Paper Steam Engine
This paper steam engine is based on Richard Ademek’s CAD drawing of a Riches and Watts nominal 2 ½ horsepower vertical A-frame double acting simple slide-valve steam engine circa 1870-75. The original engine was used to drive a water pump to irrigate the fields of Norfolk. If this model had a scale, it would be roughly 1:19. I had to double the size of the eccentric and strap in order to make it buildable. Everything else is close to scale, but changed in design and apprearance because, well, paper isn’t iron. [via] Link.
It’s that time of year again…time to bust out the headlight for a midweek-after-work-night ride! But, in order to have a fun and safe nighttime mountain bike adventure you need one critical piece of equipment…a bright light to adorn your helmet and illuminate the trail ahead. The only dilemma is, a good light system can run between $200-$300 bucks. I don’t know about the rest of you, but that’s a little rich for my blood. That’s why last year I decided to take the MacGyver approach and build my own 
I really like this idea…I hate wrapping gifts. It’s the most unoriginal part of gift-giving. Although my gifts are hardly ever spectacular, my wrapping will always outshine them. I recommend using this wrapping method for giving out crowbars at Christmas. The extra irony makes the project that much sweeter. It’s really not your problem how to open the crate once the gift has been given, so don’t let anyone sucker you into opening it for them. 
This python script runs on Linux and harvests system stats, creating graphs and assembling them in a page suitable for viewing on the PSP. It also dynamically reloads the images through Javascript, creating a smoother user experience. Tested with firmware 2.00 only. 
Say goodbye to the bank-breaking audio/video cables at your local electronics superstore. Save your money and build out your home theater DIY style. With a total running time of 45 minutes, Kevin and Dan talk to a broadcast engineer to demonstrate how to make your own high end A/V cables for a fraction of the cost and a “monster” savings. 
Podcasts are so last month. If you want to get in on the hip trip, you’ll turn your attention (and camcorder) to vodcasts—Video-On-Demand-casts, that is. No, this isn’t stuff of the future. By following the steps I’m about to outline you can create and distribute a downloadable vodcast today