Category Archives: Tools

clever (and cheap) build for 3rd hand supports

Posted on December 21, 2017 by robertwilkie

The author built these to originally help hold up cabinets, but I can see lots of uses for them.  He drilled holes in the curtain rod to make it extendable (and lock into place with a key).  Then put a … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on clever (and cheap) build for 3rd hand supports

How to build a vaccum pump on the cheap

Posted on December 20, 2017 by robertwilkie

This so looks like a cool build.  Just need …parts…time..etc https://makezine.com/2017/03/14/build-vacuum-chamber-30/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, My Projects, Teaching and Learning, Tools | Comments Off on How to build a vaccum pump on the cheap

Interesting dremel mount

Posted on December 20, 2017 by robertwilkie

I like this build, its a simple mount for the dremel that allows it to be chucked into a vise.  It does not require welding, 3D printed parts, etc.  Just some bits of metal and a drill press to make … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on Interesting dremel mount

Interesting cheap caliper to arduino measuring system

Posted on December 19, 2017 by robertwilkie

Interesting build.  The author has a nice video on it here.  Then the link below has some detailed directions in a PDF file. http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/experimental-measurement-system-4950?homelistings#post5989 http://rick.sparber.org/CBOO.pdf

Posted in Arduino, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on Interesting cheap caliper to arduino measuring system

Clever build to make finger joints with a table saw

Posted on December 18, 2017 by robertwilkie

Not even using the jointer blade too.  Just a standard table saw and the sled is nice and small (so portable).  The author uses an arduino to count steps on the crank.  Too bad it didn’t use a stepper to … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools, woodworking | Comments Off on Clever build to make finger joints with a table saw

Make a beer can holder for modifying a beer can

Posted on December 14, 2017 by robertwilkie

Cause I have such a need to do that.   Pretty heavy duty holder for the can. http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/beer-can-holder-processing-cnc-32230?homelistings#post44894

Posted in Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on Make a beer can holder for modifying a beer can

Here is a cheaper lathe build

Posted on December 14, 2017 by robertwilkie

This one is mostly out of wood.  Its a pretty straight forward build and can be down with standard tools. https://www.instructables.com/id/Mini-Wood-Lathe-Using-Scrap-Wood/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on Here is a cheaper lathe build

Interesting simple grinder to belt sander

Posted on December 13, 2017 by robertwilkie

Interesting build to turn a grinder into a sander.  No weld method too. http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/homemade-pipe-grinding-tool-4427?homelistings#post5399

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Interesting simple grinder to belt sander

Cool 3D printed Lathe, but pricey

Posted on December 13, 2017 by robertwilkie

Nice looking 3D printed lathe, but…you are looking at 300-400 in material costs (just to have the 3D printed parts done is $160 and up).  At that point you can buy a nice used one. https://www.instructables.com/id/3D-Printed-Lathe/

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Tools | Comments Off on Cool 3D printed Lathe, but pricey

Make a vise metal brake

Posted on December 12, 2017 by robertwilkie

I like this build, but I don’t have a welder so I may have to come up with an alternative. http://www.instructables.com/id/Best-Vise-Brake-Press-Great-Angle-Any-Time-Choose-/

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Make a vise metal brake