
Project Mixt-E: Part 2 – The EBike Parts
An ebike wouldn’t be an ebike without the electrical bits and pieces that assist in pushing bike and rider along. After all, it’s the electricity that puts the ‘E’ in ebike.
At this stage of the project Mixt-E build I have been able to source the majority of parts that would normally go into a bolt-on DIY kit. But instead of simply buying a complete off-the-shelf kit, I did it the way any unorganised person would – one piece at a time. There was reason behind this round-a-bout way of cobbling together a kit. Put simply, the specific electric motor for the build wasn’t available in any off-the-shelf kit – or at least I couldn’t find one…
However, while my erratic stockpiling of parts wasn’t the way a sensible person would have gone about it, it did give me an opportunity to gain an understanding of all the componentry that makes up the electrical system of an ebike.… Continue reading Project Mixt-E: Part 2 – The EBike Parts

Project Mixt-E: Part 1 – Intro
Balancing a classic style with modern ideas is tricky to get right and something not everyone can pull off. When I started the rebuild on this neglected Raleigh Sprite 5, with the intention of turning it into an ebike, I was hoping not to fall into the same trap. Starting with just a bare frame, everything would need rebuilding from the ground up. There are many steps in the process and many square pegs that would need fitting into round holes. While in my mind I could envision something wonderful, would it turn out this way in reality? … Continue reading Project Mixt-E: Part 1 – Intro

Workshop Journal #4: The Technology Paradox – How I Wish My Car Was More Like a Vacuum Cleaner.
There’s a funny thing about company provided service vehicles – rarely do you get a say in what you end up with, that’s up to the fleet/purchasing manager after all. The one I ended up with would not have been my first choice of make and model, nor even my second, but somehow I have ended up with this tonne and a half of station-wagon packed with annoying, interventionist technology. It would seem then that for the next four years at least, me and this chunk of steel will have to learn to get along else it’s going to be a long quadrennial.… Continue reading Workshop Journal #4: The Technology Paradox – How I Wish My Car Was More Like a Vacuum Cleaner.

EV 101: Technically What is an Electric Vehicle?
With so much new tech and innovation going into electric vehicles it is understandable for one to become overwhelmed with everything that’s happening. There are obvious examples you see every day and are easily recognisable, like how the inner city is teeming with Teslas. However, with the ludicrous rate of EV development, have you ever simply pondered “technically what is an EV?”. Before everything goes plaid, it’s worth understanding the fundamentals of what makes an EV an EV. As you’ll find out there’s so much more to electric cars, bikes, and everything else than simply batteries and electric motors.… Continue reading EV 101: Technically What is an Electric Vehicle?

Workshop Journal #3: The Partial Vacation
We’ve all been at that stage. Where seemingly there is so much going on all at once and simply not enough hours in a day. It gets to a point of saturation where we can no longer work efficiently or to our fullest potential. This is how I was feeling towards the end of 2021, so before things really got too much, I had to take a break for a little while. … Continue reading Workshop Journal #3: The Partial Vacation

K40 Laser Cutter Intro: A Great Little Machine
First impression of the K40 C02 Laser Cutter, its features and specs that have made the K40 one of the worlds most popular desktop machines.… Continue reading K40 Laser Cutter Intro: A Great Little Machine

Victoria’s Electric Vehicle Duty: More Benefits for EVs than you might think…
There has already been much discourse about Victoria’s electric vehicle tax and the way it will affect the future roll out of electric vehicles. Many will claim it’s a grab for cash by the government, others will claim it’s for road maintenance. Why couldn’t it be both? Not only this but also a good sign for the future of electric vehicles in this country?… Continue reading Victoria’s Electric Vehicle Duty: More Benefits for EVs than you might think…

Workshop Journal #2: The cloud that turned into a storm
Never could I have imagined losing all my data thanks to a cloud service. In this post, I dig into the fallout of having been digitally wiped out and having to start again.… Continue reading Workshop Journal #2: The cloud that turned into a storm

Workshop Journal #1: Good Tips for Making a Great Start
Ever struggled to get going on a job, project or task? Here are a few insightful tips and tricks to kick start you proactive journey.… Continue reading Workshop Journal #1: Good Tips for Making a Great Start

A Year of Complications With the Apple Watch
What’s it like coming from a regular watch to the latest Apple Watch? After spending 12 months with one, here’s the good bits and the not so good bits of daily life with Apples wearable timepiece.… Continue reading A Year of Complications With the Apple Watch

