The latest DIY ideas, techniques and tools for bikes, rockets, R/C vehicles, toys and other diversions.
Users of the Scratch visual programming language can now add an Android handset to their arsenal of plug and play tools. Using the Scratch Sensor app on your handset will get you access to the accelerometer and compass data over the Scratch networking protocol, turning the device into a readily available data acquisition module.
Julian Khor, a Senior Lead Designer at Ubisoft Singapore, has a series of inspiring videos (99 in all) on sculpting superheroes, action figures, and modeling the human form in general (virtual 3D modeling tuts, too). The above video is part one of a 35-part series on sculpting a Hulk-y “action figure.”
According to Instructables user nsnip, theyโre made from Baltic birch! To make this board, he cut the rounded ends off stacks of sticks with a table saw, laminated them stick-by-stick in five layers with alternating grain directions, and glued the whole thing together in an improvised vacuum press made from a clothes storage bag. Impressive, meticulous craftsmanship.
For Beijing Design Week 2011, Canadian artist Nicholas Hanna created this tricycle, equipped with a computer-controlled water graffiti unit on the back (apparently writing poetry and messages on roadways with water is popular in China).
Scott Lowther’s models aren’t (generally) painted, because Scott Lowther’s models aren’t (generally) for displayโthey’re for casting molds to make kit-parts from. If you’ve ever been curious about this process, Scott’s site has a great selection of finished, in-process, and still-to-come master models he’s workingโon contract or on “spec”โto turn into kits.
Steve is probably an acquired taste and the pacing of his videos (which would make a turtle shout: “Hurry up!”) and the no-production production can be maddening (faster-forwarding is a huge help here), but his chops as a modeler are undeniable and the knowledge, tips, and tricks you acquire in sticking with him are invaluable.
This XBox 360 controller was built by a certain Minister Morbid, who even included a brass lock and key for the highest in Steampunk gamer exclusivity. The piece is finished with antique burl wood, and even has leather grips for that authentic Victorian feel while you mash those buttons. [via Geeky Gadgets]
