Monthly Archives: November 2014

CNC for Embroidery

Posted on November 18, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice build.  I know you can buy small business embroidery machines.  Cheapest I have seen was $500 for one that gets bad reviews.  Average seems to runn 2-3 grand.  Looks like opensource/hobby groups are starting to look at this stuff … Continue reading →

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Another simple robot arm

Posted on November 18, 2014 by robertwilkie

This arm is 3D printed instead of cut like the previous.  The directions are not as good as the last one, but its still a nice build and uses an arduino. http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Robotic-Arm-1/

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A cheap Robot Arm

Posted on November 18, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice simple build with a couple of servos and a small sheet of plastic.  I wish there was an outsourced order group to get the “cuts” done thought referenced in the directions. http://www.instructables.com/id/Pocket-Sized-Robot-Arm-meArm-V04/ And bigger one here: http://www.instructables.com/id/My-meArm-Bigger-Stronger-Longer/ UPDATE: there … Continue reading →

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Make your own track for a circular saw

Posted on November 18, 2014 by robertwilkie

Been eyeing replacements for tablesaws.  Track saw would be idea, but very pricey.  SO this could be a nice cheap alternative to build. http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/reviews/4283497

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Make your own track for a circular saw

Build a laser burner for $20

Posted on November 17, 2014 by robertwilkie

Seems simple enough build with everything coming from Radio Shack (which may no longer exist in a few months).  This could be a nice addition to a CNC to burn patterns (note not cut…will need more juice for that).  Me…I … Continue reading →

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Using LED’s for light sensors

Posted on November 17, 2014 by robertwilkie

Good idea for a poor persons light sensor.  Don’t use it to tell anything from bright to dark thought… http://hackedgadgets.com/2014/01/31/use-an-led-as-a-sensors/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HackedGadgets+%28Hacked+Gadgets%29

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on Using LED’s for light sensors

Another bike trailer conversion

Posted on November 17, 2014 by robertwilkie

What got my attention on this build was the hook adapter the author made with a shower head.  Nice idea and looks like its a good fit. http://www.instructables.com/id/Bike-trailer-anyone/

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on Another bike trailer conversion

This could be a fun CNC to build with kids

Posted on November 17, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up and sourcing of materials to build a rather good looking CNC.  You need a 3D printer to print most of the connectors, and the “sides” will set you back $70 to have cut.  If I total it all … Continue reading →

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Another nice swamp cooler build

Posted on November 17, 2014 by robertwilkie

Another nice build.  And yes I know its winter, but I am already thinking about summer.  My 2 cents, I think I would cheap it out a bit more by using a different top to pull air in.  I do … Continue reading →

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Crack a padlock automatically

Posted on November 13, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice build (and write-up on how to figure out the combo)  of a padlock. I like the fact they did a little tinkering to figure out how to solve the lock quicker without straight brute force.  If you got a … Continue reading →

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