Project Pierogi: The Krakow Light Display
A detailed look at the refurbishment project of an existing light display depicting the world famous Cloth Hall in Krakow, Poland.… Continue reading Project Pierogi: The Krakow Light Display

Printing a Unique Guitar Headstock Jig
A look at a unique, signature guitar headstock design, made for a professional guitar builder. Taking a simple sketch and turning it into a usable workshop tool.… Continue reading Printing a Unique Guitar Headstock Jig

Creality Ender 3 Pro Assembly Instructions
RB42s assembly instructions are based on the below two factory manuals from Creality. Please reference these manufacturers manuals for further information regarding the assembly process for this particular printer. Use correct safety practices, appropriate tools (in good and working condition) and suitable personal protective equipment while assembling the 3D printer as risk of personal injury… Continue reading Creality Ender 3 Pro Assembly Instructions

Tevo Tarantula Display Mount
The Tevo Tarantula needed a place for the LCD display to go, the solution was a nicely designed mounting bracket system that puts the screen in a prime location on the frame of the printer. In this post, I go into some of the finer details of the design and how it has transformed this cheap 3d printer.… Continue reading Tevo Tarantula Display Mount

Creality Ender 3 Pro: Introduction and First Impressions
A look at the Ender 3 Pro, Creality’s uber popular budget 3D printer. Whats good and what’s bad and why I’ve ended up with one in the workshop. … Continue reading Creality Ender 3 Pro: Introduction and First Impressions

Project West: Part 5 – Pimp My Trailer
Part Five of a multipart series- Project West, Pimp My Trailer:
The final instalment in the series! In this part all the upgraded, custom designed and manufactured parts are covered in depth. Design considerations, challenges and solutions for taking the humdrum Easytrailer (Harbor Freight) folding trailer to the next level!… Continue reading Project West: Part 5 – Pimp My Trailer

Power to the People! – A look at the Torini Clubmaxx 210
A brief look at the four-stroke kart race engine, Torini Clubmaxx 210, which is taking Australian Karting by storm. In this post: a look at its origins, how it stacks up against the alternative power units and potential performance gains.… Continue reading Power to the People! – A look at the Torini Clubmaxx 210

Project West: Part 4 – Reassembly
Part Four of a multipart series- Project West, trailer refresh:
Having finished fixing the problematic rust, painting various components and gathering new parts it was time to it all back together, transforming a pile of parts into an Easytrailer once again.… Continue reading Project West: Part 4 – Reassembly

Project West: Part 3 – Replacement Parts
Part Three of a multipart series- Project West, trailer refresh:
New parts are bought, designed and manufactured to replace all the old and worn out components. With the project in full swing, progress is being made on the rebuild of the Easytrailer/Harbor freight folding trailer.… Continue reading Project West: Part 3 – Replacement Parts

Project West: Part 2 – Rust Repair and Painting
Part Two of a multipart series- Project West, trailer refresh:
Delving deeper into the design, build and existing condition of the Easytrailer folding trailer. Starting the process of fixing rust and other damage all the while dismantling piece by piece.… Continue reading Project West: Part 2 – Rust Repair and Painting

Project West: Part 1 – Introduction
Part One of a multipart series- Project West, trailer refresh:
An introduction to Project West, how and why it came about, what I am doing for the project and what outcomes I hope to achieve.
… Continue reading Project West: Part 1 – Introduction

Made: spray paint handle trigger
Spray paint can after spray paint can and my finger cried out NO MORE! This was the answer to my pain in the finger, a specialty tool for cans of spray paint with an ergonomic grip and trigger operation. Printed in PETG, turned out great!… Continue reading Made: spray paint handle trigger

Beeblebrox JBC: 2nd Shakedown at Puckapunyal – And Then There Were Two
Second outing for the team at the Puckapunyal circuit. Lots of practice laps had and plenty of spins. Here’s the summary of what was a productive day! … Continue reading Beeblebrox JBC: 2nd Shakedown at Puckapunyal – And Then There Were Two

Made: Cricket Bat Wall Display
Needed a couple of Cricket Bat Wall Display mounts, it was the perfect time to try out simplify3d on the Tevo Tarantula. … Continue reading Made: Cricket Bat Wall Display

Are used 3D printers worth the hassle?
After my most recent 3D printer purchase didn’t turn out how I would have wanted it to, I wanted to look further into buying a used 3D printer and whether or not it is worth the hassle.… Continue reading Are used 3D printers worth the hassle?

