Category Archives: Tools

Make a $40 Oscilloscope with touch display

Posted on April 15, 2014 by robertwilkie

The $40 is for the mega board and display.  Probes not included (so add another $10).  Good project and nice write-up for a simple cheap oscilloscope. http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-an-Oscilloscope-Using-the-SainSmart-Mega2560-/ http://www.sainsmart.com/home-page-view/sainsmart-mega2560-board-3-5-tft-lcd-module-display-shield-kit-for-atmel-atmega-avr-16au-atmega8u2.html

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Clever idea for moving sheets of plywood

Posted on April 8, 2014 by robertwilkie

Clever idea where you basically have 2 halves and lock into the board and wheels to move a sheet around.  But as one commentor pointed out, not a new idea. http://gizmodo.com/this-rolling-bear-trap-makes-awkward-flat-materials-eas-1558383670?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gizmodo%2Ffull+%28Gizmodo%29

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Now this is a sawmill for the DIY

Posted on April 8, 2014 by robertwilkie

This is basically a comerical version of the chainsaw lumber cutter that can be moved around by 1 person.  I like how the video has the guy moving it around in a little car.  But at 3G’s for one, its … Continue reading →

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Make a microscope for your smartphone

Posted on March 25, 2014 by robertwilkie

Clever ID for roughly $10 in parts.  looks like it works better than regular old microscopes too. http://www.instructables.com/id/10-Smartphone-to-digital-microscope-conversion/

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Build your own chainsaw mill

Posted on March 5, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice idea, cheaper and easier to handle build than using a bandsaw but…chainsaws would mostly do a good rough cut and would waste some wood.  Also you need a beefy chainsaw to cut some big boards.  My 2 cents, its … Continue reading →

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Opensource Tools

Posted on February 17, 2014 by robertwilkie

I stumbled on this site by accident.  Its pretty interesting where it is attempting to build designs for machine tools (lathes for example) with common materials.  I like the concrete lathe they are working on. http://opensourcemachinetools.org/

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DIY Roof Rake

Posted on January 21, 2014 by robertwilkie

Its that time of year where I think about buying one of these, but…as normal they are always sold out.  Well this creative guy built his own with PVC, chain, and metal flashing. http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Snow-Ripper-Rip-snow-from-your-roof-in-minut/

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DIY Capacitor Meter

Posted on January 17, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice build, not sure if I would take this on myself thought…. http://hackedgadgets.com/2014/01/16/diy-in-circuit-capacitor-esr-meter/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HackedGadgets+%28Hacked+Gadgets%29 http://members.shaw.ca/swstuff/esrmeter.html  

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Hack a Remote Control Snowblower

Posted on January 17, 2014 by robertwilkie

I looked at this and went, meh….Its a nice start, but I can see turning problems, and well, things falling apart fast.  But its a start…. http://makezine.com/projects/remote-control-snowblower/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=%24%7Bfeed%7D&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+%24%7Bmakezineonline%7D+%28%24%7BMAKE%7D%29&utm_content=%24%7BGoogleReader%7D

Posted in robots, Tinkering, Tools | 3 Comments

Add in an old Hose and some casters, and you have a pump

Posted on January 15, 2014 by robertwilkie

A perstalic pump that is.  I like this idea but I would like to see it done a bit cheaper, like re-using caster wheels and perhaps an old garden hose.  Still it has allot of potential. http://www.instructables.com/id/Inexpensive-easy-to-build-peristaltic-pump/

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