Author Archives: robertwilkie

Oh this is going on my todo list, pool pressure sensor

Posted on July 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

On of the many items I work on is automating my pool.  Right now everything is open loop, so I have no feedback on if anything is working or not.  Not so sure I would use zigbee for communication, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Oh this is going on my todo list, pool pressure sensor

Simple tutorial on controlling a DC motor with an arduino

Posted on July 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

Good write up, only thing it drives the motor one way only.  🙂 http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-drive-a-DC-Motor-with-Transistor-Arduino-Tu/

Posted in Arduino, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Simple tutorial on controlling a DC motor with an arduino

Simple peg to make knitting paracord easier

Posted on July 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

So, print out your own peg holder and start making your own paracord necklaces. http://www.instructables.com/id/3D-Printed-Two-Peg-Spool-Knitting-The-Beginning/

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Simple peg to make knitting paracord easier

Use a bunch of PC Fans for custom forced ventilation

Posted on July 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

I have actually thought of doing something like this myself, but not as fancy.  The author did a really nice job on this and I like the blinds added to it as well.  I would build this too, just…not so … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Use a bunch of PC Fans for custom forced ventilation

Homemade clamps

Posted on July 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

Good write-up on a bunch of different ways to improvise a clamp to hold things together (Personally I liked the PVC pipe one). http://www.instructables.com/id/Improvised-woodworking-clamps/

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Homemade clamps

Mousetrap out of a soda bottle

Posted on July 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

I had to read this one a few times to figure out how it worked, basically the bottle tips a bit when the mouse goes in and that causes the top to go into the bottle, and the other end … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tinkering | Comments Off on Mousetrap out of a soda bottle

Another solar pool heater build

Posted on July 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

I love these builds cause the comercial version of the builds are big bucks.  Only thing is I am not sure the tubing is sunlight safe that he uses. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-1-Hour-Solar-Pool-Heater/

Posted in Cheap, water | Comments Off on Another solar pool heater build

Build a straw rocket launcher

Posted on July 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

Cool build, I like the use of a foot pump to pressurize the tank.  The author complains that the build is still too big for his liking, but for me, its pretty impressive. http://www.instructables.com/id/Straw-Rocket-Launcher-V-11/

Posted in Cheap, Teaching and Learning, Tinkering | Comments Off on Build a straw rocket launcher

Cool knobs you can cut out on your CNC

Posted on July 13, 2015 by robertwilkie

FYI, some cool knobs for your CNC to cut out.  The author uses makercam.com to create the gcode too. http://jayscustomcreations.com/2015/02/cnc-workflow-sketchup-makercam-universal-gcode-sender/

Posted in CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Cool knobs you can cut out on your CNC

Pipe clamps + plywood to make a moxon vise

Posted on July 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

I have to say Jays Custom has some good ideas on cheap tools to build.  This time he makes a pretty good sized moxon vise.  Total cost I think would be $30.  Which is allot cheaper than some of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Pipe clamps + plywood to make a moxon vise