Author Archives: robertwilkie

Cool build for a cup holder

Posted on February 8, 2018 by robertwilkie

Nice and portable too.  Could be a good build for newer cars that have limited cup holders. https://www.instructables.com/id/Cup-Holders-for-Your-Old-Truck-or-Car/

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Now I only need a good sized laser cutter

Posted on February 7, 2018 by robertwilkie

This is a nice build, and the plans are free.  But…you need a laser cutter to cut all the parts out.  I wonder if the author will “kit” this project for those of us without laser cutters. https://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Cut-Machinist-Toolbox/

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on Now I only need a good sized laser cutter

Interesting RPi Image, Home Assistant

Posted on February 6, 2018 by robertwilkie

It seems that Raspberry Pi work for home automation has been moving right along.  This image for RPi looks interesting to try out. https://home-assistant.io/components/

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Simple brake (metal bender) convert using a vise

Posted on February 6, 2018 by robertwilkie

Nice build overall.  I like out the author make this pretty simple and can be used with a standard vise.  Only need a welder of course. https://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Make-and-Use-Vise-Mounted-Bending-Tool/

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Interesting dot matrix printer

Posted on February 5, 2018 by robertwilkie

Interesting build for a dot matrix printer.  Looks pretty easy to modify for muli colors too.  I like how its adjustable for “paper size”. https://www.instructables.com/id/Doter-Huge-Arduino-Based-Dot-Matrix-Printer/

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Make a simple spinner machine

Posted on February 3, 2018 by robertwilkie

Pretty basic build, good to do with kids.  Pretty cheap build too.  I like how the author uses a bottle top to secure the base to the fan. https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Spin-Art-Machine-With-Speed-Control-Via-Common/

Posted in Cheap, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Make a simple spinner machine

This is one crazy plotter

Posted on February 2, 2018 by robertwilkie

OK its using an old scanner bed, CDROM drive for the Y axis, and a harddrive seeker to whack a pencil on the paper.  Well worth watching the video. Junk Build Printer Uses Pencil To Print

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Too funny, these kids built a airplane sled

Posted on February 2, 2018 by robertwilkie

Just a little dangerous, but still a neat build. Travel in Style on an Electric Air Sled

Posted in Misc-Life | Comments Off on Too funny, these kids built a airplane sled

Convert an iphone 4 into a simple phone

Posted on February 2, 2018 by robertwilkie

Pretty good write up on how to jailbreak the phone and make it into a simple phone (better than a flip phone) to use.  Could be a good alternative for older folks too. https://lifehacker.com/how-to-turn-your-old-iphone-into-a-cute-minimalistic-fe-1822375239

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Nice list of things to put on a USB drive to repair computers

Posted on February 2, 2018 by robertwilkie

There is a few things on here I have not heard of…and its going on my list.  Most tools are free. https://www.howtogeek.com/340763/how-to-create-the-ultimate-usb-key-ring-to-solve-any-computer-problem/ Oh another set of boot disks to look at can be found here https://www.topbestalternatives.com/hirens-bootcd/

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