Author Archives: robertwilkie

And now things are scary

Posted on August 28, 2017 by robertwilkie

The article goes over 3 different web search engines to find a face.  Google is of course on top of the list.  I remember “findface” from last year on an article that it was outing folks involved in…well stuff not … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc-Life, Security | Comments Off on And now things are scary

Cheap, need some shelves?

Posted on August 28, 2017 by robertwilkie

OMG this is ….well it works.  Take some soda bottles and make shelves with them and scrape board.  Good for college. http://www.instructables.com/id/Shelf-From-Reused-Bottles/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Cheap, need some shelves?

OK this takes the cake for a cheap wind power

Posted on August 28, 2017 by robertwilkie

2 Water bottles cut and strapped onto a motor.  I don’t think you can make it any cheaper and easier. http://www.instructables.com/id/Half-Brainer-Wind-Turbine/

Posted in Cheap, Wind | Comments Off on OK this takes the cake for a cheap wind power

Another DVD CNC/Laser engraver

Posted on August 25, 2017 by robertwilkie

But this one has some 3D printed parts to make it a bit easier to build.  It looks nicer than some of the homebrews I ahve seen too. http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-CNC-Laser-Enrgaver-From-DVD-Drive/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Another DVD CNC/Laser engraver

The cheapest way to make a motor with kids

Posted on August 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

The author calls it the simplest, I say cheapest way to make a demo motor with kids. http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Simplest-Motor/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on The cheapest way to make a motor with kids

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

Posted on August 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

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

Posted on August 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

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

Posted on August 23, 2017 by robertwilkie

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

Posted on August 23, 2017 by robertwilkie

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

Posted on August 22, 2017 by robertwilkie

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