Category Archives: Tinkering

3D printed doweling jig

Posted on November 20, 2018 by robertwilkie

Interesting build. I like the use of bearings to control the drill (I just use a board with pre-drilled holes). https://www.instructables.com/id/3D-Printed-Doweling-Jig-With-Attachments/

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Tools | Comments Off

Make your own wheels for a robot, or R/C car

Posted on November 17, 2018 by robertwilkie

Interesting build…me…if I was in a pinch I think this would be a great idea. But… You can get wheels pretty cheap on ebay. Or cheap casters at Harbor Fieght and then take them apart. https://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-Robot-Wheel/

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Interesting solar heater

Posted on November 12, 2018 by robertwilkie

The author took the cooling grids off old fridges and combined a bunch together to heat up water. That “heated” water then has a coil inside a water tank to transfer the heat too. Which is a good idea since … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, solar, water | Comments Off

Interesting concrete build

Posted on November 10, 2018 by robertwilkie

The author did a nice write up on using concrete overall for making decorations. He 3D printed the “Frame” to use to hold the concrete in its form. It looks like the mold is re-usable too. https://www.instructables.com/id/3D-Printed-Concrete-Table-Mold/

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Make a folding crossbow

Posted on November 8, 2018 by robertwilkie

Nice build, not so sure I would do it myself since there is a lot of work involved. https://www.instructables.com/id/Making-a-Folding-Crossbow/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, weapons, woodworking | Comments Off

One fancy slingshot build

Posted on November 7, 2018 by robertwilkie

Pretty impressive one. The author provides templates so you can cut one out yourself. Or….maybe convert to cut on a CNC? https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-SlingBow-From-Plywood/

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3D printed pump for NEMA based motors

Posted on November 4, 2018 by robertwilkie

Interesting pump build to use with a NEMA motor (typically stepper motors). If you need some sort of pump that does measured amounts this could be the way to go. The Bolt-On Peristaltic Pump

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, water | Comments Off

cool DIY crane

Posted on November 2, 2018 by robertwilkie

Nice build and the plans are free to make your own. Not sure what I would do with this thing myself. http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/free-plans-available-adjustable-height-mobile-gantry-crane-cranebow-69802?homelistings#post119049 plans here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/7a4v45dksxxwqhr/Cranebow_Plans_Current.pdf?dl=0

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Make a tuning CAP

Posted on October 26, 2018 by robertwilkie

pretty neat idea, the author takes some washers and makes a tuning capacitor from them (with some 3D printed parts). Pretty clever build DIY Tuning Capacitors from Washers and 3D-Printed Parts

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Nice set of “handiman tool” apps for your phone

Posted on October 22, 2018 by robertwilkie

Not a replacement for the real thing, but could be a “good enough” tool. https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/7-best-free-android-apps-digital-toolbox/

Posted in android, Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off