Energy & Sustainability

If you’re a maker just starting out your journey in sustainability, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to get started. From understanding the types of materials to utilize, learning what steps will help reduce waste and emissions, and finding inspiring new ways to explore creativity that don’t have a negative environmental impact. The good news is there are plenty of resources available for DIYers looking for ways to make their projects more sustainable – from simple switches you can make today, big-picture ideas for longterm change, or exciting new ways makers are helping push sustainability into the future. In these blog posts we’ll look at tips tricks and ideas specifically tailored towards diyers and makers on the road to creating projects with greater eco consciousness so that not only will you create something beautiful but also respect its impact on our planet!

Flowbench made from vacuum cleaners…

Flowbench made from vacuum cleaners…

Img413 39I asked Terry about the Flowbench he made, here’s what he said – “My flowbench started because I wanted to modify my car’s engine by porting the heads. I don’t know how familiar you are with engines, but “Porting the head” means modify the cylinder head so that more air will flow thru them and into the cylinder. Horsepower is directly proportional to airflow, i.e. 10% more air equals 10% more power. But I knew that just making the ports larger doesn’t mean more for airflow.”

Crazy Fiat mod…

ThumbnailserverIn MAKE 03 we showed you how to mod your rod…but not like this – Google video usually has all sorts of wonderful gems, MAKE pal Star sent in this one – it’s a Fiat modded so it looks like it’s going backwards, but it’s not. This is almost like a Maker-meets-Rendezvous-Claude-Lelouch. Link.

Maker of the day – Kerry McLean, 225-horsepower gasoline-powered monowheel

Maker of the day – Kerry McLean, 225-horsepower gasoline-powered monowheel

Maker07TnToday’s Maker from our new book Makers – Kerry McLean, Wall Lake, Michigan. 225-horsepower gasoline-powered monowheel. “You may be hauling ass, but you feel like you’re floating,” says McLean. The metal fabricator and machinist built his first monowheel in 1970 and has been obsessively perfecting the design ever since. “I don’t feel like anyone has seen it through,” he says. “You hear words like ‘trial and error.’ That’s just some hillbilly stuff. Broomsticks and baling wire. I’m doing R&D.” Makers: page 20. View photo! See previous Makers of the day here. View sample PDF. Click here to get Makers the book before the holidays!

Parts is Parts…

Parts is Parts…

Parts Dale writes “In Chicago Tuesday, I came across an Auto Dismantling Demonstration, sponsored by Allstate and the Chicago Police Department. They wanted to show how a chop shop operates, taking apart a car for its parts. They wanted to show that it could be done in under twelve minutes or less. According to the Allstate spokesman, the stripped parts from a stolen car fetch more than the book value of the car and the most popular stolen car is the Honda Civic because it has interchangeable parts…”

Pakistan cars & buses

Pakistan cars & buses

Gigantic gallery of Pakistan cars & buses, automen writes- The most striking thing in Pakistan is the vision of trucks and buses completely covered in a riot of color and design. They might spew diesel fumes, they may take up all of the winding, narrow, under-maintained road one is trying to negotiate, but they are […]

Jake’s steamcar project, dashboard redo

Jake’s steamcar project, dashboard redo

Herr von Slatt has posted a new piece detailing his dashboard revamp, rewiring, and new lighting for his ongoing steam-powered car project. In other Jake news, there’s a wonderful interview with him on Bostodelphia. Steampunk Car Project – Progress Report – Link Related: Jake’s steamcar project, initial survey – Link Herr von Slatt’s car carrier […]