Category Archives: Misc-Life

How to figure out polarity of an LED

Posted on October 28, 2018 by robertwilkie

I knew about the flat size, longer stem, etc ways to test. But…did not know the bigger plate on the LED is also the negative. https://www.instructables.com/id/5-Simple-Ways-to-Determine-LED-Polarity/

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Convert your portable bandsaw to a stationary one

Posted on October 27, 2018 by robertwilkie

I have a portable bandsaw and have been looking at converting it to a tabletop version (when needed). This build gives me some good ideas but I would like to make it so I can convert back and forth quickly. … Continue reading →

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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

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

ID’ing a 3D printer

Posted on October 24, 2018 by robertwilkie

Interesting work on how to figure out the printer an object came from. Its like the old days with printers to try and ID them (before they started hiding serial numbers and such in each print). Researchers discover a new … Continue reading →

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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/

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Nice list of Gimp plugins

Posted on October 22, 2018 by robertwilkie

I have only used the basics around Gimp. Darktable, g’mic, Wavelet Decompose sound like ones I want to add in. https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/install-gimp-plugins/

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Cheap way to make a long extender for your drill

Posted on October 21, 2018 by robertwilkie

The author uses a 5/16th threaded rod with a 5/16 coupling nut and mushes the nut into a hex dend of a bit driver. Pretty cheap way to make an extension (and I have one of those hex to drill … Continue reading →

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One interesting wire bender

Posted on October 19, 2018 by robertwilkie

If you are making custom antenna’s, here is a build for you. DIY Wire Bender Gets Wires All Bent Into Shape

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Turn a cheap rubber mallet into a stamp

Posted on October 18, 2018 by robertwilkie

Nice idea, I think I saw a few of these at the dollar store. I like how the author uses a CNC to cut the stamp out. He even remakes a handle for it (not sure why he didn’t use … Continue reading →

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Using an RPi to control your garage door

Posted on October 17, 2018 by robertwilkie

Good idea, seems like alot more wires going to the relay than I would think you need. But it looks like the author is using an older RPi (original one I think) in this project, so this could be a … Continue reading →

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