Author Archives: robertwilkie

Hacking Vending Machines (the modern way)

Posted on October 25, 2018 by robertwilkie

This guy basically reverse engineered the app in Android that had “credit” for buying stuff on a vending machine, and how to give himself credit. Hacker Pops Top On NFC Vending Machines

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ID’ing a 3D printer

Posted on October 24, 2018 by robertwilkie

Interesting work on how to figure out the printer an object came from.  Its like the old days with printers to try and ID them (before they started hiding serial numbers and such in each print). Researchers discover a new … Continue reading →

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Make your own embedded numbers in wood

Posted on October 23, 2018 by robertwilkie

Could work for Letters too.  The author took some wire (fencing wire) and made the number shapes out of it.  Then “pounded” the shapes into the wood to indent it for the numbers. https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Easy-Custom-Imprints-in-Wood/

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Fixing an LCD monitor

Posted on October 23, 2018 by robertwilkie

The author basically replaced the LCD LED’s in the back that “lite” up the display with some RGB controlled LED strips.  Interesting build.  Maybe worth keeping in mind for busted TV’s that could be salvaged. Trashed TV Gets RGB LED … Continue reading →

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Nice set of “handiman tool” apps for your phone

Posted on October 22, 2018 by robertwilkie

Not a replacement for the real thing, but could be a “good enough” tool. https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/7-best-free-android-apps-digital-toolbox/

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Nice list of Gimp plugins

Posted on October 22, 2018 by robertwilkie

I have only used the basics around Gimp.  Darktable, g’mic, Wavelet Decompose sound like ones I want to add in. https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/install-gimp-plugins/

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Cheap way to make a long extender for your drill

Posted on October 21, 2018 by robertwilkie

The author uses a 5/16th threaded rod with a 5/16 coupling nut and mushes the nut into a hex dend of a bit driver.  Pretty cheap way to make an extension (and I have one of those hex to drill … Continue reading →

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Simple step stool out of plywood

Posted on October 20, 2018 by robertwilkie

Nice build, if I figure it out right, you need a 1/4 sheet to make it. https://www.familyhandyman.com/woodworking/projects/how-to-build-a-small-bench/view-all/

Posted in Cheap, woodworking | Comments Off on Simple step stool out of plywood

One interesting wire bender

Posted on October 19, 2018 by robertwilkie

If you are making custom antenna’s, here is a build for you. DIY Wire Bender Gets Wires All Bent Into Shape

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Turn a cheap rubber mallet into a stamp

Posted on October 18, 2018 by robertwilkie

Nice idea, I think I saw a few of these at the dollar store.  I like how the author uses a CNC to cut the stamp out.  He even remakes a handle for it (not sure why he didn’t use … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Turn a cheap rubber mallet into a stamp