Monthly Archives: March 2015

Make a handle to turn your drillpress…well by hand

Posted on March 11, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build where the author added a hand crank to the top of his drillpress to turn it by hand.  Why?  Well to thread taps into objects (hard to do with the press on).  Why not just do it with … Continue reading →

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Is Astroprint better than Octoprint?

Posted on March 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

Both items are software packages ment to run on a small computer (Raspberry Pi for example) that will allow you to control and send 3D print jobs to be processed.  Astroprint is a fork off of Octoprint from what I … Continue reading →

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Simple Large CNC for Laser Engraving

Posted on March 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

Another nice CNC build that makes for a large cover area and somewhat portable for engraving.  I haven’t ventured into lasers yet, mostly out of safety concerns.  But this looks like a nice build and cheap to make. http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4×4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

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I like the heatsink on this Peltier fan

Posted on March 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

The author build this to use as a fan and charge a phone.  My 2 cents, I like the heatsink he is using.  Also I wonder if the bottom heatsink should be smaller…shorter to get more heat? http://www.instructables.com/id/Peltier-Fan-Phone-Charger/

Posted in Cheap, Tinkering | Comments Off on I like the heatsink on this Peltier fan

A cheap ($100) CNC/3D printer

Posted on March 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

I had to post this one.  The author basically takes parts from a printer carriage and other stuff and slaps a 3D printer together.  All for around $100.  I like the Arduino and RAMPS 1.4 setup.  Haven’t tried it myself … Continue reading →

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Simple DIY tool to convert a rotozip to a router

Posted on March 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

Not so sure I would make the “circle” for the bottom bit, but still a nice build where the author builds a handle to convert an old rotozip into a router since you can’t get the attachments for it anymore.   … Continue reading →

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Piccolo, the tiny CNC

Posted on March 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

Cute little CNC that covers a very small area.  The design is free but….for the cost.  I think around $100 in material and cuts, I would build something bigger.  Thought I have heard it down to $70…. http://www.piccolo.cc/

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Windpower build that highlights its not always worth it

Posted on March 5, 2015 by robertwilkie

I got a kick out of this build for a windmill.  The author lives in an area where there is not much wind (so end result was it wasn’t worth the investment, except as a learning exerise) He did a … Continue reading →

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Xerox processes Virginia’s Tax returns…or did

Posted on March 3, 2015 by robertwilkie

This is interesting.  I did not know Xerox, as part of its government services, was also handling tax returns to tax payee’s for the state of Virginia.  However it is a bit shady how they charge the tax returnee’s fees … Continue reading →

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Xerox elects Quest Diagnostics CEO to the Board

Posted on March 3, 2015 by robertwilkie

Not sure what to make of this.  I know Xerox has alot of moves into healthcare, but not so much with diagnostic equipment and testing…yet… http://www.rbj.net/article.asp?aID=213078

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