Category Archives: Tools

DIY Metal Etcher

Posted on February 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

This is not a toy for kids, the author basically uses a DC power supply and a wire to do the etching.  Fun to watch.  If I made one, I would only use it with rubber gloves…thick ones. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Metal-Etcher/

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The poor man’s forge

Posted on February 9, 2015 by robertwilkie

I have always been interested in trying out a forge, and this sure looks like a simple and cheap way to do it.  But…..I am a little worried about working with molten metal (see bottom link). And of course here … Continue reading →

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Make your own magnetic tray

Posted on February 6, 2015 by robertwilkie

Cool project, but….I think I will stick to the free ones at Harbor Frieght (with coupon). http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Magnetic-Tray/

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Using a mechanical pencil to dispense solder

Posted on January 29, 2015 by robertwilkie

Why didn’t I think of this.  I agree with the folks in the comments section that another improvement would be to build something to hold the spool on the pencil. http://www.instructables.com/id/05mm-Precision-Solder-Dispenser-or-Solder-Doodling/

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How to make a simple knitting loom

Posted on January 26, 2015 by robertwilkie

Using wood screws and PVC pipe fittings, I like it.  Not so sure if this qualifies as “cheap since these loops sell for $10 for a kit.  But if the material is on hand…. http://www.instructables.com/id/2-Round-PVC-Knitting-Loom/

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Simple way to make a router from your dremel

Posted on January 23, 2015 by robertwilkie

I fell over when I saw this, I have to say, it does work.  The author just tool a plastic jar and cut it to size to use and a makeshift router cover for a generic dremel. http://m.instructables.com/id/DIY-2-Dremel-Router-Attachment/all/

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Build a hot-wire ice cutter

Posted on January 22, 2015 by robertwilkie

Not sure why I would do this, but it could be fun to use with kids to melt snow/ice into shapes. http://www.instructables.com/id/Hot-Wire-Ice-Cutter/

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Make a sled to convert a circular saw into a cross cut saw

Posted on January 21, 2015 by robertwilkie

Who says you need a table saw.  This is a nice build where the author basically makes a base with some caster wheels and rolls a table across the part to cut with the circular saw.  This looks much easier … Continue reading →

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Make your own thickness sander

Posted on January 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

Cool, the author built his own thickness sander instead of buying one (they are very expensive).  But it looks like this is a very time consuming process to build.  I wonder if there is a way to simplify it by … Continue reading →

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Build an Inkle Loom

Posted on January 9, 2015 by robertwilkie

I had never heard of one of these before, but I stumbled on the project and thought this is pretty cool.  At first it seemed like alot of work to build it, but after seeing how much one of these … Continue reading →

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