DIY Yarn Ball Winder
Why buy a center-pull yarn ball winder when you can make your own? It may not be the most glamorous-looking contraption, but using tools you made yourself is distinctly satisfying.
Tools
In the Maker Shed: Gakken SX-150
The Gakken SX-150 has always been a really popular kit in the Maker Shed. We have posted a lot of projects that involve hacking and modifying of the SX-150. We’ve see Arduino controlled versions, fooling around with plasma, incredible analog cassette hacks, button mods, and more! Collin did a really nice video review too! Did you hack and mod your SX-150? Are you planning on it? Let us know in the comments. Thanks!
Impressive laser-cut wooden Mars rover model
Back in April I blogged about the plans and kits for this and other elaborate laser-cut wooden models available from WoodMarvels.com. At the time, I snarked a bit about how all the images on their website are actually CG renderings, implying that, with models that complicated, it’d be nice to have some reassurance that somebody, somewhere, had put together a real physical version in the real physical world before giving up the green. Well, MAKE pal and dynamite CNC contractor Angus Hines sprung for a set of plans, cut the parts on his own equipment, and took these cool photos of the assembled model on red clay to suggest the Martian surface. [Thanks, Angus!]
Christmas tree lights for camping
I love this idea, from Cool Tools. I’m a big fan of Christmas lights anyway (we keep a set up in our living room all year round and fire ’em up whenever we’re feeling particularly festive). Here’s an idea for taking them camping, as an alternative light source. I have discovered that these battery-powered LED […]
Roman Multitool from 3rd Century CE
I see a knife, a fork, and a spoon. Plus some other implements about which I don’t really care to speculate. No flash drive, though. More deets over at The Fitzwilliam Museum. [via Neatorama]
DIY casting silicone from caulk, pourable version
Our post from three weeks back about Instructables user mikey77’s “Oogoo” formulation generated some really great discussions in the comments. Now, reader Iceman086 has reported some successful experiments combining caulk, cornstarch and a solvent to make homebrew silicone with a pourable consistency. Perhaps we can call it “Ooze-oo?”
Make: Electronics Deluxe Toolkit from the Maker Shed
Do you want to learn the fundamentals of electronics in a fun and experiential way? Not sure where to start, or what tools you might need? We have taken care of all the questions with our Make: Electronics Deluxe Toolkit from the Maker Shed. Bonus! Add our Make: Electronics book for only $10 more! Just […]