Author Archives: robertwilkie

Neat windmill to teach kids, BUT using a grinder?

Posted on April 10, 2017 by robertwilkie

OK this was a cool project, but the author uses a hand grinder to cut everything.  To me thats crazy (jigsaw, handsaw, etc etc).  But it works for him. http://www.newphysicist.com/make-small-wind-turbine/

Posted in Cheap, Teaching and Learning, Wind | 1 Comment

One fancy portable workbench

Posted on April 10, 2017 by robertwilkie

All I can say is wow on this one.  Its a nice looking portable workbench.  Me…I won’t build it (way too much work) and I can modify some cheaper solutions to make do. https://www.instructables.com/id/Folding-Portable-Workbench-With-Quick-Release-Vise/

Posted in Cheap, Tools, woodworking | Comments Off on One fancy portable workbench

Can’t find a Pi Zero, try the pilocator

Posted on April 10, 2017 by robertwilkie

Someone created a website to show you which places had stock in RPi Zeros (including the new one).  It has been difficult to find the RPi Zero (I had to get mine from Canada, !@#$ duty cost more than anything … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, RaspberryPi | Comments Off on Can’t find a Pi Zero, try the pilocator

Cool windpower setup

Posted on April 7, 2017 by robertwilkie

Mostly made from PVC, metal flashing, and bike parts (including the genny).  Only thing is the chain could get rusted up pretty quick in the elements. https://www.instructables.com/id/Wind-Turbine-DIY-Tutorial-How-to-Make/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Wind | Comments Off on Cool windpower setup

I think I did this one before. Stirling enging with test tubes

Posted on April 7, 2017 by robertwilkie

Neat build, pretty simple to do, and test tubes are a good use since they can take the heat. http://www.newphysicist.com/make-simple-stirling-engine/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on I think I did this one before. Stirling enging with test tubes

Build a shoe vent

Posted on April 7, 2017 by robertwilkie

OK I don’t think I would use a glue gun to put this together, but its a nice build overall.  Me…I think some screws or woodglue would be a better solution.  THe author build this to eliminate smells in the … Continue reading →

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Nice build for a sign

Posted on April 6, 2017 by robertwilkie

Basically the author adds in a 3D like look to the sign.  Nice build overall. https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Backlit-LED-CNC-Sign-of-a-Logo/

Posted in Misc-Life, woodworking | Comments Off on Nice build for a sign

CHAP: a cheap arm robot

Posted on April 6, 2017 by robertwilkie

Interesting build  I haven’t dug too much into it, but it looks like a simple and cheap mobile robot arm. CHAP: Low-Cost Tele-Operated Mobile Manipulator main site: https://mobile-chap.github.io/Web/

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Convert a junk bike into a one wheel trailer (no weld)

Posted on April 6, 2017 by robertwilkie

This is a funning build.  But does work, the author cuts the frame in 3 parts and uses that to make the hitch, and the frame for the bike trailer.  You connect everything with existing holes on the frame.  Clever … Continue reading →

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Another hot foam cutter, but look at the wire assembly

Posted on April 5, 2017 by robertwilkie

I like the wire assembly on this one better than others.  Not so sure about the copper ends, but the spring on the opposite side of the bolt to hold tension, that is a nice add. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Hot-Wire-Foam-Cutter-1/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Another hot foam cutter, but look at the wire assembly