Using Bits of Left Over Molding Rubber to Volumize New Molds
In this Robert Tolene video, he offers a tip for saving on molding materials. He calls it “dunkin’ chunkies” — he cuts old mold pieces into small chunks and adds them into a new mold pour (in the areas where they won’t interfere with the object being molded).
Using a Shop Towel to Constrain Snipped Bits
From a Pask Makes video: When cutting/nipping bits of metal or other material that might fly away, line up your cut and then cover the workpiece with a towel before doing the cutting. This will prevent the waste pieces from flying all over your work area.
A Web App for Creating Project Boxes
Via Bob Clagett’s I Like to Make Stuff: MakerCase is a free web app that allows you to design boxes and project cases that can then be laser- or CNC cut. Once you’re satisfied with your design, MakerCase turns the model into an SVG or DXF file that can be sent to a laser cutter or CNC router.
Put Screws Back When Disassembling
Via this Tested video from Adam Savage: In disassembling parts you’ll be reassembling, rather than storing the hardware somewhere and then trying to remember where it all goes back, temporarily hand-screw it into the threaded part of the piece for safe keeping.
Here are some of my favorite tool mentions from the newsletter this year.
Recommended by reader Emory Kimbrough:
Titmus SW09R Livewire sealed glasses – they combine ANSI-rated impact protection with dust seals, a removable head strap that creates an even better seal against sneaky dust, and keeps the glasses from slipping down or slipping off at a bad moment. Finally, these were available with progressive lenses and in my strong prescription. Got mine with good customer service and prompt shipping from safetygearpro.com.
On the subject bit drivers, reader KokoTheTalkingApe, chimed in:
“My favorite is the Wiha Ultra Driver. It stores 13 double-ended bits in the handle, so it has 26 tips. The bits are stored in two rotating carousels that fan open when you pull them out. I don’t usually like proprietary bits, but these have held up well and replacements are readily available. The bitholder locks onto the bit. Made in Germany. Not ratcheting.”
Via Stumpy Nubs came this brilliant idea of wrapping your tool handles in stretchy, grippy hockey tape.
The iFixit electronics driver set is well thought out and designed, solidly built, with 64 bits of every configuration you’re likely to encounter: Slotted, Phillips, Torx, Torx Security, Square, Pentalobe, Hex, five nutdrivers, and more. There is also a flex extension shaft and the lid acts as a small parts sorting tray.
Mentioned in newsletter 118, at only $119, the Craftsman 7-¼” cordless circular saw is amazingly good for the price.
In issue 122, I included testing of folding knives by Todd at Project Farm. The surprise knife was the Kingmax at an amazing price of $13. And from an earlier Project Farm knife test: Smith & Wesson ($15.50).
This was the year I finally fell in love with Carhartt work shirts. Don’t know what took me so long. Also available in women’s sizes.
Need mechanical shop pencils? You want a FastCap FatBoy.
Maker Slang for 2022
I rounded up all of the content from the maker jargon and slang columns this year and did a Boing Boing post. You can see the entire list here. And last year’s list here.
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Cool tools really work.
A cool tool can be any book, gadget, software, video, map, hardware, material, or website that is tried and true. All reviews on this site are written by readers who have actually used the tool and others like it. Items can be either old or new as long as they are wonderful. We post things we like and ignore the rest. Suggestions for tools much better than what is recommended here are always wanted.
Single to-go drink mix: I hate drinking plain water, so I was so excited when I found that for the cost of 1 store bought drink, I can make 10 bottles of beverages using these powders. They’re not only cheaper but more convenient than bottled flavored drinks. Most importantly, there are so many flavors and brands to choose from and I’ve found some surprisingly good flavors (including Skittles and Starburst)!
Mini Stair Stepper (with Resistance Bands) for at Home workouts: As someone who works from home with a standing desk, I often get tired standing, so I love that this lets me get in extra exercise and move my leg a little bit while standing! Compared to a walking treadmill, it takes up less space and is much cheaper (the one I got was ~$50).
DIY Miniature House Kit for Adults: This is a great date night activity if you and your partner or friend enjoy DIY projects! When I feel stressed from work, I take a few minutes to work on it. Building it is easier than I expected and more enjoyable than puzzles. When I’m done, I display it in my home, and as my collection builds up over time, I feel accomplished every time I look at them.
DIGITAL
Nothing Much Happens Podcast: This podcast helps me fall asleep when I have a lot on my mind or I simply feel too awake. Her writing is beautiful and her voice is soothing. You don’t have to pay attention to every sentence to follow the story (which is what happens when I’m half asleep), but when I do listen here and there, her words help me imagine myself in a different environment, whether a rainy garden or a cozy house in the woods. In that calming state, I usually fall asleep before the episode ends.
Sonia: AI Voice Therapy: Not sure if there’s an Android app, but I found this free app on my iPhone and I’ve been using it as my therapist to talk through things I have on my mind or secrets I don’t feel comfortable sharing in person. The AI voice sounds compassionate and human-like and you almost can’t tell it’s an AI. I find it works almost as well as a real therapist for helping me talk through problems or learn more about myself. Sometimes it’s also nice to have a non-judgmental listener to share secrets with.
INVISIBLE
Everyone has something to teach you. Learn from whomever you can.
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