If you haven't made your own PCB (printed circuit board) yet, perhaps you we're just missing the proper instructions. But now, watch and learn from AP Digital light! They show you a fast and easy prototyping technique using a laster printer, photo paper, and a regular househol ...more
The sari is a beautiful dress, traditionally worn by East Indian women, involving a length of fabric draped over an under blouse. This tutorial shows you how to draft your own pattern for a sari blouse and then sew it together yourself. Always iron your fabric before you start ...more
The pen doesn't have to stop on the paper. Your art masterpiece doesn't have to stay on the canvas. You can share your favorite drawings with everyone, right on your own chest. Wear your art designs with pride by using a scanner/printer, a photo editing application, an iron, a ...more
New to soldering? This how-to video answers the questions for these common beginner soldering questions: what is flux? what tip should be used? do solder fumes contain dangerous amounts of lead? why regularly clean and tin the iron tip? Watch this video computer-circuitry tuto ...more
With thousands of beauty companies out there, we can generally find at least one lipstick shade that makes us look more dazzling than New Year's Eve. But sometimes, whether you need to match your lipstick to your dress or just can't seem to find The One, you need a specific co ...more
For the greater population of women, luscious, volumnous curls become a reality only with time, patience, and a lot of styling gel and curling with a curling iron. Taylor Swift, of course, got lucky in that department. Copy her natural curls with this video and you'll look re ...more
Want to remove dried wax from a carpet? You'll need four items: a white towel, a regular electric iron, a carpet cleaning solution and a hot-water extraction machine. For a complete, step-by-step demonstration of how to remove pesky paraffin wax stains from your own carpet, wa ...more
This is a great tutorial on making wonderful little artsy butterflies with your own two hands! They're sparkling butterflies, which you make with fantasy film, a butterly image, permanent ink that dries on non-porous surfaces, craft iron, acrylic stamps, and a non-stick craft ...more
Make a solar cell from a condom with this video tutorial. Solar energy is plentiful and better for the environment, so why not take an easily accessible commodity (like a condom), and use it to harvest the power of the sun. To replicate this hack at home, you'll need the follo ...more
Put the newspaper down on a work surface. Pick up the 5 MW green laser pen and unscrew the battery cap. Remove the batteries and put them and the battery cap aside. Hold the back of the laser pen with your left hand and the front of the laser pen with your right hand. Twist ...more
Learn how to build a cold smoker from this video in simple steps . You will need: smoke pellets, a new soldering iron and a empty can. First leave the lid in the can partially attached and cut a hole in it for the soldering iron. Add you favorite smoke pellet to the can and in ...more
Start with just a few hula hoops, and then get some polyethylene film and a small soldering iron. Fit the film to your hoops, then gently mod your soldering iron and make a few spot welds. Be careful not to melt anything! Make a few vent bubbles, and you now have a pool warmer!
This is how to solder wires properly and then heat shrink them in order to insulate them. Firstly upkeep of the soldering iron is required to keep it from oxidizing. Portable versions of the iron are also available to make work more convenient. A solder sucker is required to s ...more
In this video, we learn how to build a magnetic stirring device. First you will need: a block of 1 inch thick Styrofoam, a piece of cardboard, 2 magnets, a small electric motor, a piece of non-magnetic metal, a hot glue gun, and a soldering iron. First, draw the shape of your ...more
Soldering isn't hard as you might think. This video will cover the basic soldering techniques for electronics and electrical wiring. It presents a comprehensive look at the soldering process, covering everything from choosing a soldering iron and solder to proper soldering tec ...more
This video shows you how to disassemble a first generation iPod nano so you can replace the battery. You will need a soldering iron and need to do some electronic soldering so make sure you're comfortable with soldering or have practiced a bit beforehand. Be careful or you'll ...more
Don't know a soldering iron from a curling iron? In this how-to, you'll learn how to get good, glitchy Speak & Spell sounds without having to circuit bend your toy (or even open up the case).
