Thanks for the suggestions Hans.
I am just a nut for "Cool Factor" and the auto thing is cool to me.
What I did not post and maybe should have is this guys finished product. The video I referred to showed it when it was being built but the finished product is quite safe. He closed the lid on the box and built a chute to get the cans in from the top. You can just walk by and drop a can in and it crushes it and waits for the next time someone drops a can in. You would kinda have to try to get your fingers in there the way he finished it off.
Here is a link to the final product video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qV_s2dG5U8&feature=related
Now I like what he did but remember, my plan is to build mine differently, I am interested in the electronics and wiring aspect only because his does what I want mine to do but mine will not stop at crushing the cans but will also go to the next step of (after there are enough) hydraulically compressing them into a large cube for recycling.
I have built all types of things and many of them are dangerous as they can be but that is minimized by knowing what you are doing while working with them. It just pays to be smarter than the tool you are using. I have a sign on my workshop door that reads:
"The tools in this shop have no brains, please use your own"
I am not worried about the automation of the can crusher hurting anyone, I will build in safety features to prevent that and it is for MY use not anyone else's.
Besides, its no fun unless it is dangerous!!!!!!!
I appreciate the safety concerns about the automation but automated is the way I would like to approach this so if you or others can help in that direction I would be grateful.
Bob