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How to Build a Frame for the Mega Solar Scorcher

Aug 10, 2012 03:27 AM
Jan 5, 2013 01:45 AM
A person adjusting a large reflective screen outdoors in a garden setting.

Here is how you can build a frame for your MEGA SOLAR SCORCHER in under an hour, and for less than $8!! This is effectively a 4 foot magnifying lens that concentrates insane amounts of heat from the sun. What would you do with all this free solar power?

Person demonstrating a solar cooker in a backyard setting.

My design for this custom "Scorcher Frame" is easy to use, and incredibly cheap to make, as you can see in this step-by-step video.

If you'd like to make one, you'll need to measure the length and width of your Scorcher lens, and rip a 2" x 4" piece of wood in half using a tablesaw. Next, you'll need to move the cutting guide over, lower the blade, and cut a groove down the center of the 2 pieces. Measure carefully, and cut custom lengths to frame your lens. When all pieces are cut, slide them on the lens and verify that you are happy with how they fit together.

Woodworking process with a hand guiding a wooden plank on a table saw.
Carpenter working on a piece of wood using a table saw.
Wooden frame with a reflective surface on a table.
Woodworking process with a hand guiding a wooden plank on a table saw.
Carpenter working on a piece of wood using a table saw.
Wooden frame with a reflective surface on a table.

You'll need a way to rotate the frame with the angle of the sun, so drill a hole just large enough for a bolt to fit through, then use a larger drill bit to drill a hole large enough to conceal the bolt head under the area where the lens will rest.

Hand cutting wood for a frame construction project.
A person using a drill to attach wooden pieces.
A person using a planer on a piece of wood.
Hand tapping a screw into a wooden plank.
Hand cutting wood for a frame construction project.
A person using a drill to attach wooden pieces.
A person using a planer on a piece of wood.
Hand tapping a screw into a wooden plank.

If you want to make it look nice, you can router the edges to give it a more professional look, then secure it all together with a wood screw in each corner.

Router table in use with wood piece and shavings on work surface.
Hand using a screwdriver to secure wooden planks together.
Router table in use with wood piece and shavings on work surface.
Hand using a screwdriver to secure wooden planks together.

At this point, the lens is framed, and you can move on to building an A-frame to make it functional.

Person assembling a wooden frame with glass on a workbench.

You'll need two 2" x 4"s that are 10' or taller, and your tablesaw to rip them in half as you did before.

Two wooden planks with metal screws being fastened.

Then use 2 eye-screws and secure into the center of the top edges so that when they are laid together and placed over the bolt, they fit together like a hinge. These, along with some washers, makeshift spacers, and a wing nut will form the hinges for the A-frame. You should also cut 4 support beams to sturdy the frame, and space the legs apart evenly.

Wooden joinery with a metal connector fitting.
Wooden frame under construction with a measuring tape laid on a workbench.
Wooden joinery with a metal connector fitting.
Wooden frame under construction with a measuring tape laid on a workbench.

At this point, your lens and frame are attached and can be stood upright for testing, and operation, if desired. The lens points with the flat side facing the object being scorched and the grooved "Fresnel" side faces the sun.

Man standing next to a wooden easel in an outdoor setting.

Because this is all done with cheap materials, and we can effectively double the wood we have by ripping it in half, this custom frame is made for under $8! I chose to attach a thin strip of hard-board to the side with some bolts and washers to act as a tensioner for the lens. This allows me to position the lens, set it, and forget it.

Promotional image highlighting an easel priced under $8.
How to Build a Frame for the Mega Solar Scorcher
Close-up of a person adjusting a clamp on wooden pieces.
Person using a drill on a wooden structure.
Promotional image highlighting an easel priced under $8.
How to Build a Frame for the Mega Solar Scorcher
Close-up of a person adjusting a clamp on wooden pieces.
Person using a drill on a wooden structure.

A board on the upper supports of the A-frame creates a great base to place objects for scorching, cooking, welding, melting, boiling or whatever you choose to do with your set up.

Man demonstrating a solar cooker in a backyard setting.

To see a demonstration of what I was able to do with this system, check this video out!

If you want to know how I found this lens for free, and how you can do it too, check this video out, as well:

Haven't see the video yet? You can still see it here!

If you like this project perhaps you'll like some of my others. Check them out at www.thekingofrandom.com

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

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