Monthly Archives: November 2016

A simple solar tracker to build with kids

This is a nice simple tracker you can make with a servo and an arduino for kids to get the basics of solar power and tracking. http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Solar-Tracker-Single-or-Dual-Axis/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, Misc-Life, solar | Comments Off on A simple solar tracker to build with kids

Another write-up on building a mini CNC with DVD Drives

Another nice build.  I like the reusing of the CDROM cases for the frame too. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Arduino-Based-Mini-CNC-Plotter-Using-D/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Another write-up on building a mini CNC with DVD Drives

A more advanced solar tracker

This build uses a RPi to track and position panels for the sun.  Its a nice build.  Cheap too if you can source the servos yourself. http://www.instructables.com/id/52kW-Solar-Tracker-Controlled-by-Raspberry-Pi/

Posted in Misc-Life, RaspberryPi, solar | Comments Off on A more advanced solar tracker

Good use of a plastic bag for cameras

Of course if I had a fancy camera, this would be ideal.  Most of the time its just my phone. Anywas good hacks for using the bag to get some interesting filter abilities. http://lifehacker.com/why-a-plastic-bag-is-a-photographers-best-friend-1789112661

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Good use of a plastic bag for cameras

Good idea for 2sided CNC projects, use a location hole

Good idea, basically make two starting holes on the project to mark the starting point of the project. http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Easily-and-Accurately-CNC-Engrave-on-Both-S/

Posted in CNC/3D-printing | Comments Off on Good idea for 2sided CNC projects, use a location hole

An even better (and cheap) sanding block

I build some other sanding blocks that are not as nice as this one.  4.5 inches wide and cork around it for cushioning.  Nice build overall.  Better than what I have too (could build to scale with that nice tablesaw … Continue reading

Posted in Tools | Comments Off on An even better (and cheap) sanding block

A simple and cheap roof rack for all cars

Gotta love this one.  Its cheap, simple, and can work on any car, basically you get 4 of the suction cup holders to act as standoffs on your roof, and then tie down the load thru the doors with ratchet … Continue reading

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on A simple and cheap roof rack for all cars

Use ProduKey to get Windows product keys

Gee this beats my current method of writting them down.  They author reviews a tool called ProduKey which will display all windows keys on the computer.  Nice so you don’t have to keep the paperwork. http://www.howtogeek.com/64600/how-to-recover-windows-and-software-keys-from-a-broken-computer/

Posted in Misc-Life | Comments Off on Use ProduKey to get Windows product keys

Resoling boots

When I first saw thing, I thought it was going to be the tractor-trailer style of just gluing tread to the bottom of the soles.  But this built does a transplant of half the heel.  After watching this,I wonder if … Continue reading

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | Comments Off on Resoling boots

Nice hide away desk that doubles as a picture frame.

Nice build that doubles as a picture frame when put up.  Only thing I would worry about is the legs in the down position need more support, and scuffing of the backboard. http://www.ikeahackers.net/2016/11/office-spacesaver-unit-faux-picture-frame.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Ikeahacker+%28ikeahacker%29

Posted in Misc-Life, woodworking | Comments Off on Nice hide away desk that doubles as a picture frame.