Homemade Extender the Lightning Rod

Wow!!!

Just uploaded an animated gif of the Lightning Rod in use.

Wish I could make things but I’m pretty sure if I tried to make one it either wouldn’t work or send my head flying across the room..

What to you use to cut the plastic as I don’t really have access to any machines for milling it, a dremel is about the closest thing I have in that way.

I used a large and smaller sized “hole saw” to cut the base. One for the outside diameter and one for the inside. Then the larger one cuts the piece for the top as well. A jigsaw might work instead. Then just file or grind the curve.

I am testing a simpler head attachment made only from a piece of 3/4” plastic pipe to improve the top of the device and simplify the process even more because I know not everyone is as comfortable with tools. I will load it up when I get a chance. :)

Here is a mock up of the new head design. Once I get it all figured out I’ll do a detailed start to finish tutorial.

Just a small piece of pipe instead of the big chunk of plastic from before. :)

Cantlook, I’m really looking forward to seeing your designs progress over the years.

Cantlook, your designs are amazing! Looking forward to your tutorial.

So I’ve tried it out for a couple weeks now and the Tube Top is working great.

Last night inspiration hit on how to simplify the base construction and remove the pegs by making use of easy to find pipe fittings instead of having to custom drill a block of plastic.

Hopefully I will get to try it this weekend, then share it here. (If it works.) ;)

Where do you get the springs? Home Depot or Lowe’s?

They should be available at both, I actually got them at Rona, but I think that might Canada only.

It’s from a bi-fold closet door track. It’s a little slider that fits in the track and a pin from the door fits up into it. There are springs on either side of where the pin goes in to cushion the door closing, and to keep it closed.

There is more than likely one or more in your house or apartment somewhere.

cantlookbifold.jpg

How do you attach the noose to the tube top?

Drilled two holes on the backside of the tube. Poked both ends of the lace/noose into the tube and pulled them out one end. Guessed at which point to tie the knot so that when pulled back in the noose has enough slack to lay up and over the top. May take a couple tries to get it just right, but after that you won’t need to worry about it again.

If that doesn’t make enough sense, I’ll be home in a few hours and I’ll try to snap some shots and it will be much clearer.

Wow, awesome invention. I like how there is more room for shaft girth than others.

Awesome. I am going to start on one soon. My extender always breaks where the pivot arm goes.

Came home to the power being out last night, the perfect end to the day I was already having. :whatever:

Here are a couple detail shots of the tube top design. Hope they make things clearer. :)