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 toolboxes now come in more sizes than ever—capable of whatever storage challenges you throw at them. Trusco Toolboxes — $12.27 – $171.12 Features: Steel body, formed for extra strength Versatile sizing for specific storage solutions Double-hinged construction for smooth opening Dividers included Equally useful in the home, office, or…
If you went to college on your path to becoming an engineer/designer/maker you may have learned there are a lot of occupational hazards you were not warned about in that schooling. Even if you didn’t, I bet there were a lot of nasty surprises. Like, what about being cursed? I don’t mean in a profanity way, but more in the black-magic-bad-mojo way. Did anyone warn you of the Engineer’s Curse? More importantly: ARE YOU AFFLICTED?! Chances are: YES. What Is the Engineer’s Curse? Well, due to your professional experience, is there something that is absolutely ruined for you because you know too intimately about the right or proper way it…
Last year, we took a quick peek at the Bollinger Motors B1 – a humongous off-road vehicle powered exclusively by electricity. Big, blocky, and just as transformable as any Transformer, this puppy was made to adjust to almost any outdoor need you can imagine. Now thanks to Bollinger Motors, we finally get to take a behind-the-scenes look at how this environment-friendly monster was made over the course of 16 months: Function over form drives almost all of the Bollinger B1’s features. Take for example the choice to make the vehicle electric. Making the B1 electric from the get-go was always the plan, according to Robert Bollinger. Apart from having a…
Get that stretch out of your system with this week’s Spotify-powered SolidSmack Radio Playlist. It’s fashioned up, ready to make you pull your shoulder blades back and knock out another week of meaningful work while you bob your head to the beat. Whether you’re in the shop milling aluminum, sketching the latest product prototypes or modeling up a 3D storm, consider these tracks as a tool for your process. This week on SolidSmack Radio we’ll get the groove going with “Crystal Blue” from Fantasy Guys before diving into irresistible tracks from Sugar Candy Mountain, Sports, Loving, Toro y Moi, and others before wrapping up with “Nocturne” from Wild Nothing. Let’s…
It may not be your favorite shop accessory, but a sturdy pair of safety glasses is an absolutely critical piece of kit. Whether running a 2 x 4 through the table saw or simply sanding the final edges of a model, the last thing you need is dust in your eyes or worse—something much larger. Which is why we love the Classic Safety Glasses from SAS Safety. These no-bull safety glasses feature durable impact resistant polycarbonate 99.9% UV-resistant lens and offer additional protection with temple covers. Lightweight and comfortable with just the right amount of ‘Shop Boss’ style, you can’t go wrong with these no matter what gets thrown at…
It’s time for another round of apps that cover the spectrum of your beloved mobile 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 and 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! Medium (iOS — Free) The best reads tailored just for you. Camera+ 2 (iOS – $2.99) Whether you’re a seasoned photographer…