Category Archives: Tools

Cool build for downdraft sanding table

Posted on October 19, 2016 by robertwilkie

Pretty nice build.  I should make one of these just to keep the dust down in the basement during winter.  Normally I work outside.  I like the dust slide on the bottom. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Downdraft-Table/

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Build your own belt sander

Posted on October 17, 2016 by robertwilkie

So been looking at belt sanders for sharpening/or making knifes.  I stumbled on this build which is pretty neat, and adjustable….but…I think it would run 40-60 dollars in materials.  I could get a belt/disk combo at harbor frieght for $70…. … Continue reading →

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Use a balloon to help pour oil and other stuff into a car, and other balloon hacks

Posted on October 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

This was too funny.  Good idea since its hard to get it just right to pour stuff in.  I like the “quick ” phone protector too. http://lifehacker.com/use-a-balloon-as-a-spill-free-pouring-spout-1787500986

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Simple and cheap LED tester

Posted on October 3, 2016 by robertwilkie

This is pretty simple build.  Maybe $5 in materials if you don’t have it on hand. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-LED-TESTER/

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Build a cheap twin screw vise

Posted on October 3, 2016 by robertwilkie

Not so sure I can do it for $16 in NY, I think 2 pipe clamps and the pipe would run me more than that.  I like the board release on the one sides of the vise. http://jayscustomcreations.com/2016/10/16-twin-screw-vise/

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Need a bigger vise for yout bridgeport, cut a harbor frieght one in half

Posted on September 26, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice simple hack.  You can use this to get a long vise on your bridgeport for cheap http://www.instructables.com/id/Holding-Large-Stock-Drill-Vice-Modification/

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Easy way to bring out markings on tools

Posted on September 26, 2016 by robertwilkie

Take an oil based paint pen, and a towel with some lacquer thinner to wipe the extra and you got some nice highlighting on your tools. http://www.instructables.com/id/Size-Markings-for-Wrenches-and-Sockets/

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Another nice simple Sheet Metal Brake

Posted on September 23, 2016 by robertwilkie

This beats my method of putting the bar on a vise and banging it to the angle I want.  The best part is the entire build is weld free…So you don’t need to weld the parts together. http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Sheet-Metal-Brake-No-Welding/

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Nice way to build a motorized microscope

Posted on September 23, 2016 by robertwilkie

I like this build.  It uses a CDROM drive that isn’t a stepper to move the scope up and down.  My 2 cents, I would repurpose an old microscope here and also add in one for switching lenses. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Camera-Microscope/

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Making a Dowel center finder jig

Posted on September 20, 2016 by robertwilkie

I seem to be on a homebrewed tool kick today.  This is a simple jig that will score lines on the bottom of the dowel so you know where the center is.  Just be careful not to cut yourself on … Continue reading →

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