If you’re like us and used a massive drafting table in college back in the day (do they even still?) you may have one or you may be on the lookout for one. So classic. And if you can find one with a protractor arm, even better. But once we saw the size and had…

We’re in the process of putting in new outdoor electrical run and improving some existing electrical. To have a check of wiring we had an electrician out. His go to (and only) tool used the whole time here was a single non-contact voltage tester. He described it as a tool he uses every day, worth…

We had been on the lookout for a good workbench that checks off several requirements when we came across the Seville Classics Lighted Stainless Steel Workbench. This has 48″ x 24″ work area, pegboard, lighted work area, and an open area under the bench, so you can wheel in carts or bins and don’t have…

While it may not be up there with Christmas, Easter, and your wedding anniversary, Amazon Prime Day is slowly but surely making it’s way into a more significant event each passing year. For two days and two days only beginning today (from 12 a.m. PT Tuesday, Oct 13th and concluding at 11:59 p.m. PT on…

We’re on the brink of Amazon Prime Day (Oct 13-14) where Prime members get extra doses of savings across all categories of products. They’ve already launched Early Prime Day Deals with discounts on Smart TVs, and more. We’re keeping an eye out for the best tools for Designers and Engineers throughout the week, so stay…

There are a handful of tools I’d put in the absolute must-have category. One of those is a battery tester. I’ve had the Amprobe BAT-200 Battery Tester for the last seven years and it has saved its meager cost in time and batteries saved. If you’re a parent or someone who goes through batteries and…

What do horror, romance, and desert island movies have in common? Not a lot, except the idea that at any time, people can get stranded in the wilderness. Or a cave in the middle of a storm. No cell service, just the clothes on their back, and maybe a pocket knife and a moldy cracker…

Since it became relatively accessible in the halcyon days of 2009-2017, give or take, 3D printing has been lauded as revolutionary tech – and for a good reason. Even excluding specialized machines that might solve homelessness from the equation, you’ve still got a hefty bit of creative power within reach. When it’s not geared towards…

Let’s settle a debate: Magneto is the best character in X-Men. He’s suave, he’s broody from a rich backstory, and he does more exciting things with technology than Batman could ever hope for. It’s beautiful work to pull out excess iron from inside someone’s blood and body. And who doesn’t want to lift metal beams…

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 more significant event each passing year. For two days and two days only beginning today (from 12 a.m. PT Monday, July 15 and concluding at 11:59 p.m. PT on…

With all the stress and grind of being a designer, pondering over the next brief, your hands need something to play with– to fidget, move and make you snap and doodle, all at one go. Possible? Yes, with the MAGNETIPS Magnetic Gel Pens, all of this is possible. Designed as gel pens – 20 shades…

Sustainability is the burning hot topic in many industries, and hospitality is is in the hot seat. QSRs (quick service restaurants) are shoveling food into our mouths and plastic cutlery out in trash bags and hotels won’t clean your room unless you absolutely request/demand it. But, back to the QSR sore spot. If you eat…

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…

I really can’t tell you how often I’ve needed a knife and didn’t have one and how often I used a knife when I finally did. If you’ve been waiting for just the right everyday carry (EDC) knife, I can’t recommend Kershaw knives enough. In design, function, and weight they’re an absolute favorite. And their…

When it comes to functional workspaces, proper tool organization cannot be stressed enough. After all, does anybody enjoy having to bounce from drawer to drawer looking for that one special screwdriver? We didn’t think so. While it may not organize every took in your shop, the handmade Waterproof Waxed Canvas Tool Rool from Hide &…

Most professional and amateur filmmakers and photographers have probably used a camera dolly at some point for everything from time-lapse imaging to creating smooth horizontal camera movements. Suffice it to say, those dollies can be costly depending on the rig, which is why some creative aficionados decide to build their own, which is precisely what…

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 Learn How to Code 2017 Bundle is the perfect entry point…

We’ve said it time and time again, but the Raspberry Pi is just so dang cool and we believe all designers and engineers should have one in their toolkit—if not on their desktop. While there is a bit of a slight learning curve, it’s nothing that today’s designers and engineers can’t handle on a leisurely…

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…

When it comes to woodworking, the quality of your work really can come down to the quality of your tools—which is why it’s critical to invest in tools that perform properly for the cuts you need. Thankfully, wood craftsmen have been refining many of these tools and techniques for centuries. And among others that stand…

