The Do-it-Yourself Thread: A Home for Handymen and Artisans - General

[QUOTE=fox '09;41303707]wouldn't a little DC-DC converter be better for USB charging? I mean, like a switching converter or something.[/QUOTE] Yes. [url]http://dx.com/p/dc-4-40v-to-dc-1-5-35v-voltage-step-down-transformer-126108[/url] [url]http://dx.com/p/dc-7-24v-to-dc-5v-voltage-step-down-transformer-module-144860[/url] [url]http://dx.com/p/dc-5-36v-to-dc-1-5-32v-converter-step-down-power-module-142531[/url] [url]http://dx.com/p/mini-dc-4-40v-to-dc-1-5-35v-voltage-step-down-transformer-module-142488[/url] [url]http://dx.com/p/dc-dc-step-down-cc-cv-adjust-constant-current-voltage-power-supply-module-152998[/url] [url]http://dx.com/p/adjustable-dc-12v-to-dc-5v-voltage-step-down-transformer-module-yellow-black-149110[/url] Just some of the ones DX has for sale. Pick one. Also comes in step up and auto step up-step down. [editline]4th July 2013[/editline] [QUOTE=Kilr;41305320]I think I should look into that... Anyways, me and my brother built a shelf to (better) organize and provide space for the electronics in our room. A day's work, we cut the wood and got as far as these pictures. [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/Ujaw6t0.jpg[/thumb] [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/zty4ZR2.jpg[/thumb] [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/pjRsRdB.jpg[/thumb] [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/aEAaB86.jpg[/thumb] Where we ended the next day, just some more assembly. You can also see the crap computer I resurrected solely for the purpose of putting my Google Sketchup model on, since I had all the plans laid out in it. [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/XBdxOfb.jpg[/thumb] [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/R4El4pE.jpg[/thumb] I think these were another two day's work? [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/jsXzPX2.jpg[/thumb] [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/ptgURe4.jpg[/thumb] Last day of building. [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/PeK1h06.jpg[/thumb] [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/N1vAeBS.jpg[/thumb] [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/3ks0jRF.jpg[/thumb] [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/anC5iG7.jpg[/thumb] This is what it looks like in our room. It's almost too big for where it is. It's 27.5"x27.5"x58" (LxWxH). The other shelf in the first picture is what the new one is replacing, something else me and my brother built some time ago. [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/8fSvJBm.jpg[/thumb] [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/u3IAmzD.jpg[/thumb] [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/ezuy0KQ.jpg[/thumb] I had meant to fully document the build but I was a little annoyed the first day when I realized just how long the build was going to take, so I forgot to do it. I also want some opinions on whether that surround speaker is too close to the computer. It's an unshielded speaker and it's only about 3 inches from the top of the computer. This is what the old setup looked like about a year ago. (That subwoofer was only there temporarily.) [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/KagDS8p.jpg[/thumb] [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/5lV88LW.jpg[/thumb] [thumb]http://i.imgur.com/kC3Zg49.jpg[/thumb] Quite an improvement.[/QUOTE] That's a really nicely built shelf but IMO a bit over engineered. [img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/59112523/2013-06-25%2017.16.53.jpg[/img] I built this one for my room a couple of weeks ago, just two "ladders" of 45x45mm provide the vertical support then the shelves are 6mm MDF reinforced by some 25x38mm, all put together with screws. If I where to build a second one I could probably put it together in a couple of hours and it could be painted to improve the looks. I really like the way you did the shelf mounting though, looks really sturdy.

