{"id":43259,"date":"2024-12-04T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-04T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/?p=43259"},"modified":"2024-12-03T14:48:18","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T21:48:18","slug":"gars-tips-tools-issue-190","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/gars-tips-tools-issue-190\/","title":{"rendered":"Gar&#8217;s Tips &#038; Tools &#8211; Issue #190"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Gar\u2019s Tips, Tools, and Shop Tales is published by Cool Tools Lab. To receive the newsletter a week early, sign up\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/garstips.substack.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">here.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Simple Shop Pencil Hack<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_21760\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hIyX_CJd3sA?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;modestbranding=0&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>TL;DR: Put a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/L0buMLD\">rare earth magnet<\/a>&nbsp;inside some&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/3NhkHw\">heat shrink tubing<\/a>&nbsp;on the eraser end of your shop pencils and stick them all over your machinery. Great idea! This could also work on other light marking, measuring, etc. tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Ten Uses for an Oscillating<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_19011\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/d-2KoFMdd_0?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;modestbranding=0&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In this&nbsp;<em>Essential Craftsman&nbsp;<\/em>video,&nbsp;<strong>Scott<\/strong>&nbsp;extols the virtues of oscillating multitools. He especially looks at uses that you may not have thought of. For instance, oscillators excel at removing tough adhesives like glue, caulk, and paint more efficiently than traditional scrapers or blades. Their precision makes them ideal for sanding in tight corners and intricate edges, where other tools might struggle. Oscillating tools also shine in cutting tasks, from removing grout to trimming door jambs (to accommodate flooring), and slicing through embedded nails or screws. For remodeling projects, they offer a clean, dust-minimal solution for drywall cutting and detailing tasks like trimming baseboards and cabinets. P.S.: I have this&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/PLXmi1y\">cordless DeWalt tool<\/a>&nbsp;and love it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Arduino for Artists<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_34382\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/scG6QN0DwRA?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;modestbranding=0&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.arduino.cc\/\">Arduino microcontroller<\/a>&nbsp;has proven to be a transformative tool for artists and other creative types looking to build interactivity, sensing, and movement into their projects. Designed specifically for non-engineers, the Arduino offers an affordable entry point to programmable, digital control with a $25 board and free software. In this DigiKey episode,&nbsp;<strong>Becky Stern<\/strong>&nbsp;runs through the ways in which Arduino can be used as an artist tool. She looks at beginner-friendly projects, like kinetic sculptures and interactive lighting, and explains Arduino\u2019s open-source ecosystem, which includes free resources, forums, and libraries to help you learn and innovate, and an active and helpful user community. She talks about how iteration and testing are essential\u2014prototyping and learning from failures are key to refining your ideas. Finally, she recommends joining maker spaces and online communities to connect with others, get help, share knowledge, and collaborate. If you have any interest in playing around with microcontrollers, but are not an engineer or programmer, Arduino is a great gateway product. Here\u2019s a decent and affordable&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/FLMIdS\">Arduino starter kit<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Custom Clothing Labels with Your Branding<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/ac1607fc-6272-4d79-b4bf-b6082a56d254_1568x1156-1024x755.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43264\" width=\"447\" height=\"329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/ac1607fc-6272-4d79-b4bf-b6082a56d254_1568x1156-1024x755.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/ac1607fc-6272-4d79-b4bf-b6082a56d254_1568x1156-300x221.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/ac1607fc-6272-4d79-b4bf-b6082a56d254_1568x1156-768x566.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/ac1607fc-6272-4d79-b4bf-b6082a56d254_1568x1156.jpeg 1456w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 447px) 100vw, 447px\" \/><figcaption>Van Neistat\u2019s \u201cSpirited Man\u201d logo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Watching a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/wytNokXkEXk?si=ntdrIZHzub5pjwfJ\">Van Neistat video<\/a>&nbsp;recently, I was tickled to discover that he covers the labels of his work clothing with his own custom \u201cSpirited Man\u201d label. I kind of hate prominent branding and for years used to use a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/5XOCk60\">seam ripper<\/a>&nbsp;to remove visible labels from my clothes. But custom-branding them is a fun, clever idea, too. And, with the holidays coming up, getting someone\u2019s logo on a label so they can customize their work clothes is a great gift idea. There are lots of custom label providers online. I haven\u2019t worked with any of them, but&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dutchlabelshop.com\/en_us\/\">this one<\/a>&nbsp;looks good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Best Hand Cleaner for the Shop<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_57217\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2Fh8ekPTkBI?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;modestbranding=0&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s another video from&nbsp;<strong>Scott<\/strong>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<em>Essential Craftsman<\/em>, this time testing different hand cleaners for the workshop (with a disturbing amount of grease on his hands). He looks at most of the products you\u2019re likely familiar with, from dish washing liquid to various flavors of Goop. In the end, he settles on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/4HZcmB\">Fast Orange<\/a>&nbsp;and good ol\u2019&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/MdHLlYP\">Tub o\u2019 Towels<\/a>&nbsp;(which we\u2019ve covered here before).