Author Archives: robertwilkie

Making a coil winder

Posted on May 9, 2023 by robertwilkie

This case the author wanted to make electro magnetic coils, but I could see this used for other builds. https://www.instructables.com/Variable-Electromagnet-Winder/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap | Leave a comment

Using a ring to unlock a door

Posted on May 8, 2023 by robertwilkie

Well a ring with an RFID tag in it. There is an arduino that reads the tag and unlocks the door. https://hackaday.com/2022/10/18/front-door-keys-hidden-in-plain-sight/

Posted in Arduino | Leave a comment

Its a small portable windpower device that charges up a portable battery to use at any given point in time. Downside is the 3D printed parts could degrade overtime outside. Would be nice if there was a commercial (cheap) version … Continue reading →

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Wind | Leave a comment

3D printed servo

Posted on May 4, 2023 by robertwilkie

Interesting build for a geared DC motor to be used as a even more geared servo. https://www.instructables.com/3D-Printed-Servo-Motor/

Posted in Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, robots | Leave a comment

Fancy circle center finder

Posted on May 2, 2023 by robertwilkie

This is a bit more fancy than I would have gone, but its a nice centerfinder for a circle. https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/multifunction-guide-woodworking-tool-92248#post208046

Posted in Tools | Leave a comment

Using U-Bolts for fence post clamps

Posted on May 1, 2023 by robertwilkie

Basically the author cuts a ubolt in half, uses some scrap for the end with a knob, and bam, fence post clamps for a table saw. Its a cheap method to do this, but…I have seen some fence post clamps … Continue reading →

Posted in Tinkering | Leave a comment

Cool homemade wind tunnel

Posted on April 27, 2023 by robertwilkie

This was built mostly for kids. Its a nice build where kids can put stuff inside the tube and watch it go up. https://hackaday.com/2022/02/18/homemade-toy-wind-tunnel-blows-really-well/

Posted in Misc-Life, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off

Cheap PVC pipe gimbal for phone

Posted on April 26, 2023 by robertwilkie

I could also see making this for cameras too. Nice cheap build that you can do to help keep your camera level and you record and move around. https://www.instructables.com/DIY-PVC-Gimbal-for-Phone/

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off

Making a bicycle bottle holder from PVC pipe

Posted on April 25, 2023 by robertwilkie

Not so sure I would do this, the author basically takes a PVC pipe (thin one) that the bottle fits in, and cuts it to size and puts some nice shaping on it. Interesting build https://www.instructables.com/Bicycle-Bottle-Cage-Made-With-PVC/

Posted in Tinkering | Comments Off

Making a simple variable capacitor

Posted on April 24, 2023 by robertwilkie

Clever build with 3D printed parts and some PCB boards. Good way to teach variable capacitance to folks. https://hackaday.com/2022/03/07/a-variable-capacitor-for-not-a-lot/

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off