[QUOTE=chipset;41310525]Yes. [url]http://dx.com/p/dc-4-40v-to-dc-1-5-35v-voltage-step-down-transformer-126108[/url] [url]http://dx.com/p/dc-7-24v-to-dc-5v-voltage-step-down-transformer-module-144860[/url] [url]http://dx.com/p/dc-5-36v-to-dc-1-5-32v-converter-step-down-power-module-142531[/url] [url]http://dx.com/p/mini-dc-4-40v-to-dc-1-5-35v-voltage-step-down-transformer-module-142488[/url] [url]http://dx.com/p/dc-dc-step-down-cc-cv-adjust-constant-current-voltage-power-supply-module-152998[/url] [url]http://dx.com/p/adjustable-dc-12v-to-dc-5v-voltage-step-down-transformer-module-yellow-black-149110[/url] Just some of the ones DX has for sale. Pick one. Also comes in step up and auto step up-step down. [editline]4th July 2013[/editline] That's a really nicely built shelf but IMO a bit over engineered. [img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/59112523/2013-06-25%2017.16.53.jpg[/img] I built this one for my room a couple of weeks ago, just two "ladders" of 45x45mm provide the vertical support then the shelves are 6mm MDF reinforced by some 25x38mm, all put together with screws. If I where to build a second one I could probably put it together in a couple of hours and it could be painted to improve the looks. I really like the way you did the shelf mounting though, looks really sturdy.[/QUOTE] Please don't quote the entire post... I had to scroll down for at least ten seconds to reach the bottom of the post. You're killing my sanity, man...

So I have this ugly piano bench, it's covered in layers of stained laminate wood. I needed something to match my white desk so I peeled off the laminate and was excited to find some nice birch wood. I wanted a dresser to match, so I fixed up an old one I had in my basement. I don't have an entire before picture of it, but I have a picture of one of the drawers. I'm pretty happy with the end result. Sorry for shitty cell phone pictures. [img]http://i.imgur.com/u1Lq5xF.jpg[/img] [t]http://i.imgur.com/qoFi1we.jpg[/t] [t]http://i.imgur.com/qc68NXp.jpg[/t] [t]http://i.imgur.com/HXnLlym.jpg[/t]

My first time doing something like this, I'd like to apologize up front for my amateurishness and shitty camera, couldn't get it to focus on black for anything! I created a panel for video game controllers on a new pc I was building, Playstation 1/2 and game cube ports! I started out with these: [IMG_THUMB]http://filesmelt.com/dl/parts1.JPG[/IMG_THUMB] [URL]http://www.amazon.com/GC-Controller-Adapter-PC/dp/B0089NVTDM[/URL] [URL]http://www.amazon.com/Playstation-Controller-Adapter-Lifetime-Warranty-2/dp/B000F6BGXY/ref=sr_1_2?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1373265790&sr=1-2&keywords=playstation+usb+adapter[/URL] Ground rough holes for the parts, worked the edges off the bulky game cube adapter for better flexibility. Busy picture here: [IMG_THUMB]http://filesmelt.com/dl/parts2.JPG[/IMG_THUMB] Firstly I took off the original usb plugs, found the right size plug laying around for a usb header, ran thicker cables for the power because rumble support! Then I de-soldered one of the playstation ports, and re-attached it with wires so I could glue them flush. Glued the gamecube box to the panel, then the PS adapters to the gamecube box: [IMG_THUMB]http://filesmelt.com/dl/parts3.JPG[/IMG_THUMB] Here is what it looks like plugged on the inside: (middle cord with orange strapped to it) [IMG_THUMB]http://filesmelt.com/dl/right.JPG[/IMG_THUMB] Also the best finished picture I could pull from the camera, not sure what the white is, can't see it without a camera flash... [IMG_THUMB]http://filesmelt.com/dl/closed21.jpg[/IMG_THUMB] I know the finished picture looks bad but it looks fine in person I swear! Thanks for your time all. .

[t]http://i.cubeupload.com/nuqhH5.jpg[/t] I got this for a dollar, I'm planning on turning it into either a banjo or a 6-string guitar. I finished my acoustic bass last month, the oil can should be a nice small project to work on this summer. The banjo would be a lot easier and fun to play around with since I only play bass and guitar. The inside is still wet [and smells] with gasoline so I'm going to clean that out first. I chose a cheaper can with a simple design because I don't want to ruin a nicer can if the final product doesn't satisfy me. Also I'm in need of a new dresser, I was going to check out what IKEA has but does anyone have experience with their quality? I could build one with my dad's tools I suppose, I just need a good plan. [t]http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/peekaboodresser_gselect_gessato_gblog_02-580x580.jpg[/t] This caught my eye as inspiration, something that looks simple and convenient. I wouldn't make curved drawers though. My current dresser has 4 wide drawers so it's a bit of an unorganized mess, more drawers that are more square would be nicer to separate things. If I had money I'd commission Ajacks for a design :v:.

