How-To: One Piece Slipcasting
Slipcasting is a molding process for ceramics that can be used to produce hollow forms having a relatively thin shell. It is an ancient, elegant, ingenious technique, consisting of six basic steps…
Skill Builders
Weekend Projects – Projects in Motion
Complete instructions for this episode of Weekend Projects can be found at
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Projects-in-Motion-Control-Three-Types-of-Motors-with-555-Timers/2036/1
Learn to control three different types of motors – DC, Servo, and Stepper – using a breadboard, resistors, diodes, transistors, and some 555 timers (along with a sprinkling of CMOS logic). These motor drivers are the basis of many robotics and other motor-control applications.
Notes on a Garage Geopolymer Prep
“Geopolymers” have been called “super cements.” They are commonly made in academic labs, but so far I haven’t found a good DIY prep for hands-on learners. I’ve run down a couple of sources and compiled a (still untested) procedure for making small geopolymer stone objects in the garage. Comments welcome.
Going from Schematic to Breadboard
A step-by-step explanation of how to read a schematic and build a breadboard prototype from it.
How-To: Get Started with the BeagleBone
If you’re excited about getting into embedded Linux platforms for electronics projects, Matt shows you how to get started on the BeagleBone. By the end of the how-to, you’ll be able to blink and LED, but hopefully you’ll be inspired to take something on that’s a little more complex.
Get a BeagleBone from the Maker Shed: http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKCCE1&Click=37845
And here’s the code for mrbbio: https://github.com/mrichardson23/mrBBIO
More info: http://blog.makezine.com/2012/03/14/how-to-get-started-with-the-beaglebone/
March is Natural Materials Month
We’re continuing our materials-themed 2012 Skillbuilder coverage this month by highlighting materials that come more or less directly from the natural world. Most of us live surrounded by stuff that is separated from its raw ingredients by quite a bit of heavy industrial processing, and we may forget how rich a variety of ready-to-use materials nature really does present to us.
How-To: Square Up Stock on a Mill
If you’ve ever tried to cut an accurate cube, out of any material, you know that it’s a deceptively difficult proposition. This video gives a sense of what’s required to do it right: Quality tools, proper technique, and plenty of patience.
