This week’s Spotify-powered SolidSmack Radio Playlist knocks you in the pop sockets with head-boppin’ groove tuneage to help propel you through the work week in style. Whether you find yourself inking markers until they’re dry, grinding material through a bandsaw or working that 3D geometry all day, consider these tracks as a tool for your process. This week we’ll start things off with the classic “Naima” from John Coltrane and work our way through an eclectic mix of Damien Jurado, Wooden Shjips, Fuzz, The Soundcarriers and others before wrapping up with “Puppet on a String” from Night Beats. Have suggestions? As always, let us know what you listen to, what…

Although digital LED destination signs have become increasingly more common on public transportation vehicles since the technology has become more affordable to implement, they surprisingly aren’t the most favored method of signage on modern rail cars and buses on their way to pick up eagerly awaiting passengers. Alternatively, backlit roller bus blinds offer significantly cleaner signage with the ability to add color or symbols for specific color-coded routes and stops which can be especially helpful for visually impaired individuals. Of course, making these large custom manufactured industrial roller blinds is no easy task. Since 1978, the UK-based McKenna Brothers have been manufacturing these traditional printed blinds on Tyvek for clients…

Yeah, you know any old helmet won’t do. And you definitely know that Lannister guard helmet you fashioned from a paper bag, gorilla glue and wood chips is looking pretty weak right now. Well, there’s a better way to make a helmet and you won’t believe how simple it is. This week on Tested, the process-crazed crew is joined by armor maker extraordinaire Evil Ted Smith, for a breakdown on how to easily build the base for your very own, pro-level cosplay helmets.

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. Each Monday, we’ll 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. Be sure to check in each Monday morning for a new crop of freshly sprouted words curated straight from the source of your favorite…

Don your favorite bathrobe, cream that coffee and get comfortable with this week’s SolidSmack Weekend Reader. The Weekend Reader features a handful of the most interesting articles featured on the ‘Smack over the past week ranging from tips and tricks to inspirational designs, processes, and more. So lay back, relax and take a load off while reading the top ten stories on SolidSmack this past week. Oh and uh…don’t forget to shed some much-needed sunlight on your face, too. This Hamster-Powered Drawing Machine Was Created with a Raspberry Pi “With a knack for bringing inanimate objects to life, Los Angeles–based multimedia artist Neil Mendoza knows a thing or two about…

With 3D printing services popping up like dandelions across the nation, and UPS, Amazon and other major retailers hopping on the bandwagon, 3D printing is becoming more available to consumers. Home printer quality is hit or miss, to be honest. Even printers made from M3D, a bigger company, have their own share of issues. I have the original M3D printer, and I have yet to get a successful print out of it. Fortunately, the company is looking to remedy any problems with their newly announced M3D Pro.