[QUOTE=Ninja Duck;41357387] Also I'm in need of a new dresser, I was going to check out what IKEA has but does anyone have experience with their quality?[/QUOTE] As far as I can tell it's all down to the builder. Some of it is plenty sturdy and lasts ages and some of it falls apart the minute you use it. cool idea with the gas can too btw. I would do a resonator guitar personally, those always come out cool whether it works well or not.

[QUOTE=Ninja Duck;41357387] Also I'm in need of a new dresser, I was going to check out what IKEA has but does anyone have experience with their quality? I could build one with my dad's tools I suppose, I just need a good plan. [/QUOTE] I've had ikea furniture in my room here at home for the best part of 10 years now and it's still as robust as when it was built. I can be a bit of a pain to put together and I had to modify some of it a shade to make it fit my room/do what I wanted, but I've had no problems with it aside from the old joke of you always have 1 screw too few/too many. That's regularly the case. Generally speaking I've found theirs to be the best quality flat pack furniture you can buy (obviously if you want something of real quality, you'd buy something not flat pack)

[img]http://puu.sh/3xUNv.jpg[/img] [img]http://puu.sh/3xUOE.jpg[/img] [img]http://puu.sh/3xUPl.jpg[/img] Needs more hooks for all my actual tools.

I've always wanted a pegboard full of tools, but I've got no use for them since I've got half a dozen tall rolling Craftsman tool boxes.

[QUOTE=Ninja Duck;41357387][t]http://i.cubeupload.com/nuqhH5.jpg[/t] I got this for a dollar, I'm planning on turning it into either a banjo or a 6-string guitar. I finished my acoustic bass last month, the oil can should be a nice small project to work on this summer. The banjo would be a lot easier and fun to play around with since I only play bass and guitar. The inside is still wet [and smells] with gasoline so I'm going to clean that out first. I chose a cheaper can with a simple design because I don't want to ruin a nicer can if the final product doesn't satisfy me. Also I'm in need of a new dresser, I was going to check out what IKEA has but does anyone have experience with their quality? I could build one with my dad's tools I suppose, I just need a good plan. [t]http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/peekaboodresser_gselect_gessato_gblog_02-580x580.jpg[/t] This caught my eye as inspiration, something that looks simple and convenient. I wouldn't make curved drawers though. My current dresser has 4 wide drawers so it's a bit of an unorganized mess, more drawers that are more square would be nicer to separate things. If I had money I'd commission Ajacks for a design :v:.[/QUOTE] A bottle of wood glue will go a long way into making IKEA furniture last. Just glue up the joints, and it'll be as sturdy as most normal furniture. (Furniture store quality, I mean... Am I the only one unimpressed by most of the offerings at furniture stores?)

Got a better picture outdooors, paint is still a little uneven, but you can't really tell unless outside or taking pictures: [IMG_THUMB]http://filesmelt.com/dl/closed.JPG[/IMG_THUMB] 100% functional and i am very happy with it! Also I moved the power LED's Behind the ports playstation, so any unevenness is hard to make out because your eyes adjust for the soft blue glow, [I]ooooooh![/I]

I am currently in the process of making my own monk's robe, and I'm doing it in the original Buddhist's way. It will cost me exactly nothing to make as I will be using discarded/unwanted cloth and thread. I will also acquire some leaves, wood, bark, flowers and fruit to dye it.

[QUOTE=MCCCXXXIII;41378371]I am currently in the process of making my own monk's robe, and I'm doing it in the original Buddhist's way. It will cost me exactly nothing to make as I will be using discarded/unwanted cloth and thread. I will also acquire some leaves, wood, bark, flowers and fruit to dye it.[/QUOTE] Someone from a botany class I took last year experimented with natural dyes and found that black walnut shells worked really well for an even color.

[QUOTE=imptastick;41384657]Someone from a botany class I took last year experimented with natural dyes and found that black walnut shells worked really well for an even color.[/QUOTE] Hmm... What do I remember from a short study on dyemaking in the first and second centuries A.D.? Wine makes an excellent burgundy, even the boxed stuff (Or, you know, you could use smashed grapes.) Red... Little harder, but if you're going for Buddhist-style robes, you're looking for an orange-red anyway, right? I'm thinking... Juniper, certain teas, but the Navajo use Prickly Pear Cactus. Realistically, you're looking for Munjeet. It's what the Nepalese use for their red and orange shades. It doesn't grow in the US, and you'd have a time importing it... Have you considered a solution of pulverized rose stems and flowers, light-brewed black tea, and some sort of cheap grain alcohol a la vodka? Just some ideas. I used to experiment with dyes for paper, in an earlier time.

