Category Archives: Tinkering

Cool reflector build for bikes

Posted on August 7, 2014 by robertwilkie

Yeah I am on a bike kick today.  I like these reflectors, build looks pretty straight forward too. http://www.instructables.com/id/Triangle-Wheel-Reflectors/

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Take an old weedwacker engine and make a nice bike motor

Posted on August 7, 2014 by robertwilkie

Another funny but good write-up on how to convert an old motor from a weedwacker into something that can help drive your bike. http://www.instructables.com/id/130-MPG-BICYCLE/

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Simple and easy to build a camp shower

Posted on August 7, 2014 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this, pretty simple build with an old barrel, pump from a weed sprayer, and some PVC. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Outdoor-Shower/

Posted in Cheap, water | Comments Off on Simple and easy to build a camp shower

DIY Water balloon filling station

Posted on August 7, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice build and write-up on how to build a multi-station water balloon filling station on the cheap.  Most of its is simple PVC parts, under $20 total to build.  Only thing that maybe better if the author made it easier … Continue reading →

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Print out a Hydroponics system

Posted on August 6, 2014 by robertwilkie

This looks like a cool project.  The authors are basically looking for funding to make the project (actually they got it).  And they plan to publish the designs out for everyone to do.  I think.  Its hard to tell some … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, water | Comments Off on Print out a Hydroponics system

Navdy, and yes I want one

Posted on August 6, 2014 by robertwilkie

OK this looks cool, Navdy is a HUD, Heads Up Display, for cards that will tie into a whole bunch of stuff to modernize your car.  I have seen “hacks” that kindof do this.  But this is the first commercial … Continue reading →

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Cool little drawing robot

Posted on August 6, 2014 by robertwilkie

Interesting little drawing robot using a Propeller Platform controller.  It looks like the cost would be around $100 if you buy everything outright.  However if you are like me, you have most of this stuff kicking around and can compromise. … Continue reading →

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3D printed keys and burglars

Posted on August 4, 2014 by robertwilkie

I read this article and thought to myself, If I was a burglar, why on earth would I go thru all the trouble to photo your key, flesh it out and then print it.  A Sledgehammer work work much quicker. … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Security | 1 Comment

Converting a Unipolar stepper to a bipolar

Posted on August 1, 2014 by robertwilkie

So why would you do this, well unipolar (5-8 wires) allow for more fine control, but have less torque to turn things.  Most 3D printers and CNC’s use bipolar too.  So…the convertion is pretty easy and you can get the motors … Continue reading →

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Building a flexible CNC leadscrew nut

Posted on August 1, 2014 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this build.  The author was having issues using standard nuts for moving the table of a CNC around.  SO he switched to a custom build using rubber hose, and a rounded coupling nut.  He … Continue reading →

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