Tools

2-ton Husqvarna DXR-310 demolition robot

Robot uprising jokes are getting a bit stale, I suppose, so I’ll pass on the obvious Terminator allusions this time. Plus this hulking tracked demolition machine from Sweden’s Husqvarna Construction Products is remote controlled, not autonomous, and so is really more a giant R/C car on steroids, with a massive jackhammer arm, than it is a true robot. Still, “awesome” comes to mind. [via BotJunkie]

In the Maker Shed: Open Heart kit V2.0

The Open Heart kit V2.0 is a matrix of individually addressable LEDs that allow you to create customizable animations when connected to your favorite micro controller. Attach it temporarily to fabrics with headers that you simply push through, or sew it into a project with conductive fabric for a more permanent setup. It’s “Charlieplexed” so you need only 6 wires to control the 27 LEDs

Calling all homely tools

For this week’s Toolbox column, I want to cover “homely tools,” those “nothing special” items in your toolbox that you couldn’t live without — that awesome pair of scissors you got from your grandmother that you use all the time, the hammer who’s balance, weight, and grip you always appreciate whenever you wield it, the […]

How-To: Make a Silicone Mold

Instructables user Jenn Nelson is blowing my mind with this amazing mold making tutorial. I am swimming in the possibilities! She writes: A hard shelled mold with a squishy interior that captures and works well with undercuts. Capture the finest details from any object you wish to replicate with this sturdy mold process. Silicone is […]

DIY shoulder rig for DSLR video, with clever focus puller

DIY shoulder rig for DSLR video, with clever focus puller

In this video and at this site, annoyingly good-looking Swedish videographer Jonathan Bergqvist details the construction of this clever shoulder-mount device for shooting video with a DSLR. Designed by Jonathan and his father Erik, the rig itself is made out of birch and includes a manual focus puller, actuated by twisting the left handle, that is hacked together from R/C control rod parts and a hose clamp.