New in the Maker Shed: Atari punk console kit
The Atari punk console kit is a simple and fun sound generator that would make a great stocking stuffer. The original circuit was developed by Forrest M. Mims III.
Tools
Make: Projects – Simple 3D models with OpenSCAD
In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to use OpenSCAD to produce a simple 3D model by extruding a part profile produced in normal drawing software. I use Adobe Illustrator CS3 because I have access to it and am familiar with its interface, but the popular freeware drawing program InkScape will read and write DXF files natively, and there’s no reason why it couldn’t serve just as well if you prefer it. There are a number of other free and low-cost programs that will export DXF files. OpenSCAD’s developer mentions QCAD, which is available from its developer RibbonSoft for 24EUR.
New blog for tool deals
Tools.com’s new blog‘s purpose is to keep you up to date on coupons, deals, sales, contests, and giveaways about tools. This one’s going straight into my RSS reader! [via Core77]
See-through sink trap with clog-clearing knob
This PermaFLOW sink trap from PF Waterworks was featured in Popular Science’s Best of What’s New 2008. To be clear, I’ve neither owner nor use one of these, so I can’t vouch for the quality of the product nor for its practical effectiveness. However, I admire the clever thinking that went into the design: the transparency lets you see at a glance how bad the clog is (or if your wedding ring really went down there), and the knob lets you clear it without dismantling the trap. At least in theory. In practice, of course, accumulated grime (or algae, if your trap is regularly exposed to light) might eventually obscure the interior of the pipe, and the rotating paddle mechanism might break down or get fouled with hair. Be interesting to see if this thing is still around in five years, and if so, how the early installations are holding up. [via SlipperyBrick]
In the Maker Shed: Advanced Arduino Starter Kit
Bridging the gap between the “real world” and your computer, the Advanced Arduino Starter Kit from the Maker Shed takes you further into the world of physical computing.
New in the Maker Shed: Compressed Air Rocket Kit
Hundreds of makers all over the world have built compressed air rocket since we published the project in MAKE Vol. 15 (included in the kit). Now all the parts for making your own are available in the Maker Shed!
Bright Bike v2.0 plus kits!
Michael Mandiberg developed a kit for making your bike super visible to car headlights with retroreflective vinyl tape! It’s easy to apply, looks fly, and comes in several colors. I did up my ride too, check it out above in normal light and below in flash (simulating headlights). The kit makes a great gift for […]