this. The basic needed supplies to make this crusher are injections without needles, plastic tube pipes, wood scrap, plastic cups, steel rods, nuts, bolts, washers, an electric drill and zip ties.
14. DIY Can Crusher From Yardworks Log Splitter
Do you have a discarded or useless yard splitter in your thrift collection? If yes, a weekend is a perfect time to reuse that splitter to make a high-end can crusher. You don’t need to do anything from scratch to make this crusher. If you still find this activity difficult, watch the video tutorial for better consideration and information. Once you have watched the video tutorial, you must attach this splitter to an air pump to generate pressure inside it. In this way, you can crush all metal cans without any difficulty.
15. Portable Can Crusher Using PVC Pipe
This portable and easy-to-make can crusher is an ideal consideration if you want an affordable recycling option. Excitingly! You can make this crusher yourself within a few steps and supplies. So, you don’t need to put too much time and effort into getting your hands on this piece of craft. You only need to watch a video tutorial to make this customized can crusher. The basic needed supplies for this project are a large PVC pipe, wood scrap, metal scrap, wood glue, wood screws, nails, a nail gun, bolts, nuts, an electric drill, staple gun and sandpaper.
16. Build a Wall Mounted Can Crusher
Add this wall-mounted can crusher to your garage to recycle or crush all metal cans like a pro. You don’t require too much time and supplies to make this crusher. You only need to watch a video tutorial to get your hands on this piece of craft. The best thing is that you don’t need to buy the supplies for this crusher. You can build it affordably with scrap supplies from your thrift collection. The items you will need to work on this activity include wood scraps, nuts, bolts, washers, an electric saw, tape measure, wood stain and wood glue.
17. Homemade Air Powered Can Crusher
Do you love to experience new things, especially while working on basic crafting skills? If yes, you will surely have fun making this versatile and easy-to-make homemade air-powered can crusher. If you are going to make this crusher for the first time, watch the video tutorial for detailed steps and instructions. Once you have understood all steps, start working on this project in the same mechanism. The needed supplies to make this crusher are a plastic pipe, spring, air pressure tank, air controlling meter and a sharp utility knife or a cutter.
18. Ultimate DIY Soda Can Crusher
Use your hand air pump to make an ultimate soda can crusher within a few steps and minutes. Even though making this crusher is super-easy, you can still watch the video tutorial for better considerations and information. Apart from using a hand air pump, the other needed supplies to make this crusher are a piece of PVC pipe, a pipe cutter, a plastic tube to surpass air, super adhesive, bolts, nuts and washers. You can also modify the size of the plastic pipe according to your air pump pressure and the number of cans you want to crush in one go.
19. Make a Can Crusher Shredding Machine
Shredding machines are ideal options for recycling and crushing units. If you are thinking of adding a new crushing machine to your recycling unit, you don’t need to buy it from a store. The reason is that you can make a customized shredding machine yourself. For this, you don’t need to put in too much time and effort. You can make this machine like a pro by watching a video tutorial and following discussed steps. It might not look easy to make this machine initially, but you can get your hands on it once you have understood all the tutorial steps.
20. Best Pneumatic Can Crusher
No doubt, pneumatic can crushers are high-end and mostly used in recycling units. That’s why store-bought pneumatic can crushers are not affordable for all. But you can make a customized can crusher with this super-easy video tutorial. If you find this activity difficult, watch the video tutorial for detailed steps and instructions. The items you will need to work on this project include metal scrap, a welding machine, an air pressure pump, an air controller switch, plastic tube pipes, nuts, washers and bolts.
21. Cool Can Crusher Design
Are you looking for a super-cool and fascinating can crusher? If yes, consider making it yourself instead of searching online or at a hardware store. To make this crusher, you don’t need to spend too much time and effort. You can craft it like a pro by watching a video tutorial and following detailed steps and instructions. Excitingly! This can be crusher and will not cost you more than your budget. So, make it using wood scrap, metal scrap, wood glue, washers, nuts, bolts, screws, a power drill, a metal spring and a metal S hook to hold the spring.
22. Homemade Beer Can Crusher
Do you love recycling beer cans rather than throwing cans into a trash can? If yes, it is really good for your home and surrounding. Indeed, it would be the best way to keep your home clean and clutter-free. You don’t require expensive tools and supplies to make this can crusher. You can get your hand on this crusher like a pro by watching a video tutorial and following detailed steps. The items you will need to work on this project include wood boards, wood screws, wood glue, an electric saw, a power drill, brad nails, a nail gun and wood stain.
23. DIY Welded Can Crusher
Reuse old metal or scrap supplies from your thrift collection to make an affordable DIY welded can crusher. To make this crusher, you don’t need to do anything from scratch. If you still find this activity difficult, watch the video tutorial for better consideration and information. Even though this project includes a welder, you don’t require professional skills to make this crusher. All you need to do is watch the video tutorial to weld all the crusher parts without difficulty. Make sure to wear safety glasses while using the welding machine.
24. How to Make a Cool Can Crusher
Consider this video tutorial to make a super-cool and long-lasting can crusher yourself. You don’t need to invest too much time and effort to make this high-end crusher. You can still work on this activity even if you are a beginner-level woodworker or crafter. The best thing is that this DIY Plan comes with a video tutorial to offer detailed steps and instructions. So, it would be fun for beginner crafters to get their hands on this customized crusher. You can also get used supplies and tools detailed from the video tutorial.
25. Handmade Can Crusher Plan
This super-easy video tutorial teaches how to work on a handmade can crusher plan. The internet is undoubtedly full of ideas for making customized can crushers. However, all ideas are not friendly and easy to make, especially for the beginner crafter. Don’t worry; you can consider this DIY Plan even if you are a beginner-level crafter. But you can also watch a video tutorial if you still need guidelines and instructions. You will require basic welding skills to make this crusher because it is completely based on metal scrap or supplies.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, making your DIY can crusher can be a fun and rewarding project for any handy person. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a useful tool that will simplify your recycling efforts. With just a few tools and some elbow grease, you'll have a functional can crusher in no time.