Category Archives: Tinkering

Poor mans surface pump

Posted on June 3, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK so if you need a simple, cheap, possibly disposable surface pump for a kids project, here is the build for you.  My 2 cents, I would add in a 2nd container to protect the motor a bit more.  This … Continue reading →

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Found a new youtube guy to watch

Posted on June 2, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK Slingshot channel, King of Random, now Backyard Scientist.  This guy in the video makes a pewter sword from a bunch of old pewter he got out of a thrift shop.  Looks like a pretty easy build to do over … Continue reading →

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Hack your frig for better lighting

Posted on June 2, 2015 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this build.  Basically the author wired in LED light strips into the existing lighting system on the frig.  It looks good too. http://www.instructables.com/id/Upgrade-Your-Refrigerator-Lighting/

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Cool 3D Printed controlled syring

Posted on June 2, 2015 by robertwilkie

The authors goal was to build a cheap syringe for medical devices.  But I could see this in a cake CNC or robotics too. http://www.instructables.com/id/3D-Printed-Syringe-Pump-Rack/

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A steerable powered paper airplane

Posted on June 2, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build for about $8 in parts.  One commentor pointed out this is similar to the PowerUp airplane kit here.  It goes for $16 (free shipping on $25).  Me, I think I would go for the kit.  Thought the kit … Continue reading →

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Another simple rock tumbler, but this time with 3D printed parts

Posted on June 2, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice rock tumbler build with some bearings, threaded rod, and 3D printed parts. http://www.instructables.com/id/Affordable-Rock-Tumbler/

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Minimalist arduino gaming system

Posted on June 1, 2015 by robertwilkie

From what I can tell, its about $20-25 dollars in parts to build this simple arduino based video game system.  Its not going to play any of the bigger mame based stuff.  But it can do tetris. http://hackaday.com/2015/05/27/mimimalist-arduino-gaming-platform/

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Make a simple paper airplane remote with an old TV remote

Posted on June 1, 2015 by robertwilkie

This is a pretty simple build, where the IR basically triggers the motor on/off. http://www.instructables.com/id/TV-Remote-Controlled-Paper-Planes/

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OK now this is a cheap CNC build

Posted on May 28, 2015 by robertwilkie

I love this build, its functional and cheap.  Most of the parts came from scrapes, but if you don’t count the motors, the arduino controller setup aroucn $30, PVC parts, another $25 max, threaded rod and parts, say $10.  So … Continue reading →

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Are Open Spaces not all they are cracked up to be?

Posted on May 28, 2015 by robertwilkie

Article goes over what alot in the industry are saying, the benefits don’t out wiegh the cons.  I spent a year outside an open workspace (after being in one) and kept tabs on my productivity, I produced 40% more documentation, … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc-Life, Software Development | Comments Off on Are Open Spaces not all they are cracked up to be?