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Ask HN: What have you built? (not software related)

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Re: Ask HN: What have you built? (not software related)

#51
post #47

Earlier quoted context omitted.

lots of photos in here: http://pics.ww.com/v/jacques/renewables/windmill/

Is that HDF? I want to start building a machine shop in the basement.

The blades are actually milled out of knot free white pine, alternately laminated to reduce warp.

Machine shops in basements are nice once they are stocked but getting your gear in there is a real pain, best to stay on the ground floor if you can, preferably in a place that is not directly connected to your house, the vibration can be quite a nuisance to other occupants.

It also helps if you bolt your stuff to the floor (concrete).

Re: Ask HN: What have you built? (not software related)

#53
I built a device to catch the mail that comes through the slot in my front door. It had previously been falling on the floor and driving me crazy.

One day I came across this nice product, http://www.amazon.com/SNAIL-SAKK-Mail-Receptacle-Slots/dp/B0..., and it seemed more than possible to make my own. So, using a fabric shopping bag from a local store, some Velcro and a sewing kit I managed to put my own together in a couple of hours. It works great! :)

Re: Ask HN: What have you built? (not software related)

#56

I built two CNC machines. The first one essentially from scratch components: bearings, plates and beams. And a second higher performance machine by converting a manual machine to servo control. Hardware is fun.

Pictures? One of my babies :) : http://pics.ww.com/v/jacques/renewables/windmill/17_sep_bill...

That is a nice machine. I have been trying to convince myself that if I want to build a custom set of cabinets that should build a 4x8 router to make the whole job easier :)

Yes my web page is lame and written by hand 7 years ago, but it does have a few pics.

http://www.crcarlson.com/Personal/cnc1/cnc1.html

http://www.crcarlson.com/Personal/cnc2/cnc2.html

Re: Ask HN: What have you built? (not software related)

#59
post #10

Full Size Airliner cockpit (Bombardier CRJ): 1 PC 1 Matrox TripleHead(3 monitors-View), 1 Matrox G200(3 monitors-Instruments) Built some electronic boards to control LEDs, Switches, Potentiometers for Throttle, Yoke, Overhead panel, Central console, etc... Nice project if you have the time....

Pictures? Flickr? Youtube... this seems something to be seen...

Re: Ask HN: What have you built? (not software related)

#60

When I was (more) young and foolish, I rebuilt the turbodiesel engine in a 1983 Mercedes 300SD. The day after we got it all back together two friends and I drove it over a thousand miles to a wedding in Philadelphia. In hindsight, this was really stupid. It turned out fine, though. http://douglassims.org/300sd/

I stuck the engine from a 300SD into my 67 chevy pickup.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=241922

My next trick will be to transplant a modern variable vane turbocharger onto it and develop a fly by wire throttle and vane control system.

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