RS has announced the availability of a new BETA version of DesignSpark Mechanical. This 3D CAD tool is available at no charge from RS, so long as you register an account with their system. It’s a comprehensive 3D CAD development tool that works only on the Windows platform, in both 32 and 64 bit modes. If you haven’t used DesignSpark, it is a very capable tool and produces solid models suitable for 3D printing. RS is a huge supplier of electronic components and as part of their marketing operations they provide several tools for use by the public. Their hope is to provoke the creation of new electronics, for which…

Only the most gullible of people would believe hypnosis works, but dang it anyways, it sure is alluring to see a bunch of swirls rotate in place. The Mezmoglobe is in no way a portable hypnosis apparatus. Composed of aerospace grade aluminum rods, these 54 mm spheres have stainless steel bearings inside them which allow them to spin indefinitely on their leather base. Combined with the engraved spiral on the outer shell, and you have the makings of a toy which will easily distract co-workers (or at least make them nauseous). Getting the Mezmoglobe to work is as easy as spinning the sphere and watching the toy rotate. Depending on…

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…

Even though the game has been out for more than two years, Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch just keeps getting bigger and bigger. They’ve already made stop-motion videos and Nerf guns, so it was only a matter of time before the massive franchise moved on to everyone’s favorite building toy: LEGO. To complement the small-scale Bastion set, which was sold earlier this year, LEGO and Blizzard are introducing six new LEGO sets, four of which come with LEGO-sized accessories based on some of the game’s most iconic levels. Take this Tracer/Widowmaker LEGO set, which has 129 pieces and comes with an immovable payload. While Tracer has her iconic dual pistols and a…

With all the complicated manufacturing technology and automated processes around us nowadays, it’s nice to take things back to basics every now again and remind ourselves how brilliant good-old-fashioned handiwork can be. Traditional Chinese crafter Li Ziqi doesn’t need computers or fancy machines to make furniture; all she needs is a ruler, some hammers, chisels, saws, and bamboo to make her own sofa and table. It’s nothing short of astounding how she makes the whole set from scratch. From cutting bamboo stalks in the forest to preparing them for the crafting process, she does the entire thing by herself. After prepping the stalks, she carefully measures each one and cuts…

Those of you who know us well know of our longstanding love for the iconic rOtring 800 Mechanical Pencil. But heck, it isn’t the only great mechanical pencil to have on your desktop. For those who are particular about sharp lead points — AT ALL TIMES — the brilliant engineering behind writing tool manufacturer Uni’s Kuru Toga mechanical pencil just might be the best thing for you since, well, sliced bread. Ideal for sketching, writing, engineering linework, or just about anything else that requires a nice bit of lead to the paper, the Kuru Toga features a mechanism that rotates the lead ever-so-slightly each time it’s lifted from the page—meaning, you’re always…