Saturday, June 22, 2013

How to remove laser cut parts without removing the rest of the acrylic

IMG_4047.JPGSay you have a laser cutter and want to use an entire sheet of acrylic, say 24 x 18 inches like is capable on the Epilog Helix 24 60-watt laser cutters we have available at Tech Shop in Detroit, Michigan.  If you are cutting some initial test pieces and don't want to remove the entire sheet of acrylic (removal would throw off the alignment of the laser and subsequent parts wouldn't quite match up perfectly) then you can use this quick and easy method to remove parts from the master acrylic sheet.  This method is super easy and utilizes parts and equipment that should be on hand at every Tech Shop location. IMG_4039.JPGRoll a wet/dry vac over to the laser-cutter area, and acquire a single coffee filter and some tape (I used painter's tape that I had on hand).  Put the coffee filter over the mouth of the vacuum attachment, and tape securely in place.    

View the original article here

Toothbrush Subscriptions Sends You Fresh Toothbrushes on a Schedule

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Water Rocket Release Mechanism

Water rockets are loads of fun to experiment with.
The following instructable shows the construction and use of a zip tie based release mechanism.

Materials needed:

Length of fluorescent tube protector (source TAP plastics)

Zip ties, enough for the circumference of the launcher

Duct tape

The photos should make the construction steps clear.

This is my first instructable. All work creating this instructable was done on my Android device.


View the original article here

Coconut Shell Jewelry Box

You'll need:

1) Coconut shell (cut into 2 pieces),
2) Silicon carbide paper (aka, sand paper)
3) Drill machine or anything to make small holes on the shell,
4) Hinges,
5) Lock system (in this case, hasp and staple's the best)
6) Screws and screw driver,
7) Varnish and 1 inch paint brush,
8) Small padlock.

(I couldn't gather all the materials at the same time, so couldn't take a picture of them together) 


View the original article here

Classic 1950s Toy Glider- The Flicka

IMG_6240.jpgFor our Technologies class we have to build gliders to demonstrate aerodynamic lift. The glider our teacher decided to teach us to make is the Keil Kraft Flicka, a model from the late 50s. It is a simple, light and tough glider that can take lots of abuse and still fly far.

If you like this project please vote for me in the Vintage Contest.

razor_saw.jpg- Razor saw (or a craft knife, but I really recommend a razor saw)
- 18" x 3" x 3/16" balsa sheet
- 9.5" x 3.5" x 3/32" balsa sheet
- Drill
- Sandpaper
- 15" x 1" x 1/4" softwood
- 1/4" thick masking tape
- A metal rod around 5/16"
- File
- Epoxy
- An iron
- Coping saw or band saw
- Appropriate safety equipment

View the original article here

WWII Military Mess Tray Planter

In honor of Memorial Day and all the men & women who have sacrificed their lives for our country, I have created a planter using an authentic WWII military mess tray. I picked the trays up at an Antique fair in Alameda, CA., which irionacally is on old Naval Base. These tray's were used in the 40's either by the Army or Navy. 

Tools: 

Drill

Metal Drill Bit

2 Mess Tray's - authentic ones are available on eBay. Reproduction's are available on Amazon. 

Assorted Succulents & Cactus

Assorted Grasses, Moss & Thyme

Sharpie

Safety Goggles

Funnel

Sand 

Pebbles

WWII Military Mess Tray Planter: 

To create the planter, mark each section of the tray with a Sharpie to indicate where you want the drain holes. Next, take the tray outside and place it in the dirt. Use a drill to drill holes where you have marked the tray. These holes will allow for proper drainage. These are made of really heavy duty stainless steel and it took a lot of man (women) power to drill the holes. I had to use my feet and step on the tray to drill some of the holes.

After you have drilled the holes, place the second tray underneath the one with the drilled holes. Remove the succulents and place them into each section of the mess tray as desired. Make sure you use cactus soil or an all purpose soil. You don't have much room to place the plants so you need to make sure you press down on the soil to secure the succulents. I decided to use some grasses that require shade. Unlike succulents that can withstand full sun, these grasses will start to deteriorate after a while. Eventually, you will need to switch them out. 

I recommend putting the pebbles on last and I used a funnel to pour the sand on top of the succulents & cacti that have soil underneath. 

This is a great way to put these pieces of history to use. 


View the original article here