News, reviews and articles about products that help you make and fix things.
NEWS – The first time that I built my own desktop computer from choosing the case, motherboard, video card, etc, I was hooked. I loved the do-it-yourself geeky aspect of it. Then laptops came out and I wanted to do the same thing with them but couldn’t. I was stuck with the minor choices of […]
Framework is a DIY, upgradeable, repairable and customizable laptop that I want! Read More
ARTICLE – My sister and I have recently become obsessed with birds when she opened her curtains one morning and saw two Baltimore Orioles on her suet feeders. She was so excited to see a new bird that she’d never seen before that it made me start birdwatching too. I began keeping an eye on
How I repurposed a Blink camera to create the ultimate birdwatching camera Read More
REVIEW – In addition to working from home, COVID has caused many of us to take matters into our own hands (literally) when it comes to getting our hair cut. I don’t enjoy getting my hair cut because I’m cheap and don’t like paying $20 + tip more for a haircut that takes less than 15
AirCut DIY Portable Haircutting System review – I’m never going to a salon again Read More
ARTICLE – For years I had this idea to decorate my garage with all the tail lights of all the cars I’ve owned. Not the originals, of course, but junkyard specials, eBay finds, etc. I finally had some free time over the holidays so I finally assembled my collection and wired it up for some
My garage has an awesome feature that yours does not Read More
NEWS – The TPSK which is short for Titanium Precision Screwdriver Kit is just what you would guess it is. It’s a screwdriver set from CountyComm, purveyor of cool EDC Gear, that includes a Titanium handle with a 1/4-inch hex-bit driver socket. Also included in this kit is a set of 10 hardened steel screwdriver
TPSK is a premium Titanium bit driver for DIYers Read More
REVIEW – I am a DIYer, and I believe that there is a tool for every job. Anyone who sees my collection of tools will verify my ideology. Sometimes there are tasks that require a unique tool that is not a part of the usual tools available in the hardware store. Sometimes there is a
Saker Contour Duplication Gauge review Read More
NEWS – The Raspberry Pi Foundation has been building mini computers for years now. I have one on my local network that hosts PiHole. Recently they’ve decided to dip their toes into some new water: microcontrollers. They just released the Raspberry Pi Pico, a small microcontroller board that only costs $4! If you’re ever wanted
Raspberry Pi drops microcontroller, and it’s only $4! Read More
NEWS – I have many fond memories of the Commodore 64. It wasn’t my first personal computer (that was the TI-99/4A) but it was definitely my favorite. I remember typing in assembly code from magazines, modding a 5 1/4 inch floppy disk drive to pirate games (shhh), and upgrading from a 300 baud modem to
Relive the golden age of personal computers with this cool C64 case Read More
NEWS – KneeBlades are an interesting “tool” for construction workers, and DIYers. If you’ve ever had to work on your hands and knees for any length of time, you’ll understand how much of a pain that it can be both literally and figuratively. Milescraft created KneeBlades to make it easier to move around on your
KneeBlades make working on your knees easier and more fun Read More
REVIEW – How do you keep track of things that need to be done? Do you use a task or to-do app on your phone or computer? Do you use a physical notebook? I use both of those methods and have just added a third tool to my productivity toolbox – a Dakboard. What is
Dakboard smart display review – Build a DIY always on wall display Read More
NEWS – Adulting can be a drag, so revisit your childhood and channel your inner brick building child to build this LED lamp kit. The KitCo Splash of Color lamp kit features 2,200 LEGO-compatible pieces that you can use with the included instructions to build a 10.5″tall lamp. The KitCo Splash of Color lamp kit
Art or lamp? You be the judge Read More
REVIEW – We recently did a complete remodel of the upper level of our house, but even though it’s been done for several months, we have yet to hang any artwork back on the walls. Why? We’re mainly afraid that we’ll make a mistake getting multiple framed art pieces to line up. That’s where a
REVIEW – In these surreal times of the COVID-19 pandemic, staying at home while practicing social distancing requires families to do things together more than ever. One of the ways to promote togetherness is to build something. But what if—like me—you’ve never made anything? In all the years I’ve reviewed portable Bluetooth speakers, all I’ve
Celia & Perah R1 and R2 FM/Bluetooth speakers review – You can build them yourself Read More
NEWS – We’ve talked about Metal Earth models in the past, but I haven’t visited their site in a very long time until yesterday. In the past, their no glue, no solder steel models were all plain silver. Now they are offering a variety of new models in color and they look really awesome. In
You can build these ultra cool metal plane models without glue or solder Read More
REVIEW – Crafters, makers, and DIYers will be excited about the beamo CO2 laser cutter/engraver from FLUX which is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. Let’s take it for a test drive. What’s is it? beamo is an easy to use small tabletop unit that will allow you to cut and/or engrave a variety of materials
FLUX beamo CO2 laser cutter/engraver review Read More
CROWDFUNDING NEWS – If you think you’re crafty now, just imagine what kind of cool things you can make with a tabletop cutter and engraver like the beamo which just launched on Kickstarter from Flux, the same company who had the successful Flux Delta 3D printer campaign. What is it? beamo is a small desktop
Check out beamo, an affordable compact laser cutter and engraver for makers Read More
NEWS – Holy handhelds Batman! Prepare to part with some cash, because I have what looks like the coolest DIY kit I’ve seen in a long time. It’s called the Clockwork GameShell and it’s a modular kit that includes all the parts needed to build your own pocket-sized gaming system that looks strikingly similar to
GameShell is a DIY kit to build your own Gameboy style handheld Read More
NEWS – As a self-confessed gadget nerd, I always feel that after so many years of seeking out the newest and coolest gadgets, that I have seen just about every concept that I can expect to see for a while. And just when I think I have, another creative gadget surfaces and captures my attention
Turn paper into light with the Bare Conductive Electric Paint Lamp Kit Read More
NEWS – The new Kano PC isn’t just a kid-friendly laptop with a colorful orange keyboard. It’s a laptop that kids can build themselves with easy to assemble modules and cables that require no previous knowledge of electronics or soldering. Kano is the same company who makes the Computer Kit Touch tablet that I reviewed
Kano lets kids build their own Windows 10 laptop Read More
REVIEW – Redecorating generally means there will be math to do. Making sure pictures are hung at the right height is made that much more difficult if there are multiple pieces competing for attention on the same wall. And if you are anything like me, then you revel in OCD, which means you will end