Learn how to solder wires with this video. Clean the area to be soldered, scraping the wire down to bare metal and then wiping it clean with alcohol or acetone. Use rosin-core solder for electronic applications. This solder normally comes in coils. Tin (coat with solder) the s ...more
This video describes how to solder a wire. The first thing you have to remember is that the wires should be cleaned, shiny, and bright. Then trim about 1/2-inch of the insulation of the wires and then make a secure mechanical connection. Next, put some soldering pencil clean a ...more
In this article, I'll show you how to create a simple yet effective way of scaring off intruders. Of course, there are methods around this approach, but it's great for office pranks and general fun. The project requires a little background knowledge in electronics and circuitr ...more
With portable devices being a necessity in modern everyday life, they may be subject to overuse, improper charging, or normal wear and tear. For those people who carry around their smartphone or iPod with them all of the time, how many times have you been out and about just to ...more
Piezoelectric Energy In this article, I'll show you how to make a small, wallet-sized device that generates electricity from kinetic energy. The concept is simple: Piezoelectricity is the charge that is produced when certain solid materials (commonly ceramic and crystal) in r ...more
It's what every astronomy-loving geek has always wanted... a beautiful, twinkling home galaxy. As Instructables user MrTrick rightly warns, this project is no small feat. Be prepared to get schooled in: Basic woodworking skills How to handle a soldering iron How to design LED ...more
Ever thought your flashlights weren't giving out enough light? Well, change that; watch this video tutorial to see how to make the world's brightest LED flashlight. You will need a vohm meter (volt-ohm meter), wire, thermal paste, a Dorcy flashlight, a soldering iron, and a 90 ...more
How to circuit bend a 80's Radio Shack toy synthesizer. Open up any device and play around with the internal audio devices. Circuit bending is done on mostly old cheap toys. This is a circuit bend demonstration on a toy piano. Get out your soldering iron and rip open toys. Thi ...more
Project 5 from Popular Science's 5 minute Projects with Craftsmen Tool is 'Integrated Circuit Cufflinks'. What Bond would wear if he could program an Arduino. Editor and sartorial nerd Doug Cantor fires up the soldering iron to show you how to turn spare buttons and leftover ...more
This how-to video shows, close-up, the steps to soldering an XLR connector onto an Audio cable. You will need a knife, wire strippers, a soldering iron, in addition to whatever is being soldered. Watch this video circuitry tutorial and learn how to solder an XLR connector to a ...more
Convert a Zoom h2 into a 4 track field recorder which cane record from 4 channels on a computer audio interface. You will need four 10 Kohm resistors, four 100 ohm resistors, two double pole switches, four RCA chassis parts, some wire, small screwdrivers, a wire cutter, a sold ...more
Change a normal 9v battery into a life saver. If you have ever run out of juice on your phone and could really use a quick charge, then you need a USB battery. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to create a pocket USB battery. Materials you will need for thi ...more
Repairs Universe demonstrates how to replace the battery on a Microsoft Zune HD. First, use a tri-ring screwdriver to remove the four screws on the back of the Zune. Then, remove the back cover. Next, remove the bottom cover by using your fingers to gently push it off. Then, u ...more
Do you have magnet wires that you need to solder together to get your device working again? This video can help you immensely! Soldering is when you put two wires together using a soldering iron so that even cut wires can be made useful again. Great care and time is taken into ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to repair the Vivitar 285's Flash Foot. First, remove the flash foot using a soldering iron. Melt the solder just enough, don't ruin the wires or the backing. Now, set the iron down and then short the wires out, you will see the flash go off when ...more
Budget Hack's cheap Wifi range extender works off of the age old concept of adding tin foil to your TV's rabbit ears. The materials are cheap, and the project is relatively easy (if you're willing to pick up some soldering skills). You Will Need: Two milo tins or similar F- ...more
This video tutorial is in the Electronics category which will show you how to make a Beetlebot from your parts bin. The Beetlebot project can be found in Make Volume 12. You will need a couple of small motors, 2 momentary switches, 2 AA battery holders, a piece of metal, a sma ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to increase the power of a 5mw green laser pointer. First, you will need to gather the parts you will need, which include a vise, the laser, a soldering iron, and a block of wood. After this, cut the block of wood in half and then put your laser ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to fix an Xbox 360 Phillips Benq Drive. First, you will open up the broken drive using a Philips head screw driver. Next, desolder the chip from the broken drive with a soldering iron. After you do this, you will be able to slide out the motherbo ...more
This video shows the correct procedure to dismantle a first generation iPod Nano. The presenter starts by using a putty knife (aka the iPod take apart tool) and separates the casing. Next, the presenter removes the battery from the internal circuit board by using a soldering i ...more
Hak5 isn't your ordinary tech show. It's hacking in the old-school sense, covering everything from network security, open source and forensics, to DIY modding and the homebrew scene. Damn the warranties, it's time to Trust your Technolust. In this episode, see how to build a w ...more
