Tools

DiResta: Hatchet

DiResta: Hatchet

In each bi-monthly episode of DiResta (every other Wednesday at 2pm PT), artist and master builder Jimmy DiResta (Dirty Money, Hammered, Against the Grain, Trash for Cash) lets us into his workshop, to look over his shoulder while he builds whatever strikes his fancy. In this episode of DiResta, Jimmy has his way with an old hatchet and transforms it into a sweet little showpiece tool.

For supplies and materials lists, notebook sketches, and Jimmy’s Notes, check out this page on MAKE: http://blog.makezine.com/2012/12/12/diresta-hatchet/

Tool Review: QU-BD Silicone Heater

Tool Review: QU-BD Silicone Heater

QU-BD (pronounced “cubed”) is a recent startup that sells parts for 3D printers. They sent us a few of their silicone heaters to review. The heaters were designed for use in a heated build platform (which is required for warp-free ABS prints) and come in three different-sized square pads of 150 × 150mm, 200 × 200mm, and a giant 300 × 300mm. They are about 3mm thick and a 100k thermistor is built into each pad for measuring their temperatures. The build quality of the heaters is quite robust. The pads are made of a flexible fiberglass-reinforced silicone…

Tool Review: Rio Grande Swap-Jaw Pliers

Tool Review: Rio Grande Swap-Jaw Pliers

There’s nothing especially complex about these pliers from prominent jeweler-supply house Rio Grande: one jaw features a rounded bending mandrel about 5mm in diameter and 20mm long, and the other, a cupped steel band holding a nylon forming block with a matching V-shaped groove. The cool part is that the nylon block is removable and replaceable, so if you have access to a 3D printer, you can print your own custom jaw inserts and mount them in place using small wood screws.

Toolsday Hangout on Air, Live and Online 2pm PST/5pm EST

Toolsday Hangout on Air, Live and Online 2pm PST/5pm EST

It’s Toolsday here at MAKE, so you know what means – a live Google+ hangout where we will be discussing our favorite tools and workspace essentials. Tune at 2pm PST/5pm EST on the +MAKE page, or if you’re busy you can catch the broadcast on the MAKE YouTube page. The main topic of today’s hangout will be dream tools. If money was no object, what tool(s) would you buy? Join in the discussion by leaving your questions, comments, and opinions on MAKE’s G+ page.