Category Archives: Tinkering

Nice homemade wind turbine

Posted on July 12, 2016 by robertwilkie

This could be a nice build to do with kids.  I was surpised how “easy” the author build the vanes.  Me, I would have to print out a template to do it. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Small-Wind-Turbine-Homemade/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning, Wind | Comments Off on Nice homemade wind turbine

A really small and simple Hydrogen Generator

Posted on July 12, 2016 by robertwilkie

This is pretty neat, the generator is small enough that the hydrogen it generates seems to be low that risk of danger isn’t as bad as bigger ones.  and it makes a nice mini torch http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Mini-Hydrogen-Generator-TUTORIAL/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Cheap, Teaching and Learning, Tools, water | Comments Off on A really small and simple Hydrogen Generator

Low Cost Plastic Shredder

Posted on July 12, 2016 by robertwilkie

I thought I had posted this before.  But I didn’t find it, so here I go again… The author build a simple and cheap shredder for plastic.  Why do this?  Well if you want to melt it into a mold, … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on Low Cost Plastic Shredder

Making your own Harry Potter wand

Posted on July 11, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice build.  The “branch” looks like a fresh cut tree instead of seasoned piece.  But either way works.  Only issue I see is getting ahold of a drill bit long enough to go thru the wand. http://www.instructables.com/id/Real-Wood-Light-Up-Wand-Made-From-Upcycled-Materia/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Teaching and Learning, woodworking | Comments Off on Making your own Harry Potter wand

Hacking the door buzzer to let you in via your phone

Posted on July 11, 2016 by robertwilkie

I should have seen this one coming. Just modify the buzzer so you can control it remotely via the internet. http://hackaday.com/2016/05/26/keyless-apartment-entry-with-relatively-little-effort/

Posted in android, Arduino, Cheap, Misc-Life, Security | Comments Off on Hacking the door buzzer to let you in via your phone

A $50 CNC

Posted on July 11, 2016 by robertwilkie

OK only down side is I don’t see how he kept the costs under $50 with the threaded rod he used and some other parts.  But most likely had stuff “around” already.  Oh and the couplers for the steppers…I could … Continue reading →

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

Convert old printer rollers into caster wheels

Posted on July 11, 2016 by robertwilkie

Interesting idea, the author 3D printed out the holder for the “wheel” from a roller from a Xerox machine.  The rubber rollers are pretty durable and the rubber part will help with not slipping of the wheel.  Not so sure … Continue reading →

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

What to do with old tablets or phones

Posted on July 7, 2016 by robertwilkie

Interesting article on mod’s for old tablets (or phones).  I got a kick out of this $50 shield for arduino to use functionality of a tablet. The security camera idea I have seen before too. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-things-make-old-android-tablet/

Posted in android, Arduino, Misc-Life | Comments Off on What to do with old tablets or phones

Top 15 printed GoPro accessories

Posted on June 30, 2016 by robertwilkie

OK I only see a few here I would print out (vs just buy on the cheap).  The golapse trolley would be one.  The knucklebar would be another good one.  Rest I could live without. http://www.3ders.org/articles/20160629-top-15-3d-printed-gopro-accessories.html

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Nice solar light jar build

Posted on June 29, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice build, I don’t know if I would glue the light in since I like being able to take it apart, but I do like the use of cheap hose clamps to hold the jar to a post. http://www.instructables.com/id/Jar-Solar-Lights-That-Wont-Fill-Up-With-Water-and-/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, solar | Comments Off on Nice solar light jar build