Workshop

The latest DIY ideas, techniques and tools for the industrial arts from metal and woodworking to CNC machining and 3D printing.

Cool little 4-in-1 pocket tool

Cool little 4-in-1 pocket tool

Now, there are a jillion combination pocket/keychain tools on the market. I’ve owned, carried, and used a bunch of them, and I generally find that only the test of time effectively sorts wheat from chaff. I’ve never owned, carried, or used this so-called “screwpop” tool, so I have no way of knowing how it stands up to pocket wear. I’d be a bit nervous that the reversible hex bit would get lost somewhere along the way, although it looks like their bit features a ball detent to hold it in place. Also, for those of you are counting, the “fourth” tool–besides the bottle opener and the flat and phillips screwdrivers–is a 1/4″ hex nut driver, which is a bit of a cheap marketing gimmick because what they’re really talking about, of course, is the socket that holds the hex bit.

But I like the no-frills design and the price is certainly right at $5. If I see one on a counter by a cashwrap at a hardware store someday, I’ll probably pick it up. [Thanks, Kurt!]

How-To: Tin Can Punch Light

Punched metal is a classic technique used worldwide that transforms tin scraps and old cans into beautiful and delicate pieces of art. This project uses a recycled tomato can filled with ice to create a sturdy and safe candle holder. The standard motifs for this type of project include hearts, stars, and spirals, but I […]

Revolutions in Model Making conference

Revolutions in Model Making conference

The Association of Professional Model Makers (APMM) 2010 conference, “Revolutions in Model Making – Creating the Future Faster,” will be held on March 26-29, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Cambridge, MA. The conference’s keynote speaker is Neil Gershenfeld, Director of MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms and author of FAB: The Coming Revolution on […]

Upcycled Gun Jewelry

This jewelry made from reclaimed gun parts is a beautiful conversation piece. The intention of the GUN Reclamation Project is a statement about non-violence and transforming weapons into peaceful wearable art. I wonder if people who use and enjoy guns will want to wear them as well? [via ecouterre] More: Gunfight Cross Stitch Gun Purse […]