FastCap Babe-Bot Glue Bottle Review
This is the FastCap Babe-Bot (Amazon link). It is a 4-oz. bottle made for glue. I’ve got mine filled with wood glue. They also make a bigger 16oz. version but I find this one a little more handy.
The Joy of Digital Calipers
Today I’m going to show off what you can do with a pair of dirt cheap digital calipers (Amazon link). These come in a plastic case. Mine even had an extra battery included. On the front here you have a power button, a zero button to zero out the measurement, and a toggle between inches and mm.
Hakko FX-901 Cordless Soldering Iron Review
This is the Hakko FX-901 portable soldering iron (available on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2sh7g0t). It runs off 4 AA batteries that you can swap out really fast with this removable cartridge design. I use rechargeables in mine and I get over an hour of use out of it before I notice the temperature drops. Alkaline batteries will run hotter, but not last as long.
Robert Larson Plastic Center Finder Review
I learned about the Robert Larson 800-2875 Plastic Center Finder (Amazon link) from maker Ben Light, who uses it to drill out the center in the tin can robots he builds. Online, I see a lot of videos of jewelry designers using these. Woodworkers use them on finding centers on dowels or centering up work to chuck into a lathe.
Goth Glue [Maker Update #78]
This week on Maker Update, a $20 screen for your Pi, a cheeseburger battle bot, a giant LED ring, and Maker Faires. This week’s Cool Tool is black hot glue.
Knipex High Leverage Cutters Review
These are Knipex High Leverage Cutters (Amazon link). They cost around $35-40 on Amazon, which isn’t cheap for a pair of clippers, but they seem indestructible. They’re drop forged, so they’re extremely tough. They’re rated for cutting through Piano Wire, which is essentially tempered spring steel and easily damages most cutters.
Treasured Trash [Maker Update #77]
This week, a Kalimba made from teeth, Arduino gives the Yun a second chance, hacking a greeting card sound machine, a giant button for $1, and 5 maker materials you can cut from a trash bike. This week’s Cool Tool is a Greeting Card Sound Player Module.
Rothco G.I. Type Mechanics Tool Bag Review
This Rothco G.I. type mechanics tool bag is around $16 on Amazon. Russel Brooks wrote a review of this bag for Cool Tools saying that these are similar to bags he was issued when he was in the Air Force in the ’70s. They’re made of a thick canvas with a heavy brass zipper, pockets on both sides, and small pockets lining the inside.
Bernz-O-Matic ST2200T Micro Flame Butane Torch Kit Review
This Bernz-O-Matic Micro Flame Torch kit sells for $30 (here it is on Amazon), which isn’t cheap for a butane torch, but let me show you why this one is special.