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BEAM Vibrobot

BEAM Vibrobot

BEAM robot building techniques allow you to build fun and simple little robots with lots of room for stylizing. BEAM vibrobots use pager motors to move. We’ll use what’s known as a “solar engine” (Type 1 “FLED” variety), store bought or scavanged pager motors, and some paperclips. Let the build begin! BEAM is a type […]

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BEAM Solar Chariots

BEAM Solar Chariots

BEAM robot building techniques allow you to build fun and simple little robots with lots of room for stylizing. BEAM robots can move anywhere from a fraction of an inch to a couple of feet, depending on how big their capacitors are. You can also use batteries. For these two projects, we’ll use what’s known […]

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Making Soap

Making Soap

Just where and when humans first observed the chemical reaction between oil and potash is unknown. Legend says it may have occurred in ancient Rome, on Sapo Hill, in an unusual scenario where a creek flowed over a deposit of wood ash and animal fats, created through many years of sacrificial fires and beasts incinerated […]

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Looking Glass

Looking Glass

Originally created to decorate magnificent churches, stained glass windows have been around for at least 1,000 years. In modern times the materials and techniques for making stained glass have become much more accessible, making it a perfect hobby for those who enjoy designing and building. Stained glass windows are perfect for adding a bit of […]

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Hypertufa Planter

Hypertufa Planter

The ultimate Zen garden accessory is the stone urn. Filled only with water and a few fallen leaves, it defines tranquility. Unfortunately, these stone beauties cost hundreds of dollars. Luckily, a concrete mix called “hypertufa” was developed that has the look of stone, specifically the volcanic rock called tufa. In England, farmers carved watering troughs […]

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Basic Stilts

Basic Stilts

By Molly Graber and Chris Merrick Have you ever dreamed of being really tall? Walking on stilts is a fun and adventurous sport. But where are you going to get a decent-priced pair of stilts to try for your first time? With these instructions, you can add as much height as you want and not […]

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