Category Archives: Tools

Use cardstock as a cutoff wheel

Posted on February 14, 2017 by robertwilkie

I wondered sometimes if the cheap dremel cutoff wheels at Harbor Freight where paper, maybe I was right.  This article (video) goes over using cardstock to cut wood with it.  Its the speed that really counts for the cut. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tools | 1 Comment

Add a Milling Table to your drillpress

Posted on February 13, 2017 by robertwilkie

I like this build but I am a little mixed on doing this.  The quill on a drillpress isn’t exactly built for side to side movement.  More up and down.  So with light materials I guess this would be OK, … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tools | 3 Comments

One cork, and LED, and electric tape and you have a simple tester for coin batteries

Posted on February 8, 2017 by robertwilkie

Beats breaking out the meter to test the battery. http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-3v-Coin-Cell-Battery-Tester/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Cheap, Tools | 1 Comment

A cheap and simple tape dispenser

Posted on February 7, 2017 by robertwilkie

OK this is going on the build list.  I wonder if I could find an IKEA mailbox shelf I could convert….hummm.  Either way this is a nice simple way to have a tape station for mulitple different tape types. http://www.instructables.com/id/Central-Tape-Stations/

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Nice portable paint booth

Posted on February 7, 2017 by robertwilkie

I like how the thing has a built in filter system to catch any extra spray.  Its a nice build but…well I’ll just go outside.  🙂 http://lifehacker.com/build-a-portable-spray-paint-booth-for-your-workshop-1792061720

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Make your own beam compass

Posted on February 7, 2017 by robertwilkie

At first I thought this would be a good idea, til I noticed I could pick one up at Harbor Freight for $5.  Given that one is only a foot long.  It could be adapted to be longer.  I guess … Continue reading →

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Interesting way to etch with electricity and salt water

Posted on February 6, 2017 by robertwilkie

This is different since the author isn’t “dipping” the metal into a salt solution, but instead is painting it on…kindof…with an electric cotton ball.  I would be a little concerned about shorting the thing out in my hands thought.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | 2 Comments

Add a cabinet push latch to have build in pushup bench dogs

Posted on February 6, 2017 by robertwilkie

Too funny, but a clever build to use a push latch to have bench dogs that can be “pushed up”.  Me…I just keep a basket of them nearby. http://www.instructables.com/id/2-Pop-Up-Woodworking-Bench-Dogs/?ALLSTEPS

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Take an old ski boot and use it to hold a cordless drill

Posted on February 3, 2017 by robertwilkie

Nice cheap build, could do this with old rollerblade shoes too.  Me…I’ll stick to my PVC pipe (cheaper and doesn’t stick out as much).  Still a pretty clever build. http://www.instructables.com/id/Wall-Mounted-Ski-Boot-Drill-Holder/

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build a thermal imaging scanner with low tech materials

Posted on January 31, 2017 by robertwilkie

The author uses a camera, arduino, a couple of servos, and a cheap temp gun to map out the camera image for thermo signatures.  Its slow, but its pretty nice overall image (the thermo is overlayed onto the camera image). … Continue reading →

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