Author Archives: robertwilkie

Some interesting projects with arduinos for pets

Posted on June 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

The ball launcher, pet feeder, and door lock look interesting. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/pamper-pets-arduino-powered-projects/

Posted in Arduino, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Some interesting projects with arduinos for pets

How to loosen/tighen bolts with wrong size tools

Posted on June 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

Good post (video) on different ways to hack things on hand to get a bolt off.  I have seen the penny trick before, but the using a bolt as a wrench is a new one. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Loosen-or-Tighten-Nuts-and-Bolts-With-the-W/

Posted in Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on How to loosen/tighen bolts with wrong size tools

Build a ghetto pontoon boat

Posted on June 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

OK to be really ghetto, he should have used barrels instead of insulation board. Anyways, its an interesting build.  Using a picnic table for the frame.  I would be interested to see pictures of it in the water too. http://www.instructables.com/id/Pontoon-Boat-Picnic-Table/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Cheap, water | Comments Off on Build a ghetto pontoon boat

Add a cheap laser to a CNC/3D printer

Posted on June 9, 2016 by robertwilkie

Interesting article that talks about adding a laser to your CNC/3D printer…but they don’t mention the dangers with it. http://3dprintingindustry.com/news/low-budget-laser-can-unleash-3d-printer-81882/

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Add a cheap laser to a CNC/3D printer

iBoardBot released to opensource

Posted on June 9, 2016 by robertwilkie

It was an interesting kickstarter project from…I think a year ago.  They opened up the design (you can buy the kit for $200).  Its basically a whiteboard plotter.  The parts are small, but complicated, so it could be a challenge … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on iBoardBot released to opensource

Looks like the openknit project is moving along

Posted on June 9, 2016 by robertwilkie

Now called Kinterate, I can see making my own socks in the future 🙂 http://www.3ders.org/articles/20160608-make-your-own-clothes-with-kniterate-the-3d-printer-for-knitwear.html

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Looks like the openknit project is moving along

Interesting project, a closed loop control for stepper motors

Posted on June 8, 2016 by robertwilkie

Looks like the board can be mounted right on the motor.  This is nice so it the stepper skips a step, gets jammed, etc etc, you get built in autocorrection.  Its on github right now. Mechaduino- Closed Loop Stepper Servos … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life, robots | Comments Off on Interesting project, a closed loop control for stepper motors

Good idea, use bike wheels for your robot

Posted on June 8, 2016 by robertwilkie

You can get tires for them, they can come with a gear built in…chain based.  And I like how the author used the front fork for a trailing wheel to keep the bot steady.  Definitely something to remember. http://letsmakerobots.com/node/49194

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, robots | Comments Off on Good idea, use bike wheels for your robot

Nice video on making a cutting tool from old harden steel

Posted on June 8, 2016 by robertwilkie

Only down side is its alot of work.  Looks really nice thought. http://sploid.gizmodo.com/watch-a-circular-saw-blade-get-transformed-into-a-two-h-1780922138

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on Nice video on making a cutting tool from old harden steel

Another mirror display, but this maybe easier than using see thru glass

Posted on June 8, 2016 by robertwilkie

Interesting build.  I was thinking of something similar with a tablet.  What I like on this one is the author uses regular glass with reflective window film.  Much cheaper solution. http://www.instructables.com/id/100-Smart-Mirror-Pi/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in android, Cheap, Misc-Life, RaspberryPi | Comments Off on Another mirror display, but this maybe easier than using see thru glass