Category Archives: Cheap

Another nice multi device track saw build

Posted on January 13, 2023 by robertwilkie

Its a fence that can be self clamped to the board you are cutting. This one allows for a circular saw, jig saw, and router to be used. https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/innovative-multifunction-woodworking-track-guide-locking-system-perfect-wo-93206#post211231

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Turning a sewing machine into a scroll saw

Posted on December 21, 2022 by robertwilkie

The author calls it a jig saw, but its more like a scroll saw to me. Nice build if you don’t want to buy a scroll saw and have an old sewing machine around (seen enough of these at the … Continue reading →

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Make a beer can steam engine

Posted on December 19, 2022 by robertwilkie

Nice build, not so sure how the author gets water into the can, but its a clever (and cheap) way to show steam power https://hackaday.com/2022/10/27/a-steam-engine-for-empty-beer-cans/

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Two Servo drawbot

Posted on December 14, 2022 by robertwilkie

This is a bit of a ghetto build, and instead of using steppers, the author uses servos to drive the x/y. https://www.instructables.com/Two-Servo-and-Drawer-Rail-Pen-Plotter/

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Using hoverboard motor for wind power

Posted on November 30, 2022 by robertwilkie

I like this build, pretty simple (thought doesn’t have the vanes yet). And a slow spin already cranks out some impressive voltage https://www.pinterest.com/pin/714805772084375932/

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Nice build for adding LED’s to a mask

Posted on November 17, 2022 by robertwilkie

The author sells most of the stuff to do this too. Basically you use conductive tape to line out the postive/ground lines, use sticky LED’s to “glue” onto the mask, and add a battery on the inside (coin). And done. … Continue reading →

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converting an old plotter into a camera slide

Posted on November 15, 2022 by robertwilkie

The author took and old plotter and make a motorized camera slide out of it. Nice build, only issue I can see is its a “short” slide. https://hackaday.com/2022/04/07/turning-old-plotter-parts-into-a-smooth-camera-slider/

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Building a simple water sensor for Arduino

Posted on November 14, 2022 by robertwilkie

Should work with other controllers, basically you have a resistor in a circuit, and if it gets wet, the circuit is shorted out so you detect that. I put 2 wires in a sponge myself (separated) an when the sponge … Continue reading →

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Simple bow sander

Posted on November 10, 2022 by robertwilkie

https://youtu.be/LyaBgBfNOBI Author basically takes so strips of plastic and hours them together on a sanding belt. https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/bow-sander-abs-plastic-video-93325#post211592

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Diffuse LEDs with milk bottles

Posted on November 2, 2022 by robertwilkie

Nice idea but actually you could use any bottle that is not completely clear. https://www.instructables.com/LED-Diffuser-From-Plastic-Bottle-or-Milk-Bottle/

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