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Free E-Book of Maker Projects<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/5c8f7a31-411d-48c8-8ff9-416d7e71c111_1480x1450-1024x1003.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43263\" width=\"442\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/5c8f7a31-411d-48c8-8ff9-416d7e71c111_1480x1450-1024x1003.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/5c8f7a31-411d-48c8-8ff9-416d7e71c111_1480x1450-300x294.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/5c8f7a31-411d-48c8-8ff9-416d7e71c111_1480x1450-768x752.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/5c8f7a31-411d-48c8-8ff9-416d7e71c111_1480x1450.jpeg 1456w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Via&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@MakerProjectLab\">Maker Update<\/a>&nbsp;comes word of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/makeityourself.org\/\">Make It Yourself<\/a>, an amazing, free, 220-page ebook collecting over 1000 DIY projects. The book is simply and beautifully designed with pages of black and white drawings for each project, hyperlinked to the projects themselves. Projects featured range from home and garden to recreation (cycling, skateboarding, camping, boardgames) to electronic and mechanical tools. This impressive collection of projects could keep you busy for a long time, just pursuing them, let alone making them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/17d3c287-3c1c-4e22-96d7-03b1f84a7eb9_1920x1440-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43262\" width=\"440\" height=\"330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/17d3c287-3c1c-4e22-96d7-03b1f84a7eb9_1920x1440-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/17d3c287-3c1c-4e22-96d7-03b1f84a7eb9_1920x1440-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/17d3c287-3c1c-4e22-96d7-03b1f84a7eb9_1920x1440-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/17d3c287-3c1c-4e22-96d7-03b1f84a7eb9_1920x1440.jpeg 1456w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px\" \/><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/www.printables.com\/model\/511673-sbox-for-mk234-double-cantilever-box\">3D printed cantilevered toolbox<\/a>&nbsp;by Michal Fanta.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Shop Talk<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Readers offer their feedback, tips, tales, and tool recommendations.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/518a8e6e-c378-42b7-bc9c-d2b08efb7b05_526x266.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43261\" width=\"427\" height=\"216\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/518a8e6e-c378-42b7-bc9c-d2b08efb7b05_526x266.jpeg 526w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/518a8e6e-c378-42b7-bc9c-d2b08efb7b05_526x266-300x152.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 427px) 100vw, 427px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>My online friend of many decades,&nbsp;<strong>Stefan Jones<\/strong>, sent me this message:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>As you know, I build model rockets. Sometimes, it takes me years to get around to building a model. Decades, even! I have some bought-at-auction models dating back to 1970. The water-slide decals included with many kits get dry and brittle over time. More often than not, they fall to pieces when dunked in water. I&#8217;ve found that spraying two or three coats of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/I8vJ\">&#8220;crystal clear&#8221; spray<\/a>&nbsp;on the decals, then letting them dry thoroughly, reduces the chance that they\u2019ll fall apart when placed in water. I managed to successfully use most of a sheet of 50-year-old decals using this technique!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Reader&nbsp;<strong>Tom Brock writes in<\/strong>:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Hello, hello \u2014 Long-time fan. Here\u2019s a good one:<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_57256\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1D7dmn0S1uY?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;modestbranding=0&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Do I paint, draw, or do anything similar? No, that\u2019s my wife. But if we\u2019re talking \u201cthings that hold things,\u201d then you have my undivided attention. I had a few&nbsp;<em>aha<\/em>&nbsp;moments here \u2014 external clipboard and plastic were definite great idea moments for me.&nbsp;This inspired me to work on a \u201ctemporary project box\u201d with one of my many leftover plastic tool cases. Thanks again for everything you do!&nbsp;<br><br>Wishing you plentiful gravy this week.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Plentiful gravy to you and yours, too, Tom, and to all my Gar\u2019s Tips &amp; Tools readers. You all inspire me and I\u2019m so grateful for the little maker community we\u2019re building through this newsletter. You all are a blessing. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/6d1da69c-23d3-4ef6-bffc-c253184e7920_640x427.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43260\" width=\"434\" height=\"290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/6d1da69c-23d3-4ef6-bffc-c253184e7920_640x427.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2024\/12\/6d1da69c-23d3-4ef6-bffc-c253184e7920_640x427-300x200.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Access to tools, techniques, and shop tales from the diverse worlds of DIY<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13684,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[2371],"tags":[2372],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43259"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13684"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43259"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43259\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43265,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43259\/revisions\/43265"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43259"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43259"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}