Creating a functional and visually appealing water dispenser for your desk can be a rewarding DIY project. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of constructing a working water dispenser using readily available materials, ensuring you have a reliable and customizable hydration solution right at your fingertips.
Materials Needed
To build your DIY desk water cooler, you will require the following materials:
- Empty Pringles can
- Empty Nutella jar
- Empty toothpaste tube
- Drinking straw (5 mm diameter)
- Hot glue gun
- Paint (optional)
- Cardboard
- Scissors or box cutter
- Sharpie
- Paint brushes
- Empty water bottle
Basic Water Dispenser Construction
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Prepare the Pringles Can and Nutella Jar: Using a drill or a sharp object, create two holes in the Pringles can and one hole in the Nutella jar, each with a diameter of 5 mm, matching the diameter of the drinking straw.
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Seal the Toothpaste Cap: Ensure that the toothpaste cap is tightly closed, as it will act as a valve to control the water flow. A secure seal is crucial to prevent water from dripping.
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Understand the Working Principle: The air pressure inside the Pringles can forces the water to flow through the hole in the Nutella jar. The toothpaste cap serves as a valve, regulating the water flow. When the cap is closed, the air pressure increases, pushing the water through the hole. When the cap is opened, the air pressure decreases, stopping the water flow.
Advanced Water Dispenser Construction
For a more sophisticated and customizable DIY water dispenser, follow these additional steps:
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Prepare the Water Tank: Take an empty water bottle and cut a hole near the bottom. Hot-glue the drinking straw to the inside of the hole, ensuring a secure seal.
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Construct the Stand: Create the stand using cardboard cutouts:
- Square with a semi-circle on top
- Three rectangles
- One square
Glue the square with the semi-circle to the table, then stack the rectangles on top, leaving about an inch of space between them. Finally, glue the square on top, centering it as best as possible.
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Assemble the Dispenser: Glue the water tank to the stand, ensuring a stable and secure connection.
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Add a Border: Hot-glue a square of cardboard to the top of the stand to create a border. This border can be customized by painting, adding stickers, or leaving it plain.
Customization and Personalization
To make your DIY water dispenser truly unique, consider the following customization options:
- Paint the Dispenser: Use acrylic paints or spray paint to add a personalized touch to the cardboard stand and border.
- Incorporate Decorative Elements: Attach stickers, ribbons, or other decorative items to the border or stand to match your desired aesthetic.
- Experiment with Different Materials: Explore alternative materials, such as wood or 3D-printed components, to create a more sophisticated or modern-looking water dispenser.
Conclusion
By following the detailed instructions provided in this guide, you can create a functional and visually appealing water dispenser for your desk. Whether you opt for the basic or advanced construction method, this DIY project allows you to customize your hydration solution to suit your personal style and needs. Enjoy the convenience and style of your very own working water dispenser!