Author Archives: robertwilkie

Retro-fiting a halogen light

Posted on August 20, 2018 by robertwilkie

What I like about this build, is how cheap the build is ($2-3 dollars in parts).  I have seen some cheap LED lights like this around $10 and up, cheapest was $5.  This could be a nice way to update … Continue reading →

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Another nice adjustment to existing angle grinder to belt sander

Posted on August 20, 2018 by robertwilkie

Another nice build where the author took his existing design and added to it to allow for the belt/grinder to be mounted to a bench. https://www.instructables.com/id/Greatest-Angle-Grinder-Power-File-Hack-Ever-Told/

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Interesting solar build to charge Lithium based batteries

Posted on August 19, 2018 by robertwilkie

The charging circuit used in this write-up is what interested me the most.  I have been very leery of using Lithium based batteries due to charging issues.  But a cheap circuit that can do the job for me…tempting. https://www.instructables.com/id/Li-Ion-Battery-Recycling-Charging/

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Simple hack to make a 9 volt to 5 volt converter

Posted on August 18, 2018 by robertwilkie

Pretty simple hack.  Cheap too https://www.instructables.com/id/Worlds-Simplest-Cheapest-POWER-BANK-/

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Interesting Lathe build

Posted on August 18, 2018 by robertwilkie

Its a nice looking build, just not so sure I would have used 3D printed parts with it.  I like the car belt being used too. https://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Wood-Lathe/

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Make a belt sander for a dremel

Posted on August 16, 2018 by robertwilkie

Nice build.  One difference I was thinking for this was using other motors instead of a dremel.  I do like how the author uses skateboard wheels here. https://www.instructables.com/id/Very-Simple-Dremel-Belt-Sander/

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Convert a windshield wiper motor into a servo

Posted on August 16, 2018 by robertwilkie

Servos are expensive for a motor, so if you need a big one, this is a nice alternative to buying one.  The author uses a windshield motor, pot, an arduino, to build one. Supersize DIY R/C Servos From Windscreen Wipers

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GRBL ported to ESP32

Posted on August 15, 2018 by robertwilkie

Never really thought about it, the ESP does have more process/capacity than the Arduino UNO, and its wireless, so it makes sense to use.  I will have to look more into this in the future. Grbl Ported to the ESP32 … Continue reading →

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Nice arduino robot build

Posted on August 14, 2018 by robertwilkie

This is a water boat build, it would be a great project to do with kids. https://www.instructables.com/id/Waterbot-Arduino-Robot-Boat/

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Interesting swamp cooler

Posted on August 13, 2018 by robertwilkie

OK this one is pretty funny, its a trash can converted with a filter and a fan.  Nice build overall.  It could be cheaper if the author used something beside aluminum brackets. https://www.instructables.com/id/Trash-Can-Evap-Cooler/

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