Founded in 1959 as a professional tool manufacturer to support Japan’s burgeoning manufacturing industry, Trusco—a combination of the words “Trust” and “Company”—is still manufacturing some of the best toolboxes, today. While their stripped-down design makes them a must-have for many design aficionados, the pressed steel boxes are ridiculously useful for just about anything—tools or not. Still manufactured in Fukui, Japan, Trusco tool boxes now come in more sizes than ever—capable of whatever storage challenges you throw at them. Trusco Tool Boxes — $12.99 – $147.37 Features: Steel body, formed for extra strengthVersatile sizing for specific storage solutionsDouble-hinged construction for smooth openingDividers includedEqually useful in the home, office, or the shop…

Mondays might not be your favorite day of the week, but the good news is that we’re all in this together ladies and gentlemen. As purveyors of prime Grade A web content, the SolidSmack crew has done some of the heavy-lifting to make sure you get your Mondays started on the right track. Welcome to The Monday List. Every Monday, we link you up with some of the most insightful, informative, and socially-relevant stories to keep tabbed, bookmarked, reading listed, pocketed, or what have you to get your week started on the right foot. Be sure to check in each week for a new crop of freshly sprouted words curated straight…

We haven’t heard much from MakerOS over the past couple of years, but they have big news today. If you have not encountered MakerOS, they are a Michigan-based service that provides a number of powerful management functions to design and making communities and industries. Their tagline is: “MakerOS is an end-to-end management platform for your design, prototype, and production workflow.” And that is exactly what they do. You can login to their system to accept orders, track them, issue invoices, connect with designers, file storage, etc. They even have a unique “overflow” feature in which work can be subcontracted to others if too many orders are received. Today they boast…

If you thought the age-old craft of metalworking couldn’t get any more precise, well think again. In a recent semi-viral Twitter post from Singaporean news service Mothership.sg, engineers demonstrate how to cut metal so precisely that you can’t even see the grooves between the pieces when they are put back together. This manufacturing process is known as EDM (electrical discharge machining—not “electric dance music”), and consists of a defined electrical spark that runs across a metal surface—allowing for the ridiculously precise cuts to be made. Yeah—it’s pretty freakin’ awesome: To put it simply, the spark used in the EDM process is created by running an electrical conductor close to the…

It’s time for another round of apps that cover the spectrum of your beloved smart device(s)! The Weekly App Smack is the best of new or updated design and productivity apps (and maybe a couple of fun ones, too) for the busy design or engineering professional. This week we have a list sure to make you more efficient. Do you have an app suggestion that has made your life easier or changed up your workflow? Let us know in the comments below or send it into tips@solidsmack.com. Hit it! CARROT Weather (iOS — $4.99) The crazy-powerful weather app. Urbanbase AR (iOS – Free) Urbanbase AR lets you create your own virtual…

Few shop tools—yes, we’ll call it a “tool”—are as indispensable as a reliable work apron. While not a “tool” in the traditional sense, a good, durable apron can serve many purposes ranging from tool organization to even psychologically making yourself ‘present’ in the workshop. But no two aprons are alike—and striking the balance between functional and economical isn’t always easy. Which is why we like the Cross Back Adjustable Apron from Hudson Durable Goods. Made from thick and durable waxed canvas, this stylish work apron features design details that are as carefully considered as the long-lasting materials they’re constructed from. Additionally, the cross-back (X-back) straps ensure that weight from tools…