Category Archives: Tinkering

Interesting CNC with the sun as a laser

Posted on January 15, 2018 by robertwilkie

Interesting build, the author uses a RPi Zero as the controller.  The actuall CNC bit is controlled by a user and a joystick, but I can see this being more automated too. https://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Draw/

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Interesting Dust collector build

Posted on January 12, 2018 by robertwilkie

The author has 2 variations (and several builds), one that is with the shop vac separate, another with it built in.  Its a nice build overall. https://www.instructables.com/id/Dust-Cyclone-Separator-Shop-Vac-Dust-Collector-Fro/

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One String on Print Harp

Posted on January 11, 2018 by robertwilkie

Clever build, basically its a pin out for the string to make a small hand held harp. One String, One Print, One Harp

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Make a bark back pet monitor

Posted on January 10, 2018 by robertwilkie

Apparently if the dog barks it plays a recording to not bark.  I was thinking this would be nice if the dog barks for other reasons to trigger something. Bark Back IoT Pet Monitor project here : http://foxbotindustries.com/bark-back-monitor-interact-pets/

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Creating UML from hand drawings and text

Posted on January 5, 2018 by robertwilkie

There is a bunch of websites these days that you can create sequence diagrams from text, or in some cases, hand drawings. Here are some: https://bramp.github.io/js-sequence-diagrams/ http://plantuml.com/ — has a bunch of UML diagram tools https://www.websequencediagrams.com/ – slick webui

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Clean looking CNC from CDROM parts

Posted on January 3, 2018 by robertwilkie

And some 3D prints too.  Pretty nice looking CNC.  Only wish they added in a Z axis too. https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Mini-CNC-Plotter-Machine/

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Arduino controlled finget Jointer

Posted on December 27, 2017 by robertwilkie

Now this is a build I was looking more for in a jointer for your table saw.  The arduino with a stepper is used to move the wood into each position to make the next joint.  I like the hold … Continue reading →

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Honeycomb shelves with 3D printed clips

Posted on December 27, 2017 by robertwilkie

Nice build, Only thing I would have add some holes into the sides of the clips to “screw” things down instead of glue. https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Honeycomb-Shelves/

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A poor person’s laser printer

Posted on December 20, 2017 by robertwilkie

OK even a weak laser maybe less painful than this one.  The author uses the sun and a magnify glass to “burn” wood. A Poor-Man’s Laser CNC Engraver

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Interesting cheap caliper to arduino measuring system

Posted on December 19, 2017 by robertwilkie

Interesting build.  The author has a nice video on it here.  Then the link below has some detailed directions in a PDF file. http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/experimental-measurement-system-4950?homelistings#post5989 http://rick.sparber.org/CBOO.pdf

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