Category Archives: Cheap

Using a soda can for holding small parts

Posted on May 17, 2023 by robertwilkie

Would Ido this? No, too much work, but still its a clever build for a small parts holder https://hackaday.com/2022/05/26/bottoms-up-soda-can-help-with-almost-any-project/

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Making a coil winder

Posted on May 9, 2023 by robertwilkie

This case the author wanted to make electro magnetic coils, but I could see this used for other builds. https://www.instructables.com/Variable-Electromagnet-Winder/

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3D printed servo

Posted on May 4, 2023 by robertwilkie

Interesting build for a geared DC motor to be used as a even more geared servo. https://www.instructables.com/3D-Printed-Servo-Motor/

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Cheap PVC pipe gimbal for phone

Posted on April 26, 2023 by robertwilkie

I could also see making this for cameras too. Nice cheap build that you can do to help keep your camera level and you record and move around. https://www.instructables.com/DIY-PVC-Gimbal-for-Phone/

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Convert your dust collection to a giant vaccum

Posted on April 20, 2023 by robertwilkie

Well technically it is a vaccum. The author make a hug vaccum handle out of PVC and some wheels that he can use to vaccum up the shop with. Nice idea for a cheap vaccum attachment, I can see a … Continue reading →

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Convert your cheap CNC to a plotter

Posted on April 14, 2023 by robertwilkie

Pretty much adding a drawing attachment to a 3018 CNC (which I think runs around $200). Not a bad idea to multi purpose the CNC. https://www.instructables.com/CNC-3018-Cutting-Plotter-with-Workflow/

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Cheap 2 servo plotter

Posted on April 5, 2023 by robertwilkie

Interesting build using a couple of servo’s and drawer slides. Seems to work OK too (Oh an arduino as the controller https://www.instructables.com/Two-Servo-and-Drawer-Rail-Pen-Plotter/

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The poor person’s bubble machine

Posted on April 3, 2023 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this one, the Author basically glues on cheap wands from dollar store bubbles and puts them on a disk that spins and blows out bubbles. https://content.instructables.com/F29/G4Q2/L2UG7ZQL/F29G4Q2L2UG7ZQL.jpg?auto=webp&frame=1&width=320&md=60c59b8a36a83959e7494958dcaa84c8

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Making pry tools from silverware

Posted on March 15, 2023 by robertwilkie

Not a bad idea to use old silverware that isn’t real silver. Mostly the prybars are used to pop open laptop cases that have those annoying plastic snap latches. Me, I bought a cheap plastic set from Harbor Freight, but … Continue reading →

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Cool CNC engraver using Solar

Posted on March 1, 2023 by robertwilkie

Nice build, the author has 2 issues, 1 it takes a long time to engrave, 2 once done you need to close off the lense so you don’t keep burning. Since lasers are some of the most expensive bit for … Continue reading →

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