Thursday, September 18, 2025

Terminating Cat6A - You need these!

If you're terminating cat6a - yeah, it's a pain in the butt to work with. 

Try out these connectors, so far, I haven't had a bad one in the batch yet.

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Chainsaw safety

Planning to get out there and work a chain saw? Make sure you have some safety gear!

Helmet with face protection:

https://amzn.to/46ySl48

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Lawn mower repairs

It is time to mow again... well it has been, but I am finally getting around to fixing my push mower that I use for touch up, small areas, etc. Bring it out for the season and of course it will not start. Spray some starter fluid in, it kicks over a few putt putts... Drained any old gas out, replaced with fresh - still nothing.

The motor is a TB105b - a quick search on amazon and it looks like replacement carbs are only available for model TB110 and up. Nothing for the 105b. The one for the 110 looks very similar, so I ordered it.


Received it, and it is basically the same, with an additional lever to control the choke. Apparently the TB105b just has the choke locked in the open position. I am going to get working on it later today, and hopefully I can report back that with a simple mod, the TB110 carb will work fine on the TB105b.

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Great sounding, less expensive ear buds!

Want some great sounding ear buds but don't want to spring for the Apple or Google name?

Check out these Raycons! Active Noise canceling included!

https://amzn.to/4l9AeWY

Thursday, May 29, 2025

3D Printing hot end upgrade

3D printing is great, isn't it? Until you run into your first issue (this hardly ever happens, right? right?).

Had my first hot end disaster, started a print, walked away... forgot to check 1st layer adhesion... Oops!

On to amazon to order a replacement... wait... are there any better hot ends for the Elegoo line up? There are! I'm going to be trying out this one below.

https://amzn.to/4mC1Cyl

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Bluetooth OBD2 reader

Along with all of my tinkering with 3d printing and woodworking, I also maintain all of my own vehicles. What is the first thing I'd recommend anyone has? A decent OBD2 reader!


If your check engine light is on, you'll be able to see the error codes stored. The BlueDriver app will give you a list of solutions to repair your car. Sometimes it might be out of your capabilities, but what if you could replace a simple part and save yourself hundreds at a repair shop? This device will pay for itself!

Monday, May 26, 2025

Welcome to the Model Rocket Launch Controller v1! Step up your model rocket launching capabilities and look like a pro at your next launch event!

Download STLs here!

Models are oriented and ready to print, no supports needed. I printed mine with PETG for the base, and PLA for the top panel. Wiring diagram coming soon!

The following parts were used to build this system - they are amazon links and help support my business! Thank you!

Internal wiring:

https://amzn.to/3H5R0I2

Digital voltmeter:

https://amzn.to/3Z1Zo1i

Status LED multi pack:

https://amzn.to/4jkEpOi

The big red button (What kid (and adult) doesn't like mashing a giant red button!?)

https://amzn.to/4k9qJXJ

Red toggle switch:

https://amzn.to/3Z0Bwey

Key switch: 

https://amzn.to/4dCK55d

Banana plugs:

https://amzn.to/43j5sVO

Battery pack (8x AA):

https://amzn.to/3SSJ2V7

Friday, May 23, 2025

I just recently designed and printed a case for a basic model rocket launch controller. Very simple design, key for power, and various LEDs to indicate status (power, continuity, launch ready).  Added a voltmeter to let the user know there is enough power in the batteries to make a launch. Will take some pics, and of course get the models posted over on Printables for you to download and use or remix!

Hard drives have come a long way haven't they... It's hard to believe that we now have close to 30TB on spinning platter drives!!

WD Red Pros are up to 26TB!

https://amzn.to/3H9oYLJ (24TB Red Pro)

Seagate is up to 28TB!

https://amzn.to/4jiOYl9 (24TB Ironwolf)

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Wow it's been a while!

What's up folks!

I've been sidetracked with quite a few things since my last few posts. I still have progress to post with regards to the CNC. I will try and get back to that at some point soon. 

I've been working on office organization recently. I've stumbled across Multiboard.io. It's a fantastic ecosystem of a 3D printed wallboard (think pegboard) that has endless possibilities for hooks, shelves, bins, drawers and many more community additions. Best part? all the models are FREE! They do have some paid things on thangs, but they are generally for stacked print models, and certain custom stl generators. 

Have a look: Multiboard 

They have a generator app that will give you your layout of parts that you need to print to get the basic frame mounted to your walls. Check that out here: Multiboard Planner

Will try and get some pics posted once I get started on getting this up on the walls!

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Gantry Movement - It's alive!

The right gantry support is alive! Got the Arduino Uno up and running with GBRL (lite CNC control software that takes G-code)



Right Gantry Mechanicals

I needed a way to secure the belts to the new frame design. Fusion 360, a few back and forth mods, and here is the result in this first picture. 


The belt traversing through the roller bearings, and gear
 


Right Gantry Support

 Yes, this is a 3D printed part. It's incredibly strong. 





Embarking on a CNC build

 I took on the project of building my own CNC... from scratch. Okay, maybe not completely from scratch... I started out with Ivan Miranda's "Mini" CNC plans. I've expanded upon that by making a bed that is nearly 34" x 40" - and open ended on the Y axis for pass through... should I ever need to.








Thursday, April 18, 2024

3D Printed Engine Block

 

Here is a fun one. Printed this out a few weeks ago. It is a desk pen and card holder, in the form of an engine block!




3D Printing

 I finally entered into the 3D printing space... sure wish I had gotten into it earlier! It's been a blast figuring all the controls, the software available (slicers and 3d modeling, etc...)

Terminating Cat6A - You need these!

If you're terminating cat6a - yeah, it's a pain in the butt to work with.  Try out these connectors, so far, I haven't had a bad...