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Man builds ‘Iron Man’ arc reactor out of household garbage

Based on how it was built, we think Tony Stark would approve.

Photo of Gavia Baker-Whitelaw

Gavia Baker-Whitelaw

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Iron Man‘s arc reactor is one of the most popular Marvel cosplay accessories, instantly transforming any outfit into a Tony Stark costume. But while you can buy a range of replica arc reactors online, the idea of building your own can seem a little intimidating.

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Unless you’re this guy.

Redditor iltl64 posted photos of an impressive homemade arc reactor this weekend, built almost entirely from household garbage.

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Main components

“I don’t have access to a 3D printer or really any special tooling,” he wrote on Imgur, before illustrating a DIY process that mostly revolved around cardboard, a tuna can, and an old Samsung phone battery.

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Board lit up

The most technical aspect of iltl64’s build was soldering copper tape to build a rudimentary circuit board on the front of the arc reactor, connecting the ring of glowing blue LEDs.

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Lit up in housing with grille

The end result looks a little clunky, but if you wear it under a t-shirt, it’s perfect. And since the first arc reactor was thrown together from spare parts in a cave, we think Tony Stark would approve of this fan’s DIY spirit.

 
The Daily Dot