Category Archives: Tools

Convert a cheap digital caliper into one that connects to a PC

Posted on May 10, 2016 by robertwilkie

As the author points out, the cable costs more than the caliper, so he 3D printed out a connector to use. http://hackedgadgets.com/2016/05/06/23204/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HackedGadgets+%28Hacked+Gadgets%29

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Convert a cheap digital caliper into one that connects to a PC

Right Angle drill + lazy susan = disc Sander

Posted on May 6, 2016 by robertwilkie

Well add in a drill press too.  Interesting build overall.  Could be a nice easy thing to add to your drill press.  I wish I had that track saw in the video. http://lifehacker.com/transform-a-drill-press-into-a-disc-sander-with-a-few-a-1774543236

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on Right Angle drill + lazy susan = disc Sander

Which glue to use chart

Posted on May 3, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice chart that was making the rounds on the net a few weeks ago.  Tells you which glues to use in which conditions. http://makezine.com/2016/03/25/dont-glue-anything-without-handy-reference-chart/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on Which glue to use chart

Make your own Track for a Circular Saw

Posted on May 2, 2016 by robertwilkie

I like this a bit better than the cheap jig I made.  The author basically takes 2 pieces of angled metal, and makes a guide out of it for the saw.  Good way to cross-cut wood too.  I have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Make your own Track for a Circular Saw

How to measure RPM of a motor on the cheap

Posted on May 2, 2016 by robertwilkie

Author uses audacity, tape, and uses that to figure out the speed of the motor.  Oh you need a mic too http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Measure-RPM-of-Motor/  

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on How to measure RPM of a motor on the cheap

Make a chain whip

Posted on April 27, 2016 by robertwilkie

OK its not a weapon.  Its a tool to pull gears off bike wheels.  The tool can get pricey so this is a nice build for one.  Pretty simple, some nails/screws, a board, and an old bike chain. http://www.instructables.com/id/Bike-Chain-Whip-Quick-Easy-and-Free-ish/

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Make a chain whip

Use an old shoe to clean sandpaper

Posted on April 26, 2016 by robertwilkie

Guess the rubber on the shoes helps with cleaning the guck off sandpaper. http://lifehacker.com/clean-and-extend-the-life-of-sandpaper-with-an-old-tenn-1772968052  

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Use an old shoe to clean sandpaper

Using Milk and a smartphone to create a 3D scan

Posted on April 25, 2016 by robertwilkie

Wow this is one easy and cheap way to take a 3D scan.  Basically the milk slowly drains out of the container, as it does the camera takes pictures and you can “level” like a topology map, the object.  Clever … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Using Milk and a smartphone to create a 3D scan

Make your own remote spray can trigger

Posted on April 18, 2016 by robertwilkie

OK this is cool, a simple build to print out to trigger a spray can.  Only issue I can see is the clip that attaches to it could wear out. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1496622

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Tools | Comments Off on Make your own remote spray can trigger

Could Router edge guide

Posted on April 18, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice build, which my homemade tools looked this nice.  Either way this is a nicer build than commercial builds I have seen. http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Router-Edge-Guide/

Posted in Cheap, Tools | Comments Off on Could Router edge guide