Gar's Tips & Tools - Issue #180

Weekly-ish (ish) access to tools, techniques, and shop tales from the worlds of DIY

Jul 09, 2024

In the early hours of the 21st century, I noticed something interesting. I was losing my ability to write longhand. I was exclusively using a keyboard and my handwriting was suffering as a result. In high school, I’d taken a mechanical drawing class with dreams of becoming an architect, engineer, graphic designer, or similar creative field, and I’d begun practicing an attractive technically inspired print writing style. That was all gone by the 21st century. I could barely write out my own name without making a mess. I could no longer read my own words and was struggling to form the letters. I decided to get a pack of Moleskine Cahiers pocket notebooks and write out all of my daily notes, ideas, sketches, writing research, etc. by hand. I’ve never looked back. Some 20 years on, I’m never without a notebook and a Varsity fountain pen in my pocket. I can’t say my handsome writing style has come back, but then, I haven’t really tried. I do love looking back on several dozen years of notebooks, seeing my thought process in, say 2012. Now, I’d love to get back to regularly drawing/sketching, another analog muscle that has long atrophied.

Designing a USB-C-based Breadboard Power Supply

I love this little USB-C-based breadboard power supply that Zach of Digi-Key's Byte-Sized Engineer created. This is an update and improvement over an earlier breadboard power supply he built. This one uses a CYPD3177-24LQXQT power management IC, a custom-designed PCB, USB-C power, and a custom 2-color 3DP enclosure. Zach can select voltages between 3.3V, 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V on both rails of the board. By the time the project is over, he already has changes he wants to make on the next iteration. But as he points out, you need a version 1 to know what changes you want to make on version 2.

Refreshing Bit Driver Magnets

You don’t even have to watch the video to get the gist of this little repair job. If the magnets inside your bit holders get weak, you can add a new rare earth magnet with superglue, and your driver is good as new.

Getting Started in Non-Welding Metalwork

If you’ve ever flirted with the idea of getting into metalwork without having to know welding, this fantastic 38-minute video is a must-watch. In it, seasoned maker, YouTuber, and humorist, Wesley Treat takes you through the essentials of metalworking with aluminum—no welding required. He starts by poking fun at the competitive nature of welders, then quickly gets into the nitty-gritty of tools and techniques. You'll learn how to cut aluminum using a variety of tools, from electric shears to jigsaws, each explained with tons of practical tips along the way. Deburring to remove rough edges and bending methods using everything from hand seamers to full-sized metal bending brakes are covered in detail. Drilling and fastening techniques, including the use of rivets and screws, are also discussed, providing a surprisingly comprehensive guide to working with aluminum. Wesley also shares valuable advice on sourcing materials and adding finishing touches to ensure your projects look professional. Along the way he also shares his favorite, like the DeWalt 20V Max XR jigsaw, the Harbor Fright horizontal bandsaw, and the Klein Tools Notcher. This vid is packed with insights and practical advice, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced makers looking to expand their skills.

Cleaning with Tub ‘o Towels

I’ve heard praises for Tub ‘o Towels before, the heavy-duty shop cleaning wipes. In this video, The Tool Bandit extols their virtues in cleaning up greasy, dirty tool handles.

Maker’s Muse

What’s that humming? Does anyone hear a hum?

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Thanks to all those who have already subscribed. You are the Kapton tape on my 3D print bed.