I first read about making one's own cloud chamber as a kid. I used to read old issues of Scientific American for the Mathematical Games columns written by Martin Gardner, which I highly recommend, and the Amature Scientist column written by a series of authors over the years, starting in 1928.
The projects were amazing. My favorites to read about were the seismographs and telescopes. Several cloud chambers were described, the first in September of 1952. These were of varying complexity, some made from peanut butter jars, etc.
I believe that these columns are still in print in various forms (collections published in books and on the internet as reprints from Sci. American). Not all of the project could be undertaken lightly. Particle accelerators, x-ray machines are two risky ones that come to mind.
The diagrams that accompanied the columns were notable for their clarity and ability to illustrate.
The projects were amazing. My favorites to read about were the seismographs and telescopes. Several cloud chambers were described, the first in September of 1952. These were of varying complexity, some made from peanut butter jars, etc.
I believe that these columns are still in print in various forms (collections published in books and on the internet as reprints from Sci. American). Not all of the project could be undertaken lightly. Particle accelerators, x-ray machines are two risky ones that come to mind.
The diagrams that accompanied the columns were notable for their clarity and ability to illustrate.