I believe that everything can be fixed with either duct tape or glue. This time, only the first one was needed! [T]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/51088732/cam/20130710_024911.jpg[/T] Fully functional front ports for audio and USB!

I admit this in and of itself is completely useless, however I think it's an interesting proof of concept. The idea is to convert 120v AC to high voltage, then back to 120v, and then use it to run an appliance etc. For my test, I used Microwave oven transformers, all of different ratings. Not only do they have insanely poor regulation (i'll get to that later), they also in this case will not output 120v since they are of different ratings. Here's the "source". Two variacs feed this, one is used as a ballast. It can be used to raise the transmission voltage while keeping the low voltage output where it is desired. In the picture you can see two sets of power factor correction capacitors. Microwave transformers are very poorly regulated as I said, and so they will draw high current due to core saturation. This helps reduce that current, and under load it improves the power factor. I managed to improve it from 0.33 to 0.9. And if desired, I can correct it to almost 1. [url=http://postimage.org/][img]http://s24.postimg.org/dp8puhzn9/IMG_0083.jpg[/img][/url] Here's the output side. I'm running a 900W 120v toaster, which draws about 7 amperes. Because of poor regulation, the secondary side open circuit voltage is about 207v, which is far too high to run small loads. Under load the voltage varies. A variac is used on the source side to control this. [url=http://postimage.org/][img]http://s24.postimg.org/oz1fpg4ol/IMG_0089.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://postimage.org/][img]http://s24.postimg.org/q55fo8sz9/IMG_0090.jpg[/img][/url] The transmission voltage is around 4600v, possibly more. I haven't measured it properly with a PT transformer, but it's not that relevant. It does produce a nice arc, and it's interesting to simulate faults with leaves, branches etc. Light bulbs dim on the output side too. Short circuit current is about 2.5A at this voltage. [url=http://postimage.org/][img]http://s24.postimg.org/sjxb8o985/IMG_0105.jpg[/img][/url] So, what's the use? Not much for this, but if you had access to cheap/free transformers, you could save a little money on wiring. For instance, if you wanted to install a 12kW water heater on the other side of your house, it would need 50A wiring at 240v. At 600v, it would only need 20A. So, you could run 20A cable through your house, to the transformer, and back to a short length 50A cable. Probably against code though. Not to mention a 15kVA transformer would weigh over 70kg.

A friend of mine gave me an old rc plane engine, so I went over to the hobby shop a couple days ago to get a fuel tank and starter for it and mounted it to a handy bit of wood. [t]http://i.imgur.com/u5FlbCo.jpg[/t] I can't quite get it to stay running, and I have no idea what I'm doing, but it's fun. [video=youtube;ImqaFJFkUlc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImqaFJFkUlc[/video]

Try messing with the idle screw on the carburrettor

yeah sounds to be running a little lean to me

anyone have any tips or experience making galvanized steel look pretty? I found a place that has nice, cheap sheet metal, the only problem is that for what i'm using it for the crystal pattern on zinc-dipped steel is butt-ugly. [img]http://excalibursheds.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Galvanised-Steel-Sheds.jpg[/img] Is there a way polish the steel to hide the pattern without removing the zinc? if that's not possible, how effective is vinegar in removing the zinc coating?

[QUOTE=Nerdrage;41438189]anyone have any tips or experience making galvanized steel look pretty? I found a place that has nice, cheap sheet metal, the only problem is that for what i'm using it for the crystal pattern on zinc-dipped steel is butt-ugly. [img]http://excalibursheds.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Galvanised-Steel-Sheds.jpg[/img] Is there a way polish the steel to hide the pattern without removing the zinc? if that's not possible, how effective is vinegar in removing the zinc coating?[/QUOTE] The problem is that even if you manage to polish the zinc it's going to turn a darker grey after being exposed for a while. That is the point of galvanising it in the first place. The zinc takes the fall but leaves the steel intact.