Yearly Theme: 2021 Year of Anti-Comfort
A detailed explanation of my theme for 2021, the year of anti-comfort. An illogical sounding concept but with intentions of making big improvements over the course of 2021.… Continue reading Yearly Theme: 2021 Year of Anti-Comfort

Beeblebrox JBC 1st Shakedown: the only way is up…
write up of the first track appearance for the Beeblebrox JBC team… Continue reading Beeblebrox JBC 1st Shakedown: the only way is up…

Yearly Theme: 2020 the Year of Systems
The 2020 yearly theme: The year of Systems. The need to be organised and having a streamlined workflow was at a critical point, hence the 2020 theme was all about setting up the framework for years of productive work ahead.… Continue reading Yearly Theme: 2020 the Year of Systems

Made: Anet A8 Filament Guide Arm
I made a new filament guide for the Geeetech i3 Pro B, printing in ABS for the first time ever.… Continue reading Made: Anet A8 Filament Guide Arm

Tarantula: An introduction to Meh.
Having recently bought a used Tevo Tarantula I share my initial thoughts on owning this entry level 3D printer.… Continue reading Tarantula: An introduction to Meh.

CR-10 Mod: Octoprint
Making a regular 3D printer wireless is easy with Octoprint and Raspberry PI… Continue reading CR-10 Mod: Octoprint

CR-10 Mod: Macewen3D MK8 Drive Feed
Part: Frame Braces for Creality CR-10, Tevo Tornado, and Afinibot A31 Designer: Macewen3D Source: MK8 Extruder Aluminium Drive Feed Upgrade Cost: $29 USD Brief Comments: Well thought out and designed, big improvement over stock drive Bang for buck score: 7/10 The Standard MK8 extruder on the CR-10 is fundamentally a pretty simple design. There’s an… Continue reading CR-10 Mod: Macewen3D MK8 Drive Feed

Made: Raspberry PI 3 case
I made a 3D printed case for a Raspberry Pi 3, read about it here on my blog… Continue reading Made: Raspberry PI 3 case

CR-10 Mod: Frame Braces for Creality CR-10, Tevo Tornado, and Afinibot A31
Part: Frame Braces for Creality CR-10, Tevo Tornado, and Afinibot A31 Designer: Mk42Workshop Source: Thingiverse Cost: $20 (approx) for threaded rod Brief Comments: Makes your printer look beefy Bang for buck score: 5/10 Z braces are all in vogue when it comes to upgrading a 3D printer. It seems if you want to squeeze the… Continue reading CR-10 Mod: Frame Braces for Creality CR-10, Tevo Tornado, and Afinibot A31

Made: RepRapDiscount Full Graphic Smart Controller Case
Thing Part/Model: RepRap Discount Full Graphic Smart Controller Case Designer: Mightynozzle Source: Thingiverse Print Printer: Geeetech prusa i3 pro B Slicer: Cura 3.6 Layer Hieght: 0.15mm Print Speed: 60mm/s Extruder Temp: 190°C Supports: No Notes: none Material Brand: 3DFillies Type: PLA+ Size: 1.75mm Colour: Black Link: filament 1.75mm 1kg Summary Total Print Time: Top shell… Continue reading Made: RepRapDiscount Full Graphic Smart Controller Case

Design: Cricket Bat display
As a kid, I think most dream of sporting glory. Scoring the winning goal for you team in the Premier League, taking the chequered flag at the Monaco Grand Prix or getting your bowl closest to the jack on the final roll. Whatever! We’ve all had those kind of aspirations. For me, and I think… Continue reading Design: Cricket Bat display

Design: Hat display hook
I’m not a guy who’s than into fashion but I must be honest I have more hats than I would like to admit and my collection continuously grows year on year, especially given that I am a sucker for formula 1 merchandise and need my teams cap for each new season. Much like hanging pieces… Continue reading Design: Hat display hook

CR-10 Mod: Ultimate Leveling Knob Attachment
Part: CR-10 Ultimate Leveling Knob Attachment Designer: Valstrath Source: Thingiverse Cost: Some PLA and printer time Brief Comments: Do this mod first before anything! Bang for buck score: 11/10 Lets be honest, thumb knobs which come standard on a CR-10 suck. Small and uncomfortable they’re not practical for the frequent use required when leveling the… Continue reading CR-10 Mod: Ultimate Leveling Knob Attachment

Made: Lightweight Bookend
My books kept sliding off the bookshelf, I needed a solution and fast – 3D printing to the rescue as always… Continue reading Made: Lightweight Bookend