Category Archives: Tinkering

Awesome Arcade build

Posted on June 2, 2017 by robertwilkie

The author did a good job with writting up the hardware part of this build.  I like how all the measurements are done out for you too to cut your own. https://www.instructables.com/id/Arcade-Machine-Avengers-Design/

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Adding a DRO to a CNC

Posted on May 31, 2017 by robertwilkie

Or manual Lathe/bridgeport/etc.  Pretty interesting build (included a few others too).  I think I like the older one at the bottom that uses a tablet. http://hackaday.com/2017/05/26/making-an-inexpensive-dro/ http://hackaday.com/2012/09/24/adding-digital-readout-to-a-non-cnc-mill/  

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Nice looking composter out of scrape

Posted on May 29, 2017 by robertwilkie

I was pretty impressed with this build.  All from scrapes and looks really nice. https://www.instructables.com/id/Upcycled-Compost-Bin/  

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OK adding this to the list of things to build

Posted on May 26, 2017 by robertwilkie

A sand/zen garden.  This looks easier to make than a CNC since its only two axis and a big magnet.  Making the “sandbox” maybe more of a challenge.  And as the article says, its been done other times too (I … Continue reading →

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This is one big Solar Pop Can heater.

Posted on May 25, 2017 by robertwilkie

OK like wow that’s allot of soda cans.  It sounds like the build does a good job heating things up with the sun.   Not so sure I could get something this big by my family for a build. https://www.freeonplate.com/how-to-build-diy-solar-panels-out-of-pop-cans/

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Interesting solar thermal heater build

Posted on May 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

I stumbled on this build from …over 5 years ago.  I like how the author used flashing to help heat up more surface area.  Not so sure I would go with PEX like he did.  There is another article on … Continue reading →

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This is cool build, ESP with e-ink

Posted on May 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

Low power, checks in for new images every so often.  Nice build overall.  Oh and cheap.  Basically the author is building a display that will get updates once every hour and run on solar power.  I could see something like … Continue reading →

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Another use for a larger CNC, make window art

Posted on May 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

Not so sure I would go this fancy, but I like the idea the author had going here where he added in decor to a plain window. http://makezine.com/2017/05/23/cnc-routing-12-foot-wide-piece-window-art/

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Make a box fan

Posted on May 22, 2017 by robertwilkie

The author took an old exhaust fan and made a pretty nice looking box fan.  I have some old power fans from other projects that would be a good build here. https://www.instructables.com/id/Personal-Fan-Using-Old-Exhaust-Fan/

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Another simple CDROM CNC plotter

Posted on May 22, 2017 by robertwilkie

Another nice build with an arduino.  The author uses an arduino nano and some L293D chips which keeps the cost down compared to some CNC CDROM builds.  I also like the use of a pen spring to help keep the … Continue reading →

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