Category Archives: Tinkering

This is a good way to do a 4th axis on the cheap

Posted on September 5, 2017 by robertwilkie

I was pretty impressed with this one.  basically you secure a gear line on the CNC and it spins the board around. Rolling Around A 4th Axis

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OK this is an interesting barmaid robot

Posted on September 1, 2017 by robertwilkie

Only 2 motors.. One to push up and get the “juice”, another to move the glass around. Open Source Barbot Needs Only Two Motors

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Make a bigger CDROM based CNC

Posted on August 31, 2017 by robertwilkie

The author basically extended the parts from a CDROM to make a bigger CNC.  Only didn’t use the CDROM motors… http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Mini-Home-Made-CNC-Machine-Arduino28BJ/

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This would be a cool experiment to do with kids

Posted on August 29, 2017 by robertwilkie

I have never heard of the kelvin water dropper before.  This looks like a fun experiment to do with kids. http://www.instructables.com/id/Making-Electricity-From-Water-Macgyver-Style/   Here is a nicer build http://makezine.com/projects/make-31/lord-kelvins-thunderstorm/

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OK this takes the cake for a cheap wind power

Posted on August 28, 2017 by robertwilkie

2 Water bottles cut and strapped onto a motor.  I don’t think you can make it any cheaper and easier. http://www.instructables.com/id/Half-Brainer-Wind-Turbine/

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Another DVD CNC/Laser engraver

Posted on August 25, 2017 by robertwilkie

But this one has some 3D printed parts to make it a bit easier to build.  It looks nicer than some of the homebrews I ahve seen too. http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-CNC-Laser-Enrgaver-From-DVD-Drive/

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Adding a pool skimmer extension

Posted on August 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

OK this is going on the list of things to make.  It basically extends the skimmer to suck up water toward the bottom of the pool to get out the guck in the water.  I have made a few gizmos … Continue reading →

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Nice write-up on the the MagPi Google Assistant hack

Posted on August 23, 2017 by robertwilkie

I like this write up.  Unlike some of the other ones, you don’t have to hit a button to kick it off.  Its voice activated like the one you can buy. http://www.instructables.com/id/Hands-Free-Google-Assistant-for-Raspberry-Pi/

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Simple coke bottle wind turbine

Posted on August 21, 2017 by robertwilkie

Good and simple build to do with kids to teach about electricity and wind power. http://www.instructables.com/id/Coke-Bottle-Wind-Turbine/

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Turn a broken hoverboard into windpower

Posted on August 18, 2017 by robertwilkie

Actually this build is pretty universal for other motors as well (treadmill for example).  Thought the re-use of the tire for a mount is pretty good.  I like the bike wheel pipe vanes too. http://www.instructables.com/id/Turn-a-Broken-Hoverboard-Into-a-Vertical-Wind-Turb/

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