Monthly Archives: August 2017

have an old saw handle, turn it into a push stick

Bit of an overkill one.  But hey, can never be too safe right? http://www.instructables.com/id/Saw-Handle-Push-Stick/

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on have an old saw handle, turn it into a push stick

Adding a pool skimmer extension

OK this is going on the list of things to make.  It basically extends the skimmer to suck up water toward the bottom of the pool to get out the guck in the water.  I have made a few gizmos … Continue reading

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools, water | Comments Off on Adding a pool skimmer extension

Just when YikYak dies…others come in

Interesting article. I have not heard of any of these chat anonymous programs before (Sarahah and Sayat…who names these things).  Something else to keep an eye out for with kids. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/sarahah-yik-yak-alternatives-honest-anonymous-feedback/

Posted in Misc-Life | Comments Off on Just when YikYak dies…others come in

Nice write-up on the the MagPi Google Assistant hack

I like this write up.  Unlike some of the other ones, you don’t have to hit a button to kick it off.  Its voice activated like the one you can buy. http://www.instructables.com/id/Hands-Free-Google-Assistant-for-Raspberry-Pi/

Posted in Misc-Life, RaspberryPi | Comments Off on Nice write-up on the the MagPi Google Assistant hack

Use a gearbox in a grinder to make a floor sander

I don’t even know where to start on this one.  Its one heck of a hack.  My 2 cents.  I wonder if you could adapt it for “pads” so not use have to try and juggle sanding strips on it.  … Continue reading

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Use a gearbox in a grinder to make a floor sander

Simple coke bottle wind turbine

Good and simple build to do with kids to teach about electricity and wind power. http://www.instructables.com/id/Coke-Bottle-Wind-Turbine/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning, Wind | Comments Off on Simple coke bottle wind turbine

Use old binder rings for managing cables

Interesting hack.  Ironically I just put a bunch of these into the recycling bin. http://makezine.com/2017/08/08/reclaim-old-ring-binders-corral-crazy-cables/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Use old binder rings for managing cables

Never thought of Target as a place to get cheap drawer knobs

Interesting article on where to find knobs.  Target was not one I thought of.  The other is 99knobs.  That one could be a good one to keep in mind for really cheap knobs. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/cheap-thrills-the-best-sources-for-inexpensive-hardware-248633?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+apartmenttherapy%2Fmain+%28AT+Channel%3A+Main%29

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Never thought of Target as a place to get cheap drawer knobs

Turn a broken hoverboard into windpower

Actually this build is pretty universal for other motors as well (treadmill for example).  Thought the re-use of the tire for a mount is pretty good.  I like the bike wheel pipe vanes too. http://www.instructables.com/id/Turn-a-Broken-Hoverboard-Into-a-Vertical-Wind-Turb/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Wind | Comments Off on Turn a broken hoverboard into windpower

Nice looking sled for a router

This one is pretty impressive compared to some of the ones I was looking at building.  All done with one plywood sheet. https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-20-Router-Sled/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on Nice looking sled for a router