Monthly Archives: May 2017

Another use for a larger CNC, make window art

Posted on May 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

Not so sure I would go this fancy, but I like the idea the author had going here where he added in decor to a plain window. http://makezine.com/2017/05/23/cnc-routing-12-foot-wide-piece-window-art/

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Convert old tee shirts into headbands

Posted on May 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

Good write-up on how to do it.  I wonder if there is a better way than to “glue” the ends thought. https://www.instructables.com/id/Recycle-T-Shirts-Into-Headbands/

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Pretty simple water fill tank

Posted on May 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

Basically its a toilet float.  I looked them up and they are $10, the adapter to hose is another $4.  So for $15-20 you can have a bird bath (or pool) auto filler. https://www.instructables.com/id/Float-Valve-Keeps-Garden-Fountain-Full/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life | 1 Comment

Make egg shell light candle holders from concrete

Posted on May 23, 2017 by robertwilkie

The author uses a balloon for the cast and stains the interior for a more vibrant look. https://www.instructables.com/id/Concrete-Balloon-Candle-Holder/

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Looks like Patent Trolls took a hit

Posted on May 23, 2017 by robertwilkie

This is good news, instead of forcing companies to defend themselves in Texas, they now can do it on there home turf.  Downside, if you are a small time inventor, you just increased your legal costs by alot. Patent trolls … Continue reading →

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Make your own giant power bank

Posted on May 23, 2017 by robertwilkie

OK so this is a little cheaper than buying one.  But….I think in the end I would spend a few bucks and buy it.  Unless I had the materials on hand.  Or needed a custom supply. http://www.instructables.com/id/Powerbank-DIY-12000-16000-MAh-21-Amp-3D-printed/

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Mint phone service

Posted on May 22, 2017 by robertwilkie

This sounds like a good alternative to T-Mobile and other cell carriers out there as far as “cost” goes if you own your phone. http://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/05/16/mint-sim-review/

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Make a box fan

Posted on May 22, 2017 by robertwilkie

The author took an old exhaust fan and made a pretty nice looking box fan.  I have some old power fans from other projects that would be a good build here. https://www.instructables.com/id/Personal-Fan-Using-Old-Exhaust-Fan/

Posted in Cheap, Misc-Life, woodworking | Comments Off on Make a box fan

Another simple CDROM CNC plotter

Posted on May 22, 2017 by robertwilkie

Another nice build with an arduino.  The author uses an arduino nano and some L293D chips which keeps the cost down compared to some CNC CDROM builds.  I also like the use of a pen spring to help keep the … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Cheap, CNC/3D-printing, Misc-Life | 1 Comment

Turn an old gift card into a portable weapon

Posted on May 19, 2017 by robertwilkie

Pretty clever idea.  May help buy you enough time to get out a bad situation. https://www.instructables.com/id/Self-defense-Gift-Card-Knuckles/

Posted in Cheap, weapons | Comments Off on Turn an old gift card into a portable weapon