Author Archives: robertwilkie

Clever Wood Lathe Steady Rest

Posted on March 7, 2022 by robertwilkie

OK so I have looked at buying something like this (just not as fancy) and its expensive. This build seems pretty straight forward and doable. And cheap. https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/wood-lathe-steady-rest-video-88490?homelistings#post193018

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools, woodworking | Comments Off on Clever Wood Lathe Steady Rest

Nice build for a sanding plane

Posted on March 4, 2022 by robertwilkie

I am not so sure I would go so fancy on the handles, or maybe just use some pre-made ones myself. But I like the build overall. A few things I would do different is to make the build a … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on Nice build for a sanding plane

Using beer cans for wires

Posted on March 3, 2022 by robertwilkie

For low voltage projects only. Basically in a pinch, you can use a beer or soda can for a wire. https://www.instructables.com/Repurposing-Beverage-Cans-for-Low-Voltage-Electric/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Using beer cans for wires

Nice crosscut saw build

Posted on March 2, 2022 by robertwilkie

Looks professional too. The author uses it for doing siding. I like the lift up gate for it. https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/hinged-circular-saw-crosscut-jig-88428?homelistings#post192812

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on Nice crosscut saw build

Making deck chairs from pallets

Posted on March 1, 2022 by robertwilkie

Actually leftovers of a pallet. Its a nice build, and if you are cheap, this could be a good way to make some simple outdoor chairs. https://www.instructables.com/A-Deck-Chair-Made-From-Pallet-Wood-Leftovers/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, woodworking | Comments Off on Making deck chairs from pallets

A simple chainsaw mill

Posted on February 28, 2022 by robertwilkie

This one is much simplier build than others I have seen over the years. I think it may wear out a bit faster, but since its easy to build…should not be much of an issue to replace. I also like … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on A simple chainsaw mill

Making a tea stand with old china

Posted on February 28, 2022 by robertwilkie

Nice idea, the author took some old china and make a tea/cookie stand from them. The “stand” kit part is about $7. https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Make-a-Tiered-Tea-Stand/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Making a tea stand with old china

Simple walking robot

Posted on February 28, 2022 by robertwilkie

Something you could build with kids and let wander around the table. https://www.instructables.com/Walking-Robot-Parallel-Cranks/

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life, My Projects, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Simple walking robot

Interesting metal bender build

Posted on February 28, 2022 by robertwilkie

Basically takes advantage of your vise to do the bending bit. https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/simple-metal-roller-bender-video-88398?homelistings#post192706

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on Interesting metal bender build

3D print out your own cyclone vac

Posted on February 25, 2022 by robertwilkie

OK not so sure I would go this far, they author basically makes a shop vac with a dust collection built in with 3D printed parts, and has accessories for it too. https://www.instructables.com/Cyclone-Motor-Upgrade/ accessories : https://www.instructables.com/Cyclone-Upgrade-for-Hose-Bosch/

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on 3D print out your own cyclone vac