For certain assembly jobs, maneuverability can mean the difference between quality output and a heap of trash. And whether you’re putting together a workbench or a house, having the right tool at the right time is imperative to success. Unfortunately, accessibility and power rarely go hand-in-hand when it comes to power tools. The Bosch 18-Volt…
When it comes to being at the right place at the right time, nothing beats that old saying, “the best camera is the camera you have with you.” Perhaps the same can be said for sketchbooks—the best sketchbook is the one you have with you when inspiration strikes. Which is why the pocket-sized Field Notes…
Code. You don’t have to be a computer science hotshot to take the deep dive—heck, some people are up and running with their first project in a matter of weeks. But knowing where and how to enter can be half of the battle. The recently-launched Learn How to Code 2017 Bundle is the perfect entry…
When it comes to side projects, hours become days, days become weeks, and weeks can often become months or years. But what if getting a minimum viable product created could happen on a Saturday…assuming you aren’t building a flying car? Many successful entrepreneurs have been touting the benefits of the 1-Day MVP—a one-day, all-out sprint…
Survival kits exist in that weird category of things that you don’t really need right now…but would probably want at some point. And if that some point is while you’re on your last can of baked beans somewhere lost in the wilderness, you best be sure you have some sort of survival kit with you.…
Code. You don’t have to be a computer science hotshot to take the deep dive—heck, some people are up and running with their first project in a matter of weeks. But knowing where and how to enter can be half of the battle. The recently-launched Learn How to Code 2017 Bundle is the perfect entry…
Your Casio F91W-1 days may be behind you, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to give up that classic LED digital time display. Heck, why not put it front and center? Measuring in at over 17″ long, the Pinty LED Digital Wall Clock may not fit onto your wrist, but it will most…
When it comes to the design engineer’s toolkit, few tools are as indispensable as a good old fashioned X-ACTO blade. From slicin’ and dicin’ foam core to ever-so-delicately removing imperfections on a rough model, the replaceable blades have rightfully earned their permanent place on the desktop and workbench. Built with carbon and steel, the sharpened…
When it comes to side projects, hours become days, days become weeks, and weeks can often become months or years. But what if getting a minimum viable product created could happen on a Saturday…assuming you aren’t building a flying car? Many successful entrepreneurs have been touting the benefits of the 1-Day MVP—a one-day, all-out sprint…
Code. You don’t have to be a computer science hotshot to take the deep dive—heck, some people are up and running with their first project in a matter of weeks. But knowing where and how to enter can be half of the battle. The recently-launched Learn How to Code 2017 Bundle is the perfect entry…
While it may not be up there with Christmas, Easter, and your wedding anniversary, Amazon’s Prime Day is slowly but surely making it’s way into a bigger event each passing year. For one day and one day only (July 11th), Amazon celebrates its own version of Black Friday where Prime members can catch up on…
As far as colored pencils go, Prismacolors have just about everybody else beat. Whether you’re a designer, engineer, or even a professional artist, the quality of Prismacolors—whether you’re creating outlines or lightly shading—is just simply unrivaled. And for those looking to sketch intricate details with defined lines and crisp edges that just can’t be done…
Code. You don’t have to be a computer science hotshot to take the deep dive—heck, some people are up and running with their first project in a matter of weeks. But knowing where and how to enter can be half of the battle. The recently-launched Learn How to Code 2017 Bundle is the perfect entry…
Whether you’re making CAD adjustments to a rough prototype or simply double-checking a measurement guess, few tools are as indispensable in the design engineer’s toolkit than a reliable caliper. After all, precision is everything when it comes to top-notch design and engineering. Why fall short? But in order to do exceptional work, you need reliable…
No matter where you may find yourself, few things are as capable of getting you out of an annoying jam than a good multi-tool. And whether the problem at hand is an annoying package or simply popping the top off of a nice cold one, the wondrous satisfaction of having the right tool at the…
Are you a dovetail-cuttin’ master? Chance are, old Peepaw (or maybe your high school shop class teacher) taught you the woodworkin’ ropes on ‘real’ woodworking equipment. We’re talking equipment before the days of neon green laser guides, table saws that stop automatically when you stick a wiener in front of the blade, and smartphone ‘measuring…
We’ve said it time and time again, but the Raspberry Pi is just so dang cool and we think everybody should have one in their toolkit. While there is a bit of a slight learning curve, it’s nothing that today’s designers and engineers can’t handle on a leisurely Saturday. To get things up and running…
