1/87 is essentially HO scale, which is said to be the most popular scale for model rail stock in the world. For cars and even large trucks, as you can see, it’s pretty dang small. Which is what makes the level of detail achieved by renowned truck modeler Joe Enriquez on this, and his many other models in the same scale, so remarkable.
If you’ve ever wanted to experiment with aluminum anodizing but were put off by the conventional requirement for concentrated sulfuric acid, you will be very interested to read of Ken’s successes with an alternate process using the acidic sodium salt of sulfuric acid. This salt, sodium bisulfate (NaHSO4) is much safer to transport, handle, and dispose of than the strong acid, and appears to give anodizing results that are just as good or better.
Eye-Fi wireless memory cards improve the photo-taking experience. You no longer have to hassle with USB cables or fumble around with manually copying your images off an SD card because your images will be exactly where you want them, when you want them. Once you’ve configured your Eye-Fi card you’ll get that same frictionless experience you get from a smartphone, but with better quality photos and video since you’re using a real camera with a real lens.
Among MAKE readers, we’re nearly unanimous in agreeing that the rise of digital fabrication is a complete game-changer for crafters, hackers, and tinkerers of all stripes. Laser cutters, CNC mills, and 3D printers have altered the way we think about design, and raised the bar for quality and precision in our work. I’m a passionate adopter of these technologies, but am also wary of the cultural shift they represent as they become more ubiquitous.
Clever idea I first saw in a recent issue of The Family Handyman. The flat-folding “cone” style filters will be easier to handle. It’s similar to the Post-It note trick, but less likely to leak out the sides. See also, e.g., the coffee cup trick for catching debris while drilling overhead.
Scott Lowther’s models aren’t (generally) painted, because Scott Lowther’s models aren’t (generally) for display—they’re for casting molds to make kit-parts from. If you’ve ever been curious about this process, Scott’s site has a great selection of finished, in-process, and still-to-come master models he’s working—on contract or on “spec”—to turn into kits.
Ever wanted to brew your own beer? Have you tried and failed miserably? The Maker Shed’s new Brooklyn Brew Shop Beer Making Kits will have you brewing like a pro in no time. With this kit you will learn the true steps of brewing by making a grain mash, sparging, hopping, yeasting, fermenting, bottling, and then drinking your delicious homebrew.
