Monthly Archives: March 2015

Build a mini potato gun

Posted on March 16, 2015 by robertwilkie

I have always wanted to build a potato gun with the kids, but big ones are a bit out of the question.  This is a nice simple design for a little one that shoots out of a pen cap.  You … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Build a mini potato gun

Want to add a fan in your car

Posted on March 16, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK so thinking ahead (yeah I know there is still snow on the ground).  This is a nice simple setup for converting a PC fan and an old power adapter (freebee) for a car into a fan for the car.  … Continue reading →

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Building a simple Proximity IR switch

Posted on March 16, 2015 by robertwilkie

Another good write-up on how to add IR to a circuit as a switch to turn something on, in this case its LED lights.  I came across a bunch of IR switches recently and the basic circuit diagram here is … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc-Life, Tinkering | Comments Off on Building a simple Proximity IR switch

Adding RFID to an arduino

Posted on March 16, 2015 by robertwilkie

I like this write-up cause its using a cheaper, off the shelf RFID reader (runs $2-5) instead of a shield that runs $20 and up. http://www.instructables.com/id/BEST-WAY-TO-TURN-ON-PC-USING-ARDUINO-AND-RFID-AMAZ/

Posted in Arduino, Cheap | Comments Off on Adding RFID to an arduino

Using an RPi to control a CNC over WiFi

Posted on March 16, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice write up on using an RPi to control a CNC with something called GRBLWeb, which is a remote for CNC control of a system.  Reality you are using an Raspberry Pi and an arduino in this project. http://www.instructables.com/id/Control-your-CNC-over-Wi-Fi/?ALLSTEPS

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, RaspberryPi | Comments Off on Using an RPi to control a CNC over WiFi

How to bend a PVC pipe

Posted on March 11, 2015 by robertwilkie

Cool hack, basically add sand to the pipe, heat it up and bend. http://workshop.lifehacker.com/bend-pvc-pipe-45-degrees-without-busting-or-kinking-it-1690245573

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, Tools | Comments Off on How to bend a PVC pipe

Not a bad idea, take old dresser drawers and put them under your bed for storage

Posted on March 11, 2015 by robertwilkie

A few things I would do differently.  I would add casters to the drawers so the slide out easier.  And if I was going to paint the drawers I think I would move the handles so they match the other … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap | Comments Off on Not a bad idea, take old dresser drawers and put them under your bed for storage

App Roadie, to help make shipping cheaper

Posted on March 11, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting app that pairs drivers with folks that need to ship stuff.  Basically it helps pair a driver that is going that way anyways with someone that needs stuff shipped.  Reminds me of a TV show that was like this. … Continue reading →

Posted in android, Cheap | Comments Off on App Roadie, to help make shipping cheaper

I so want one of these CNC’s

Posted on March 11, 2015 by robertwilkie

I remember when the lego version came out.  I so want one of these, but….hard to get the justification for $200. http://techcrunch.com/2015/03/10/pancake-bot/?ncid=rss

Posted in CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | Comments Off on I so want one of these CNC’s

Turn fishing lures into earrings

Posted on March 11, 2015 by robertwilkie

Not a bad idea.  I have seen lures go on discount like these pretty cheap.  Just need the earring bits. http://makezine.com/2015/03/10/snag-compliments-diy-fishing-lure-earrings/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=%24{feed}&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+%24{makezineonline}+%28%24{MAKE}%29&utm_content=%24{GoogleReader}

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