Summary of AIR HOCKEY TABLE IS A BREEZE TO BUILD
This DIY air hockey table offers a cost-effective and space-saving alternative to commercial models, costing around $50. It features a small footprint for easy storage and utilizes 3D-printed components like strikers and the scoreboard enclosure alongside laser-cut acrylic pucks and playfield. The system includes an Arduino Uno controlling an LCD scoreboard and remote-operated RGB LEDs, with plans for future sensor integration.
Parts used in the DIY Air Hockey Table:
- Vacuum cleaner with blower mode
- 3D-printed strikers
- 3D-printed goals
- 3D-printed corner guards
- 3D-printed scoreboard enclosure
- Laser-cut acrylic pucks
- Laser-cut acrylic playfield
- Acrylic feet glued to strikers
- Arduino Uno
- LCD display
- RGB LEDs
- Remote control
Many of us have considered buying an air hockey table, but are put off by the price. And even if the money is there, those things take up a lot of space. How often are you really going to use it?
This DIY air hockey table is the answer. It’s big enough to be fun, but small and light enough to easily stow away in the off-season. At ~$50, it’s a cheap build, provided you have a vacuum cleaner that can switch to blower mode. The strikers, goals, corner guards, and scoreboard enclosure are all 3D-printed, while the pucks and playfield are laser-cut acrylic. [Technovation] glued acrylic feet to the strikers to help them last longer.
The scoreboard is an Arduino Uno plus an LCD that changes color to match the current winner. Scoring must be entered manually with button presses, but we think it would be fairly easy to detect a puck in the goal with a force or weight sensor or something. For now, the RGB LEDs around the edge are controlled separately with a remote. The ultimate goal is to make the Arduino do it. Shoot past the break and cross-check it out.
Already have a table? Had it so long, no one will play you anymore? Build yourself a robotic opponent.
Source: AIR HOCKEY TABLE IS A BREEZE TO BUILD
- How much does this DIY air hockey table cost?
The build costs approximately $50 if you already own a vacuum cleaner capable of blowing. - Can I store this table easily when not in use?
Yes, it is designed to be small and light enough to stow away during the off-season. - What materials are used for the strikers and pucks?
The strikers are 3D-printed with glued acrylic feet, while the pucks are made of laser-cut acrylic. - How does the scoreboard work?
An Arduino Uno drives an LCD that changes color to match the current winner based on manual button presses. - Are the edge lights controlled automatically?
Currently, the RGB LEDs around the edge are controlled separately using a remote. - Is there a plan to automate puck detection?
The creator suggests it would be easy to detect a puck in the goal using a force or weight sensor later. - What is the ultimate goal for the Arduino?
The goal is for the Arduino to eventually handle all scoring detection automatically. - Why choose this build over a commercial table?
Commercial tables are often expensive and take up too much space compared to this compact version.
