{"id":44967,"date":"2025-10-10T13:56:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T20:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/?p=44967"},"modified":"2025-10-09T13:59:17","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T20:59:17","slug":"gars-tips-tools-issue-205","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/gars-tips-tools-issue-205\/","title":{"rendered":"Gar&#8217;s Tips &#038; Tools &#8211; Issue #205"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1><strong>Building Your Own Desktop Spray Booth<\/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_40279\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/klM12WVu4FI?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>I have long flirted with the idea of making my own tabletop spray booth. In this episode of&nbsp;<em>Steady Craftin<\/em>, everyone\u2019s favorite puppet crafter,&nbsp;<strong>The Crafsman,<\/strong>&nbsp;shows how he built a pretty swanky booth on the cheap \u2014 at least most of it was cheap. He started with a simple&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/FFdOt\">storage tote<\/a>, a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/wDO9al\">furnace filter<\/a>, and an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/iDZsti\">under-cabinet light<\/a>. He finished it off with a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/pjrkm\">$180 Mounto fan<\/a>. You can probably get away with something less expensive, but never use a brushed box fan for something like this. The beauty of using a fan like the Mounto is that it is guaranteed explosion-proof. Sparks are not your friend here, so you want to make sure you use a brushless-motor. I\u2019ve seen a number of small booth projects using HVAC inline duct fans (available for around $30).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>TOYS! El Cheapo Cordless Rotary Tool<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!_p47!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc8bbd94a-0db5-4d98-ba35-5bd6c71d6efc_1386x1500.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!_p47!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc8bbd94a-0db5-4d98-ba35-5bd6c71d6efc_1386x1500.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"517\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>When I saw&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/lB7a\">this rotary tool<\/a>&nbsp;on Amazon for a mere seventeen bones, I knew I couldn\u2019t resist. The reviews were decent and\u2026 well\u2026 $17! At first, I was disappointed. It doesn\u2019t have a lot of torque, and it binds easily and shuts off. It is definitely not a replacement for my corded rotary tools. But now that I\u2019ve learned its limitations and eccentricities, I love having it on my hobby bench. For small (especially plastic) sanding and shaping jobs, light cutting, drilling through softer plastics, it\u2019s great. Did I mention $17?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Carpenter\u2019s Pencil Pro Tips<\/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_60597\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vd9UpxLInes?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>You probably already know some of the benefits of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/Ct4ngPr\">carpenter pencils<\/a>&nbsp;(they\u2019re flat so they don\u2019t roll, they\u2019re about 1\/4\u201d so you can use them as a crude ruler, they make a convenient spacer for deck boards, etc.). But&nbsp;<strong>Scott<\/strong>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<em>Essential Craftsman<\/em>&nbsp;is always droppin\u2019 the science, digging deeper on tricks of the trade. Here, he runs through different methods for sharpening the graphite for different marking use, how to use them for measuring, marking, scribing, and more. You always learn something in one of Scott\u2019s videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Understanding Benchtop Power Supplies<\/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_68296\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/h0JI9N2YI0Y?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&nbsp;<strong>Becky Stern<\/strong>\u2019s latest video for DigiKey, she offers a clear, beginner\u2019s guide to benchtop power supplies. These adjustable DC power units let you dial in the exact voltages and current for your circuit projects. Unlike batteries or wall adapters, they provide precision, built-in protection, and flexibility that make them indispensable for prototyping, debugging, and testing, and all serious benchtop electronics work. Becky explains key features (digital displays, coarse and fine adjustments, constant voltage vs. constant current modes), demonstrates practical uses like measuring current draw to size batteries, reviving rechargeable cells, and simulating weak power conditions, and offers tips for safe operation: set current limits first, double-check polarity, and start low and slow. She also points out what to look for when shopping for a supply, such as low ripple and noise for clean, reliable power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>The Uncommon Pleasures of Battery Rolling<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s the little things. Like squeezing every last bit o\u2019 juice from two measly AAA batteries. I don\u2019t know about you, but I get a surprising kick out twisting the batteries in my remote control to keep them going for as long as possible. Infrared remotes don\u2019t need a lot of juice, so battery rolling (or switching the batts around in the bay) can often keep them in service longer. We\u2019ve had the same AAA batteries in our Samsung TV remote for years and I\u2019ve become somewhat obsessed with seeing how long I can extend their life. Rolling batteries helps redistribute the electrolyte in them, giving you a short-lived boost. Switching them around can sometimes get more juice out of the weaker one(s). OK, so all a little silly for something that\u2019s a couple o\u2019 bucks for two, but as I said\u2026 the little things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Shop Talk<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tips &amp; Tools readers join in the conversation<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!t-ns!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4365c2fb-28ef-422a-9a51-92957a8287d7_3072x4080.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!t-ns!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4365c2fb-28ef-422a-9a51-92957a8287d7_3072x4080.jpeg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve recommended&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/K46jD4V\">these inexpensive 20w LED shop lights<\/a>&nbsp;a number of times over the years and I\u2019m always thrilled when I get email (with pics) from readers who buy them and are as impressed as I am. You get six 4\u2019, 2200lm, 6500K Super Bright White fixtures that can be daisy chained (up to 8 fixtures) for $43 \u2014 that\u2019s just over $7 each! A few weeks ago, I got an email from my old pal&nbsp;<strong>Steven Roberts<\/strong>&nbsp;(the venerable&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/microship.com\/\">high-tech nomad<\/a>). He\u2019s installed them in his mobile shop and is loving them. Looking good, Steve! Love your organization system, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Consider a Paid Subscription<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Gar\u2019s Tips &amp; Tools<\/em>&nbsp;is free. But if you&nbsp;<em>really<\/em>&nbsp;like what I\u2019m throwing down and want to support it, please consider a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/garstipsandtools.com\/subscribe\">paid subscription<\/a>. Same great taste, more cheddar to help keep me in tattoo wash bottles. Plus, I\u2019ll occasionally pick paid subscribers at random and send them little treats, tools, or tip-related treasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your support keeps this whole Rube Goldberg contraption lovingly cobbled together and running\u2026smoothly (enough). Thank you!<br><br>Special thanks to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/garstipsandtools.com\/subscribe\">Hero of the Realm<\/a>&nbsp;members:&nbsp;<strong>Jim Coraci, Donobster<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Peter Sugarman<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>Will Phillips<\/strong>&nbsp;for your generous support.<\/p>\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\/44967"}],"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=44967"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44967\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44968,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44967\/revisions\/44968"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44967"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44967"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44967"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}