Gareth's Tips, Tools, and Shop Tales - Issue #10
Holding Large Objects with Helping Hands
Becky Stern on Instagram: When a component is too large to hold with your helping third hand tool, such as in the case with this large switch, use a rubber band to hold it in place while soldering.⠀
This particular switch is a part of my DIY solar-charging backup battery project; search @instructables for "solar usb charger" to find the tutorial.⠀
Comparing Finger Ratchets
I was so happy to see that my friend and fellow former Make: alum, Sean Ragan, has started doing tool reviews on the Cool Tools channel (joining Donald Bell). For Sean's first video, he takes a look at four different designs for finger ratchets. Tl;dr: He ultimately recommends the AMPRO T19086 1/4-Inch Drive Finger Ratchet and Bit Driver Aluminum and the S&K 45172 Thumbwheel Ratchet (if you also want a 3/8" driver).
Laser-Etching Unusual Materials
This piece in the latest issue of HackSpace outlines (and links to) five projects involving laser-etching on slate, glass, steel, wood, and... chocolate?
Thumbnail and Storyboard Templates
Designer, maker, and author, Sophy Wong, laser-cut these templates on her Glowforge so that she could quickly create thumbnail and storyboard pages in her design notebook.
Jeremy Fielding on Shop Organizing
YouTube maker, Jeremy Fielding, recently moved and is setting up his new workshop. In this video, he shares his shop design thoughts and shows how he's laying things out. Some great ideas here, like hanging all of your ear and eye protection right by the door so that visitors to the shop can grab them as they enter.
Life Hacks: Applying Bug Repellent to Your Face
I was reminded of this smarter method of applying bug juice to your face via Beau of the Aquachigger YouTube metal-detecting channel. Spray the repellent on the back of your hand and then apply it to your face; cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. This way, you avoid getting it in your eyes, up your nose, and you keep your hands clean(er).
TOYS!
After years of wanting one, I finally broke down and bought myself a set of iGaging OriginCal digital calipers. I am currently writing a piece for HackSpace on how to use digital calps and my research verified that, pound for pound, these are the best set you can get for the money (under $40 on Amazon). Besides being a fantastic set of high-precision calipers, they use the common CR2032 batteries (and even come with an extra) and they have a data port so that you can connect the device to your computer and port measurements directly into CAD programs.
Must-See Maker TV: Primitive Technology
Closing in on 10 million viewers on YouTube, Primitive Technology, is likely something you already have on your radar. If not? You're welcome. This has been one of my favorite YT channels for years. It is absolutely fascinating to watch a guy, with nothing to his name but a pair of cargo shorts, tame a wilderness and build dwellings, make pottery, forage for food, and plant gardens. Sure, he's only a weekend warrior; this is a hobby, but it's still impressive and educational. And given the shaky state of the world, this stone-age bush crafting might come in handy some day.