Category Archives: Tinkering

Designing simple book holders to CNC

Posted on June 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

So you built a CNC, now what? well you could make these cool book holders.  I think the author had a bit of a worn bit when he made these.  Still look nice. http://www.instructables.com/id/Off-surface-Shelf/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Designing simple book holders to CNC

Build your own wireless Weather Vane

Posted on June 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice looking build.  The author is basically using an magentic encoder to determine the position of the vane.  And Arduino to translate and communicate the data over bluetooth.  Sounds like its pretty accurate too. http://www.instructables.com/id/Accurate-Wireless-Weather-Vane/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Arduino, Cheap | Comments Off on Build your own wireless Weather Vane

Re-using old speakers

Posted on June 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

This may come in handy for updating some old stereo speakers to use bluetooth.  I stumbled on this while looking for a solution to replace the speakers on my TV.  Oh the author forgot to mention the power supply too … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tinkering | Comments Off on Re-using old speakers

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

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