[QUOTE=Armandur;41438732]The problem is that even if you manage to polish the zinc it's going to turn a darker grey after being exposed for a while. That is the point of galvanising it in the first place. The zinc takes the fall but leaves the steel intact.[/QUOTE] well, in that case, do you think plating the zinc would be a better solution? i've seen some primitive setups that can be used to plate items with copper. they say steel doesn't hold a copper plating very well, but would the zinc coating be any better? i'm just exploring ways of making galvanized metal look a bit better while minimizing risk of rust. [editline]13th July 2013[/editline] a bit of research answered my own question: [url]http://www.maxwellrosspierson.com/2010/03/13/copper-plating-onto-zinc/[/url] apperently i'll need cyanide if i want to plate the zinc coating with copper, like the author of the article i'm not too fond of killing myself. so perhaps a good (but time intensive) would be to strip the zinc off with vinegar/muratic acid, plate the steel with nickel and then the copper?

What are you wanting to make with this galvanized steel?

Just paint it man

Today on "Unlikely materials": a soon-to-be book cover made out of old school notebook cover pieces, some paper and mosquito repellent tablets: [t]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/46196310/IMG_1984.JPG[/t] Next time I'll be doing papier maché with all the pages that were inside those school notebooks.

Okay, here's a question about the steel... Why not use thinner stainless panels instead of your thicker Galvanized stuff? Stainless won't turn, it doesn't have the ugly pattern, and it's relatively attractive. If you can build a plywood form, you can get some big sheets and cover it for thickness. (I saw that one on DIY network. Took a table, sliced it in half, and added a stainless steel-clad plywood top.)

I put together a toolbox after helping my dad sort the garage today... All I need now is some saws, powersaws, and a project table, and I'll finally be able to start building stuff. Got my eye on some nice outdoor sectionals, and since we're doing a big courtyard renovation soon, it's the perfect time to start working on them. Ana-White.com has a bunch of great plans... I've been looking there for inspiration and ideas. It's where I found the sectional.

[QUOTE=Nerdrage;41438829]well, in that case, do you think plating the zinc would be a better solution? i've seen some primitive setups that can be used to plate items with copper. they say steel doesn't hold a copper plating very well, but would the zinc coating be any better? i'm just exploring ways of making galvanized metal look a bit better while minimizing risk of rust. [editline]13th July 2013[/editline] a bit of research answered my own question: [url]http://www.maxwellrosspierson.com/2010/03/13/copper-plating-onto-zinc/[/url] apperently i'll need cyanide if i want to plate the zinc coating with copper, like the author of the article i'm not too fond of killing myself. so perhaps a good (but time intensive) would be to strip the zinc off with vinegar/muratic acid, plate the steel with nickel and then the copper?[/QUOTE] What precisely is the project, if I may ask? Unless you are dealing with some kind of highly corrosive environment, you don't need to go through the trouble to plate something. Paint will protect even the fasteners and protect just as well, if painted correctly.

Made a 100W LED Incapacitator with 33W each color [video=youtube;cgIJrtS5Eiw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgIJrtS5Eiw[/video] & Laser engraver [IMG]http://s7.directupload.net/images/130712/wgon48dq.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://s1.directupload.net/images/130719/s3qm5nl7.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://s14.directupload.net/images/130719/gnc8jmui.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://s14.directupload.net/images/130719/pt7mvfbj.jpg[/IMG]

I know this is pushing the "small" part of the title being a 22AWG cable, also being just an ultra basic job but I wanted some feedback on my first ever attempts at soldering, hopefully you won't hate me too much for this! Here's attempt number one, maybe a tad too much solder? [t]http://www.emanuelemonaco.com/images/diy/soldering/soldering_first_attempt.jpg[/t] Here's attempt number two this one might lack a bit of solder instead? [t]http://www.emanuelemonaco.com/images/diy/soldering/soldering_second_attempt.jpg[/t] They seem to be fairly smooth and shiny, that's a good thing right? They also seem to be reasonably strong when trying to pull them apart. Those yellow-ish spots you may see are just some flux residue I haven't cleaned off. By the way I joined the wires by spreading the single strands and interweaving both ends together instead of twisting the whole conductors together. I'm going to build a cable for my headphones by the way, this is some practice so I don't just start out on the good parts right away. [sp]You can also barely see my improvised plywood helping hands![/sp]