Monthly Archives: June 2016

Make a PVC, adjustable desk lamp

Posted on June 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

I like the build, not so sure about heating PVC pipe indoors over a stove thought to flatten it down.  But if you have an old broken desklight, this could be a nice update for it.  Oh I would also … Continue reading →

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Designing simple book holders to CNC

Posted on June 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

So you built a CNC, now what? well you could make these cool book holders.  I think the author had a bit of a worn bit when he made these.  Still look nice. http://www.instructables.com/id/Off-surface-Shelf/?ALLSTEPS

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Build a cheap and quick lathe

Posted on June 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

OK this was pretty odd hack.  But it seems to work.  Good way to make a cheap pen making lathe.  Note you need to watch the video to get a real idea how to build it. http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-Your-Own-Wood-Lathe-in-30-Minutes/?ALLSTEPS  

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Build your own wireless Weather Vane

Posted on June 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice looking build.  The author is basically using an magentic encoder to determine the position of the vane.  And Arduino to translate and communicate the data over bluetooth.  Sounds like its pretty accurate too. http://www.instructables.com/id/Accurate-Wireless-Weather-Vane/?ALLSTEPS

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Re-using old speakers

Posted on June 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

This may come in handy for updating some old stereo speakers to use bluetooth.  I stumbled on this while looking for a solution to replace the speakers on my TV.  Oh the author forgot to mention the power supply too … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tinkering | Comments Off on Re-using old speakers

Some interesting projects with arduinos for pets

Posted on June 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

The ball launcher, pet feeder, and door lock look interesting. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/pamper-pets-arduino-powered-projects/

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How to loosen/tighen bolts with wrong size tools

Posted on June 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

Good post (video) on different ways to hack things on hand to get a bolt off.  I have seen the penny trick before, but the using a bolt as a wrench is a new one. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Loosen-or-Tighten-Nuts-and-Bolts-With-the-W/

Posted in Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on How to loosen/tighen bolts with wrong size tools

Build a ghetto pontoon boat

Posted on June 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

OK to be really ghetto, he should have used barrels instead of insulation board. Anyways, its an interesting build.  Using a picnic table for the frame.  I would be interested to see pictures of it in the water too. http://www.instructables.com/id/Pontoon-Boat-Picnic-Table/?ALLSTEPS

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Add a cheap laser to a CNC/3D printer

Posted on June 9, 2016 by robertwilkie

Interesting article that talks about adding a laser to your CNC/3D printer…but they don’t mention the dangers with it. http://3dprintingindustry.com/news/low-budget-laser-can-unleash-3d-printer-81882/

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iBoardBot released to opensource

Posted on June 9, 2016 by robertwilkie

It was an interesting kickstarter project from…I think a year ago.  They opened up the design (you can buy the kit for $200).  Its basically a whiteboard plotter.  The parts are small, but complicated, so it could be a challenge … Continue reading →

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