“Alexa, order me a new set of Copic Markers.” “Alexa, play some funky accordion music.” “Alexa, what’s a good Chinese take-out place near me?” “Alexa, define cephalopod.” No matter what you use it for, Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service has proven to be one of the most convenient new interfaces of our time. From re-ordering studio…
Few shop tools scream badassery quite like a good heat gun. From heating shrink wrap tubing to drying or removing paint, the unsuspecting heat gun can help you power through a wide range of tasks with little effort. But like all shop tools, no two are the same. Unlike many other heat guns on the…
Let’s be honest here: a clean shop is a happy shop. And whether you’ve got metal shavings flying off your mill, or have heaps of sawdust collected in every corner and crevice, a reliable Shop-Vac can become the 7th Wonder of the World when a broom just won’t do. For those looking for a powerful…
These days, it’s nearly impossible to avoid having to use the cloud for at least some sort of file storage—even if it’s just a few photos off of your phone. And for more serious users, juggling huge amounts of important data can be cumbersome without a serious and dedicated Cloud storage account. For those looking…
Code. You don’t have to be a computer science hotshot to take the deep dive—heck, some people are up and running with their first project in a matter of weeks. But knowing where and how to enter can be half of the battle. The recently-launched Learn How to Code 2017 Bundle is the perfect entry…
These days, it’s nearly impossible to avoid having to use the cloud for at least some sort of file storage—even if it’s just a few photos off of your phone. And for more serious users, juggling huge amounts of important data can be cumbersome without a serious and dedicated Cloud storage account. For those looking…
Code. You don’t have to be a computer science hotshot to take the deep dive—heck, some people are up and running with their first project in a matter of weeks. But knowing where and how to enter can be half of the battle. The recently-launched Learn How to Code 2017 Bundle is the perfect entry…
These days, it’s nearly impossible to avoid having to use the cloud for at least some sort of file storage—even if it’s just a few photos off of your phone. And for more serious users, juggling huge amounts of important data can be cumbersome without a serious and dedicated Cloud storage account. For those looking…
Code. You don’t have to be a computer science hotshot to take the deep dive—heck, some people are up and running with their first project in a matter of weeks. But knowing where and how to enter can be half of the battle. The recently-launched Learn How to Code 2017 Bundle is the perfect entry…
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned Arduino developer or an Arduino beginner, there’s always something new to be learned with the versatile open-source hardware development kit. Whether it’s a prototype for a wearable design or even controlling your garage door via a Twitter feed, the possibilities of what can be done with the versatile…
Code. You don’t have to be a computer science hotshot to take the deep dive—heck, some people are up and running with their first project in a matter of weeks. But knowing where and how to enter can be half of the battle. The recently-launched Learn How to Code 2017 Bundle is the perfect entry…
With more digital sketching apps than ever before, picking one that fits your workflow isn’t necessarily easy. Oftentimes, half that battle is just learning how to use it effectively. Featuring both Corel Painter 2017 itself as well as AfterShot 3, ParticleShop, and over 10 Hours of Corel-approved training, the Corel Painter 2017 Bundle is an…
Code. You don’t have to be a computer science hotshot to take the deep dive—heck, some people are up and running with their first project in a matter of weeks. But knowing where and how to enter can be half of the battle. The recently-launched Learn How to Code 2017 Bundle is the perfect entry…
Unless you’ve been sporting Apple’s new AirPods, chances are your headphones are taking up a sizable chunk of desk space when not in use. And if you’re not keen on 3D printing your own storage solution, then why not utilize all that glorious space on the underside of your desk? The Anchor is the ‘Original…
We’ve said it time and time again, but the Raspberry Pi is just so dang cool and we think everybody should have one in their toolkit. While there is a bit of a slight learning curve, it’s nothing that today’s designers and engineers can’t handle on a leisurely Saturday. To get things up and running…
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding amateur looking for a new hobby, knowing how to take great photographs is a skill that will do you no wrong. And with the dizzying array of photography apps available on ever-more-powerful smartphones these days, taking quick snaps at a moment’s notice is becoming second nature. Thankfully,…
We get it. Taking the time to learn how to code either sounds like a luxury or a nightmare, depending on how you look at it. That said, there have never been more opportunities to learn at your own pace as there is today—be it Javascript, Python, Ruby, Swift or any other keystone programming language.…
