The Mini Mill is a fun little weekend project,
and can be used to light a LED, small light bulb, or even
charge a couple of NiCad batteries.
Parts Required
Stepper motor
from old FDD or Printer. The square type is better, easier
to mount.
25mm PVC pipe, about 200mm long
90mm PVC pipe, about 350mm long
4 of 3mm diameter 30mm screws
200 * 150mm piece of 3mm ply wood
Stainless Steel hose clamp to suit
stepper motor diameter + 10mm
Double AA battery holder and lead
Veroboard
2 full wave bridge rectifiers
47uF 63volt capacitor
10ohm 5 watt resistor
hookup wire
First up remove
the stepper motor from the old FDD or printer. The square
type, as shown here, are preferred for this project as
they are easier to mount.
Next you will
need to remove the aluminium wheel from the stepper motor
shaft. Easiest way I've found is to mount the stepper
motor in a vice with the wheel up, then quickly heat the
wheel with a small gas flame ( blow torch ) while prising
upward with a couple of screw drivers or long nose pliers.
As soon as the
wheel is free spray the stepper motor with water to cool
it off. Excessive heat in the stepper motor will damage
the magnets.
Next - Putting it all together
