Moving Your Makerspace
Tiny Victory! Jigsaw 3.1 is complete. Its third location in 2.5 years of existence, each one better than the last.
Year: 2012
“Solar Parasite” Window Box Heater – Tiny Yellow House
This time around on “Tiny Yellow House”, Deek decided to mess around with passive solar heat so as to warm the always-cold front foyer of his home. The result: a smallish, closeable, passive solar collector that fits into a window opening. Its not rocket science (and it NEVER will be here on “Tiny Yellow House”) but it does work- even in January, in New England.
Skill Builder 2012: Materials
Last year we launched our Skill Builder series on the site, a monthly educational program exploring core maker skills (electronics, woodworking, metalworking, etc.). We think we got off to a good start and want to continue building on that content. But this year, we’re approaching the skill sets from a different angle: The materials that go into what you build.
Arts & Design: Plastic Dragon
Look closely and you’ll see what this plastic dragon sculpture is actually made of: disposable spoons, knives, forks and cups. It took toge at DeviantArt approximately 80 hours – more hours than dollars – to create this work of art. [via Geek Crafts]
The Switch to Electric Car Kits
Recently, I visited Switch Vehicles, which is near the MAKE office in Sebastopol. They have produce a three-wheel electric car, which will be sold as a kit later this year. I met the founders, Peter Oliver, Jim McGreen, and Mark Perlmutter in what was formerly a Ford dealership and now is occupied by a variety of makers, mechanics, and entrepreneurs.
Light Theremin on Upcycled Dot Matrix Printer Board
Remember, just because Weekend Projects is on break at the moment, that doesn’t mean you can’t send us your stories and pictures of your mods! Belfast-based hacker David writes in with this awesome upcycled Light Theremin…
Tool Review: Dymo Metal Embossing Tapewriter
Embossed aluminum is pretty much the ultimate labeling material. Without wanting to be morbid, there is a reason why military services around the world choose it for personnel identification tags. Secured with mechanical fasteners, instead of adhesives, an embossed aluminum label will stand up for years against water, extremes of heat and cold, prolonged direct sunlight, and any organic solvent you care to throw at it. This is a true “industrial-grade” labeling tool, and if you can snag a used one for a reasonable price, you can expect a lifetime of use from it.