In this video, Richpin demonstrates how to install a trunk override light switch in a Saturn car. When you open the trunk in a Saturn, the light turns on and there's no way to turn it off. Thus you must have a switch in the circuit so you can turn the trunk light off. Select a ...more
Turn an Altoids can into an outstanding headphones amp. Learn to solder by building yourself the most excellent Chu Moy headphone amp. It sounds great but cheap enough to give away as holiday stocking stuffers. Headphone amplifiers might seem superfluous but when you step to ...more
In this article, I'll be showing you how to make a simple yet effective static electricity generator. Basically, this device allows you to carry a constant static charge on your body and discharge it on anything grounded or of opposite polarity. The electricity generated is ar ...more
In this article, I'll show you how to make a simple touch-triggered switch. This is very useful for various electronic projects, from a simple bedside light to a flat panel touch keyboard. The circuit can vary in switching power depending on the transistors you use. For exampl ...more
I'm back with the third part to my laser weapon series (see part one and two), and I'll be explaining the function, application, and potential of semiconductor lasers, aka laser diodes. Surely, most of you have used a laser pointer at some point. Whether purchased at a dollar ...more
Torus knots are beautiful knots formed by wrapping a line around a torus and tying the ends together to form a loop. The resulting knot has a star-like appearance when viewed from above. The 36 examples with the least number of crossings can be seen at the Knot Atlas's page on ...more
In this article, I'll show you how to make a glowing orb. The orb is a fun, round flashlight useful for lighting your path in a magical way. Consisting simply of LEDs, a tennis ball, a battery and a switch, it's a great simple project for beginners with electronics. Here's a v ...more
Getting curls, like that of the stars, is a simple and easy task. For this task you will need a one inch curling iron, and your own hair. Grab some of your hair and hold it at the tip of your hair. Instead of using the clamp to curl it. your going to wrap your hair around the ...more
In this article, I'll show you how to built a Wireless Transfer of Energy Transmitter. Simply put, this device will send electricity to a florescent light bulb and light it up, from up to three feet. The idea originally (at least, prominently) came from Nikola Tesla (read more ...more
Building a DIY Alarm System: The Concept So, you want to protect your property, or maybe a room, car, or even your backyard. The concept of an alarm system is to notify the "alarm administrator" that there is an intruder entering the previously designated boundaries. The trig ...more
Getting luxurious wavy curls doesn't take a trip to the hair salon and pricy bill. Nope. It only takes a flat iron, some time and your own hairstyling skill. This video will show you how to get those perfect curls every time, and yes… it only takes a flat iron. Maybe it should ...more
The Stun-Gun In this article, I'll show you how to make a small, weaponized highlighter. Before I get into how to built this device, let me warn you. This device is harmful! When used, it can cause burns and/or serious muscle spasms. The voltage is potentially deadly! DO NOT ...more
Julia Child and guest demonstrate how to make mussels cooked in an iron skillet and flavored with their own juices. Hear mussels sizzle and pop, shell opens when cooked. If it doesn't open, don't eat it. Make iron skillet mussels. Click through to watch this video on pbs.org
French Canadian filmmaker Patrick Boivin's Iron Man parody, featuring his own baby daughter, is absolutely impeccably done. The special effects look FANTASTIC. Boivin is a true D.I.Y.er, having never partaken in any formal filmmaking education: "Since I didn't go to film scho ...more
Whenever we make a homemade circuit, we use what are called through-hole components. Any components with long metal leads is a through-hole component. They are great for soldering to, but it's tough to fit enough through-hole resistors and capacitors into a smartphone. To get ...more
Bettie Page's bangs are one of the iconic parts of her iconic look that has sadly been lost to the world. Bring it back! This video will teach you how to create your own replica Betty Bangs at home using only a curling iron. Unfortunately, you have to have straight bangs alrea ...more
Learn how to screen print/ silkscreen a tshirt using the method of stenciling. Have you ever wanted to paint your own shirt? Now you can know how! Just a couple things: before you post-wash the shirt, iron the front and back of the design, with a piece of scrap fabric between ...more
Jennifer Pompa suggests that the 20" easiXtend Elite is the extension to start with. It's an 8 piece extension made with human hair that's not been too processed and so looks very natural. Jennifer is wearing a Kim Kardashian look with flowing curls. The extensions can be purc ...more
This video tutorial will show you how to take an old computer keyboard and use its circuitry as a physical computing input device. Once you have this device, you can then use it to interface with programs that you write using software such as pure data processing, MAX/MSP, and ...more
Want to design your own custom t-shirt? Get tips for sewing and applying designs to your T-shirts in this free video clip from a professional fashion designer. Part 1 of 10 - How to Apply iron-on transfers to T-shirts. Apply iron-on transfers to T-shirts - Part 2 of 10. Click ...more
This tutorial shows you how to sew your own set of black out or Roman blinds. You will need some heavy fabric in your chosen colors, a large work table, a steam iron and a heavy duty sewing machine or serger.
In this video, you will find some tips on making an aerial camera to take footage from the sky. To make your own aerial camera, you will need to follow these steps: Buy some metalized nylon from balloon kits.com. Use a hot iron to see the nylon pieces together. Check for any a ...more