MAKE Asks: is a weekly column where we ask you, our readers, for responses to maker-related questions. We hope the column sparks interesting conversation and is a way for us to get to know more about each other.
This week’s question: What has been your most creative reuse of an object in the service of a project?
A while back I picked up a rectangular piece of machined steel from the Pratt and Whitney Surplus Store. It has two rows of screw holes and I bought it for its weight in scrap. I used the piece to attach various bits to it from my junk box, slapped a piezo mic onto it, and I had a scrap metal percussive instrument.
Post your responses in the comments section.
8 thoughts on “MAKE Asks: Creative Reuse”
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I’m using some old tape player motors to build a three axis laser spirograph projector right now. I build synthesizers with ribbon controllers made from VHS tape, aluminum duct tape and the plastic slats from window blinds. I just built a really cool instrument with the harp from a Jaymar toy piano and the piezo elements from a Rockband drum controller.
My favorite recent creative reuse/repurpose was building project enclosures from 4″x4″ PVC fence posts. I ended up with 24 6″x4″x2″ enclosures from one $15 6′ section of post, or just over $.60 each! Try getting a deal like that at Rat Shack. DIY or die!
We use discarded pallets and upcycle them into handcrafted wooden chests. http://www.cratenation.com/
At the Bristol Hackspace, we took some old BMX bike parts and made a generative music synthesiser. As the bike wheel rotates, it triggers three note-generators based on Pisano numbers (like Fibonacci but modulo). The notes are coded as MIDI note numbers and are sent to an interrupt-driven three-voice synthesiser running on the same Arduino. It has a selection of waveform samples that are played back via a phase accumulator and an envelope shaper. The BMX front forks and handlebars also carry a small amplifier and a battery pack. There’s a link to construction details on this Flickr photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anachrocomputer/6162452440/
I have a prototype backpackers cook set that is small enough to fit in a hip pocket and only weights 6 oz not counting the fuel. Made with 90% recycled materials it is complete and self contained with a stove, pot stand, boil pot/frying pan and lid, adjustable wind guard, magnetic lid handle and a pouring or hanging chain. It can boil two and a half cups of water in three minutes and on a single “charge” of fuel can cook for 15 minutes. The only problem I have is finding the right size cans to start with.
I really like Crate Nation’s wooden chests. I have seen piles of old pallets and have wondered what I might do with them. The chests they make are beautiful as well and the old pallets are such an eyesore.