Author Archives: robertwilkie

A cheap Robot Arm

Posted on November 18, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice simple build with a couple of servos and a small sheet of plastic.  I wish there was an outsourced order group to get the “cuts” done thought referenced in the directions. http://www.instructables.com/id/Pocket-Sized-Robot-Arm-meArm-V04/ And bigger one here: http://www.instructables.com/id/My-meArm-Bigger-Stronger-Longer/ UPDATE: there … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, robots | Comments Off on A cheap Robot Arm

Make your own track for a circular saw

Posted on November 18, 2014 by robertwilkie

Been eyeing replacements for tablesaws.  Track saw would be idea, but very pricey.  SO this could be a nice cheap alternative to build. http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/reviews/4283497

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Make your own track for a circular saw

Build a laser burner for $20

Posted on November 17, 2014 by robertwilkie

Seems simple enough build with everything coming from Radio Shack (which may no longer exist in a few months).  This could be a nice addition to a CNC to burn patterns (note not cut…will need more juice for that).  Me…I … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Build a laser burner for $20

Using LED’s for light sensors

Posted on November 17, 2014 by robertwilkie

Good idea for a poor persons light sensor.  Don’t use it to tell anything from bright to dark thought… http://hackedgadgets.com/2014/01/31/use-an-led-as-a-sensors/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HackedGadgets+%28Hacked+Gadgets%29

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on Using LED’s for light sensors

Another bike trailer conversion

Posted on November 17, 2014 by robertwilkie

What got my attention on this build was the hook adapter the author made with a shower head.  Nice idea and looks like its a good fit. http://www.instructables.com/id/Bike-trailer-anyone/

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on Another bike trailer conversion

This could be a fun CNC to build with kids

Posted on November 17, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up and sourcing of materials to build a rather good looking CNC.  You need a 3D printer to print most of the connectors, and the “sides” will set you back $70 to have cut.  If I total it all … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on This could be a fun CNC to build with kids

Another nice swamp cooler build

Posted on November 17, 2014 by robertwilkie

Another nice build.  And yes I know its winter, but I am already thinking about summer.  My 2 cents, I think I would cheap it out a bit more by using a different top to pull air in.  I do … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, water | Comments Off on Another nice swamp cooler build

Crack a padlock automatically

Posted on November 13, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice build (and write-up on how to figure out the combo)  of a padlock. I like the fact they did a little tinkering to figure out how to solve the lock quicker without straight brute force.  If you got a … Continue reading →

Posted in robots, Security | Comments Off on Crack a padlock automatically

Optimizing WordPress

Posted on November 13, 2014 by robertwilkie

Article goes on ways you can speed up your wordpress site.  Most of them I knew but one, the gziping of images.  That would be good too reduce space as well. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/wordpress-blog-too-slow-7-ways-you-can-speed-it-up-again-in-minutes/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, My Projects | Comments Off on Optimizing WordPress

Build your own cider press

Posted on November 13, 2014 by robertwilkie

OK there is no way I will end up building something this fancy, but its a nice build, and I know when the apples are in season its tempting to get one of these. http://www.instructables.com/id/Apple-Cider-Press-with-Grinder/all/

Posted in Misc-Life | Comments Off on Build your own cider press