Let’s be honest here. When it comes to brain-enhancing, head-bobbin’ tuneage for the work week, few things beat our very own SolidSmack Radio. But, sometimes you just need to put all distractions aside for a moment to power through your inbox or get through that next round of design iterations to be home in time…
Let’s be honest here. When it comes to brain-enhancing, head-bobbin’ tuneage for the work week, few things beat our very own SolidSmack Radio. But, sometimes you just need to put all distractions aside for a moment to power through your inbox or get through that next round of design iterations to be home in time…
I don’t know if you’ve ever gotten your hand on a CRKT folding knife, but they are by far one of the highest quality knives on the market. The CRKT Ken Onion knife I have is my favorite, but the CRKT Argus by award winning knife designer, Matthew Lerch, looks tough. Especially with the black…
Where to even begin with this one? Well, we can start by saying this is one of the most killer bundles we’ve ever seen. From building your own 3D printer to designing, coding and building your own wearables using Arduino, this DIY Hardware & Internet of Things eBook Bundle belongs in the digital library of…
Sure, there’s dozens –– if not hundreds –– of pens out there that are the perfect everyday carry companion. But how many of those are made from Grade A butt-kicking aerospace-grade material? Heck, how many also double as a tablet stylus? The SMRT Limited Edition Carbon Fiber Rollerball Pen offers the rare combination of an…
It’s not even worth debating whether sketches created by “finger painting” on a tablet with your big stubby nubs are worth using or not. Unless you’re just laying out a few simple lines, a stylus is almost always necessary for achieving something with a finished sketch quality –– particularly one with pressure sensitivity. As the first…
Whether you’re a seasoned Arduino developer or an Arduino beginner, there’s always something new to be learned with the versatile open-source hardware development kit. Whether it’s a prototype for a wearable design or even controlling your garage door via a Twitter feed, the possibilities of what can be done with Arduino are seemingly endless. For…
Whether you’re a next-level design sketching mastermind or a quick-on-your-feet CAD rockstar (or both!), chances are you’ve considered bringing a Wacom tablet into your digital workflow –– if you haven’t done so already. If that’s you, we’ve got a special deal. Up to $100 Off an Intuos Pro Pen & Touch Tablet! Deal ends 8/27/16!…
It’s incredible what can be done with so little these days. While PDFs can now be signed from our smartphones and entire presentations can be given off of our tablets, the need for a laptop still hasn’t entirely gone away for most – particularly those who do 3D modeling. While it’s hardly a performer for any…
It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re being pulled down by constraints when you work in the field of product design. After all, everything from strict deadlines and challenging client presentations to manufacturing limitations and material costs are an everyday reality. Why not cut your creativity a little extra loose during the downtime? Heck, why…
While it may not be able to make your morning marmalade toast or scrub your cast iron skillets (or can it?), there are relatively few things that the Arduino single-board microcontroller can’t do. Considered by some to be the “World’s Friendliest Electronics Prototyping Platform”, the Arduino platform is also perfect for beginners who want to…
While it’s easy to overlook, having a favorite pen in your pocket to take to meetings or just around the office can be just one more of life’s small pleasures. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find a pen to stick with for the long haul that both fits your budget and feels right when…
As any successful freelancer will tell you, setting your own hours and managing your own workload is one of the most liberating things you could do to your professional career. Not to mention, those who master the art of time management and holding on to clients have no problem earning more than they would in…
When it comes to gettin’ stuff done as efficiently as possible, there’s more than one way to run the machine and still have time to stop and smell the roses. Unfortunately, learning new ways of doing things–even if we know that they’ll make our business and personal lives better–isn’t always easy. No matter your age,…
As any designer or engineer knows, the sky is the limit when it comes to staying on top of 3D software and workflows. While becoming an expert in one or two software packages may make sense for your day-to-day projects, it never hurts to stretch that 3D content creation muscle – even if just a little…
While it may not be able to make your morning marmalade toast or scrub your cast iron skillets (or can it?), there are relatively few things that the Arduino single-board microcontroller can’t do. Considered by some to be the “World’s Friendliest Electronics Prototyping Platform”, the Arduino platform is also perfect for beginners who want to…