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.…
When it comes to long hours working in the shop, good quality and comfortable workwear couldn’t be more underrated. Heck—why wouldn’t you want to be comfortable? And while that beloved Pearl Jam 1994 World Tour shirt may do the job a few days out of the week, there’s no denying that there’s always room in…
From quick repairs to form exploration studies, few materials are as useful around the design engineer’s workshop as good old Bondo. Featuring a resin-based filler and a hardening solution, the hardener is blended together with the filler to create a chemical reaction which cures the creamy and spreadable product into a solid body. Originally created…
If you’re fortunate enough to have a garage or workspace, few things are as satisfying as a functional organizational system for all those tools. And while keeping the goods stored away in a tool chest is a great start, why not display those organizational skills and add a bit of context to your workshop setting…
If you spend a lot of time designing objects for humans, then it would be a grave mistake to arm yourself with knowledge of body proportions and how to convey the use of your objects in context. Unfortunately, sketching humans accurately can be an incredibly daunting process to learn—particularly if you’re not trying to set…
Long gone are the days when every banner and sign required the specialized touch of a sign writer—yet, even with today’s billboard-sized digital prints created from Photoshop files, the art of good old-fashioned hand lettering is still just as popular as it ever was. And while it does take some practice to cross your t’s…
With over two decades of experience teaching how to design, draw, and render at the highest college level, concept designer Scott Robertson knows a thing or two about what it takes to make concepts ‘stick’ for his students. And as one of the most widely-recognized design sketching masters, he’s proven these concepts in his own…
Sure—we’re all for having the right tools at the right time. But let’s be honest: having any tool, when the need arises, is better than having none. Which is why having a multitool on your key chain makes perfect sense. But when it comes to multitools—key chain fobs or not—not all are created equal. And…
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…
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.…
As anybody who works at a desk for more than a few hours a day knows, having the right lighting can have a drastic effect on your work environment and most importantly, productivity. From eye strain to headaches, poor lighting causes eyes to work much harder than they need to. When compounded over hours at…
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…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
Unless carrying a heavy DSLR and a pack of lenses across your back is your idea of a fun time, chances are you depend on a smartphone for what are arguably less-than-desirable photos of your favorite moments. But what if getting outstanding results from your photographs with proper depth of field and shutter speed settings…
To call the Raspberry Pi a runaway success is a wild understatement, but that doesn’t make the process of getting started with the credit card-sized single-board computer any less daunting for new users starting from scratch. While some of the most basic beginner Raspberry Pi projects are surprisingly powerful – including making your own portable…
Brought to you this week by the pores in Smoth Mealer’s chin squirting freshly-steamed tortillas, be sure to check out the all new episode of Cool Tools of Doom n’ Stuff! By the way, we love our SolidSmack readers! Have something cool you’ve come across and want to share it on SolidSmack? Don’t hide it…
As a media company, we’ve seen our fair share of apps, platforms, and ways of getting our content to the masses. Some people prefer to wait for EngineerVsDesigner to roll in over the air on their iPhone while some prefer watching the show here on the Smack. This week brings a whole new way of…
Brought to you this week by Smoth Mealer’s expansive collection of TI-84 Calculators and a box of floral print lotion-flavored Kleenex, be sure to check out the all new episode of Cool Tools of Doom n’ Stuff! By the way, we love our SolidSmack readers! Have something cool you’ve come across and want to share…
Brought to you this week by a plate of steaming beef tips served with a horseradish, frog leg, and maple syrup reduction dart to the jugular, be sure to check out the all new episode of Cool Tools of Doom n’ Stuff! By the way, we love our SolidSmack readers! Have something cool you’ve come…
Brought to you this week by 3 field mice singing mariachi songs while sitting in a hot tub and drinking strawberry milk jiggles, be sure to check out the all new episode of Cool Tools of Doom n’ Stuff! By the way, we love our SolidSmack readers! Have something cool you’ve come across and want…
Brought to you by three salamis and four corn chips singing Tina Turner songs into a bowl of bean dip, be sure to check out the all new episode of Cool Tools of Doom n’ Stuff! By the way, we love our SolidSmack readers! Have something cool you’ve come across and want to share it…
The droids are taking over…starting with pizza delivery! Before you get yourself all worked up about droid-delivered Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Supreme Combo Pizzas, relax yourself with an all new episode of Cool Tools of Doom n’ Stuff! By the way, we love our SolidSmack readers! Have something cool you’ve come across and want to share…
Well, it’s almost that miserable end of the week folks, and in addition to celebrating with four dozen mega-creme doughnuts we also found time to throw out this week’s Cool Tools of Doom n’ Stuff (sorry, we ate all the doughnuts)!! By the way, we love our SolidSmack readers! Have something cool you’ve come across…
Well, it’s about that time of year to start pitchin’ the ol’ teepee in the backyard for those sugar-infused, marshmallow-happy backyard camp sessions. Before little Timmy gets worked up over how many S’Mores he can have at a time this year, get yourself caught up to speed with our backyard camping edition of Cool Tools…
Come join us around the campfire and bring your extra-large marshmallows because this week’s episode of Cool Tools of Doom n’ Stuff is live! We love our SolidSmack readers! Do you have something cool you’ve come across and want to share it on SolidSmack? Don’t hide it in your neck skin! Send it on in…
What could be more fun than scaring sharks off with a baby seal costume?! This week’s episode of Cool Tools of Doom n’ Stuff is live! We love our SolidSmack readers! Do you have something cool you’ve come across and want to share it on SolidSmack? Don’t hide it in your neck skin! Send it…
Get ready for a battle of Killer Bees versus Cardboard Swords (somebody’s gettin’ hurt)! This week’s episode of Cool Tools of Doom n’ Stuff is live! We love our SolidSmack readers! Do you have something cool you’ve come across and want to share it on SolidSmack? Don’t hide it in your neck skin! Send it…