Author Archives: robertwilkie

Arduino Controlled PWM fans to cool a PC rack

Posted on February 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

Actually I was looking at this build for some other cooling needs myself.  Not so much a computer rack.  I have lots of “fans” around from PC’s I have stripped over the years from the side of the road.  Always … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Cheap | 3 Comments

Mini Router table

Posted on February 23, 2017 by robertwilkie

Nice build where the author took the side plate for a router and basically used it to mount to a table.  I was looking at this and thinking…gee I could do something like this but just use the rods to … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | 2 Comments

Nice video on what to look for issues with a used bike (bicycle).

Posted on February 23, 2017 by robertwilkie

Good video on what to look for with a used bike that could be issues. http://lifehacker.com/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-bike-1792352738

Posted in Cheap | Comments Off on Nice video on what to look for issues with a used bike (bicycle).

Simple solar follower

Posted on February 23, 2017 by robertwilkie

This could be a good project for kids, building a simple solar tracker with a small cell. http://www.instructables.com/id/Sun-Follower-Solar-Panel/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Simple solar follower

How to setup a minecraft server at home

Posted on February 22, 2017 by robertwilkie

Nice article on how to do it on your own at home.  Downside maybe the power it uses up.  So a hosted site (around $10 a month) maybe a cheaper option. https://www.howtogeek.com/202958/how-to-run-a-simple-local-minecraft-server-with-and-without-mods/

Posted in Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | 2 Comments

Some simple floating shelves

Posted on February 22, 2017 by robertwilkie

Author says its about $7 per shelf.  I think its closer to $10 in NY. http://lifehacker.com/build-and-mount-your-own-floating-shelves-for-about-sev-1792594358

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, woodworking | Comments Off on Some simple floating shelves

Convert your CT scan into a 3D print

Posted on February 22, 2017 by robertwilkie

Pretty nice write-up.  Next time I get a CT Scan I’ll have to try this out. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Easily-and-Automatically-Convert-a-CT-Scan-/

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | 1 Comment

Build a cheap workbench ($50)

Posted on February 22, 2017 by robertwilkie

Using one sheet of plywood and a bunch of 2x4s, you to can build this simple workbench.  Its cheaper than ones from Harbor Freight (which you still have too put together). https://www.familyhandyman.com/workshop/workbench/how-to-build-a-workbench-super-simple-50-bench/view-all

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Build a cheap workbench ($50)

Making an cantenna

Posted on February 21, 2017 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on building a cantenna.  I haven’t seen one of these in a few years. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-make-a-wifi-antenna-out-of-a-pringles-can-nb/

Posted in Cheap | 2 Comments

Nice build for a pop-up trunk shelf

Posted on February 21, 2017 by robertwilkie

I like this build, the author added in a shelf for the trunk of a sport utility on the cheap, and it folds down to stay out of the way.  Only a few things that maybe worth changing.  One, you … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | 1 Comment