Category Archives: Tools

Nice hack for a ladder

Posted on September 25, 2014 by robertwilkie

Basically glue a strong magnet on the top (the author uses a busted speaker magnet) to hold nails and screws. http://www.instructables.com/id/Quick-Free-Ladder-Mod/

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How to re-tin your solder iron tip

Posted on September 23, 2014 by robertwilkie

I have always tossed mine out when they get bad and get a new one, but this is a nice write-up on how to use salt, well Sal ammoniac to re-tip it. http://www.evilmadscientist.com/2014/tinning/

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Jig for making holes in spheres

Posted on September 22, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice jig for making a hole in a sphere.  I have wondered myself how to make a hole in a solid wood ball I got.  This would do the trick. http://www.instructables.com/id/Sphere-Drilling-Jig/

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Make a portable Tachometer with an ardiuno

Posted on September 18, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice build, worth doing if you are playing with motors and need to figure out how fast they are spinning. http://www.instructables.com/id/Measure-RPM-DIY-Portable-Digital-Tachometer/

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Make a Pantograph with a Dremel

Posted on September 16, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up to make a Pantograph with a dremel. http://www.instructables.com/id/Pantograph-with-Dremel/

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Cool looking pen lathe on ebay

Posted on September 4, 2014 by robertwilkie

Stumbled on this, the seller/creator has a neat looking lathe for pens.  Down sides, its $315 dollars and doesn’t look stable enough to handle light metal or maybe heavy wood.  Oh and its not CNC.  Me, I thing I would … Continue reading →

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Turn a cheap Kitchen Thermostat into a compost one

Posted on September 2, 2014 by robertwilkie

This was just too funny to not list.  Author basically takes a $2 thermostat and mounts it. http://www.instructables.com/id/2-DIY-compost-thermometer-build/

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Convert a grinder into a sanding disk table

Posted on August 26, 2014 by robertwilkie

I like this idea, the author describes how to use a grinder and convert it into a disk sanding table.  I have seen grinders go for under $10 at Harbor Freight ($15 full price).  Toss in a disk for another … Continue reading →

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Bench vise from an old C-clamp

Posted on August 25, 2014 by robertwilkie

Clever idea on how to re-purpose an old C-clamp.  Actually I was looking at this build and if you have a big enough clamp, you could use it without the mods. http://www.instructables.com/id/Woodworkers-Bench-Vise-From-An-Old-Clamp/

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Making sanding disks for your drillpress

Posted on August 20, 2014 by robertwilkie

Pretty simple build and good idea too.  My 2 cents, I would have used threaded rod instead, its hard to come by pipe with thread in it (or thread it yourself). http://www.instructables.com/id/Shop-Made-Sanding-Disc-Arbors/

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