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Tech

There’s a Relatively Easy Way to Transform Styrofoam into Aluminum

Who knew?

​If you're looking for an ambitious weekend project, this certainly should fit the bill.

Grant Thompson from "The King of Random" channel on YouTube has figured out a way to transform dopey Styrofoam into a tough piece of aluminum in just a few steps.

Using foam board from the dollar store, stencil and cut out something you would like to be made into a gaudy decoration for your bookshelf. Thompson decided to etch a pistol, which actually looks very realistic at the end.

After that, fire up your metal foundry (here's how to ​make that, if you're so inclined) and drop in some "metal biscuits" made from old soda cans. Pour some sand into a giant barrel, place the gun into it and then pour in the liquified aluminium on top of it.

"The foam at the bottom vaporizes in an instant and the liquid aluminium rushes in to take its place," explains Thompson. Make sure to be careful of the flames exploding from inside the bucket.

Let it cool for ten minutes and then take out the newly minted aluminum object. Boom, you've got yourself a delightful accent for the home without ever having to buy something from Fab.com.