If a trusty Trusco toolbox just isn’t your thing, you’re not entirely out of options when it comes to reliable portable tool storage. In fact, even if it is, who doesn’t like having options? The Klein Tools 18-inch Canvas Tool Bag ranks up there among our favorites when it comes to box-less tool storage. Made…

When it comes to precision assemblies and repairs, no two screwdrivers are alike. And while you may have an entire tool caddy loaded with precision screwdrivers for whatever job comes at you, you’re still not doing your wrist any favors. WIth a 100+ RPM motor with both forward and reverse controls, the first-of-its-kind General Tools…

Well, ladies and gents, as we celebrate the end of summer with BBQs, camping, and one our final water balloon fights, it’s also time to start getting prepped for the months ahead. And for many of us, this means applying a fresh layer of waterproof fabric wax to all of our canvas shoes, hats, jackets,…

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 Learn How to Code 2017 Bundle is the perfect entry point…

When it comes to sketching and communicating your ideas well, nothing beats a good old-fashioned pencil and a keen sense of perspective. That said, adding depth to your form sketches with light and shadow is a natural next step in taking your sketches to the next level. When it comes time to cranking ideas out…

Whether you’re aspiring to have a steady photography side gig, or simply just want to know what the heck it is that you’re doing with lighting, aperture, shutter speeds, and composition, mastering the foundation of great photography is a skill that never grows old. And the good news is, whether your weapon of choice is…

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…

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…

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 Learn How to Code 2017 Bundle is the perfect entry point…

It’s not always easy to juggle multiple hats in the design and engineering worlds—but if there is a common language that will likely end up saving you a lot of time and frustration down the road, it’s having g basic knowledge of visual communication. While nobody can become an Aaron Draplin overnight, having a strong…

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.…

Well, ladies and gents, as we celebrate the end of summer with BBQs, camping, and one our final water balloon fights, it’s also time to start getting prepped for the months ahead. And for many of us, this means applying a fresh layer of waterproof fabric wax to all of our canvas shoes, hats, jackets,…

Cherished by writers, designers, illustrators, and other creative professionals for its soft dark lead and unique flat eraser, the Blackwing 602 is worth trying at least once—but be forewarned: you may never go back to plain old #2 pencils again. Originally manufactured by the Eberhard Faber Pencil Company from 1934 – 1988, the Blackwing brand…

When it comes to precision assemblies and repairs, no two screwdrivers are alike. And while you may have an entire tool caddy loaded with precision screwdrivers for whatever job comes at you, you’re still not doing your wrist any favors. WIth a 100+ RPM motor with both forward and reverse controls, the first-of-its-kind General Tools…

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…

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…

Be still my beating heart. This site is beautiful. Thngs.co is a website dedicated to preserving a memory of every imaginable thing we have produced thus far. I don’t believe I’ve ever liked THINGS so much. It’s a feast for the eyes you and future generations are sure to appreciate. As they put it Thngs…

Let’s be honest here: a clean shop is a happy shop. And whether you’ve got metal shavings flying off your mill, or have heaps of sawdust collected in every corner and crevice, a reliable Shop-Vac can become the 7th Wonder of the World when a broom just won’t do. For those looking for a powerful…

Hot off the trail of their One DLP 3D printer debuted last year, Taiwan-based Phrozen is back, this time with Make, “the world’s most compact, reliable, and precise LCD light-cured resin 3D printer.” If that sounds like a mouthful, you’re right, but over 240 backers have already put Phrozen over their Kickstarter campaign target goal…

An AR platform so good even the military uses it? In this case, the platform in question is Gravity Jack’s PoindextAR- a system capable of detecting and augmenting any object without the need for markers and it can do so using any smart device with a camera. A bold claim would be an understatement, considering…

Stand-alone, desktop 3D printers seem to be going the way of the Dodo bird with the introduction of all-in-one machines, which offer more than simple printing. There are an increasing of companies who have eschewed traditional 3D printing to incorporate additional functionality. I used to think it was all a gimmick, but after seeing a…

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…

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding amateur looking for a new hobby, knowing how to take great photographs is a skill that will do you no wrong. And with the dizzying array of photography apps available on ever-more-powerful smartphones these days, taking quick snaps at a moment’s notice is becoming second nature. Thankfully,…

We get it. Taking the time to learn how to code either sounds like a luxury or a nightmare, depending on how you look at it. That said, there have never been more opportunities to learn at your own pace as there is today—be it Javascript, Python, Ruby, Swift or any other keystone programming language.…

Let’s be honest here. When it comes to brain-enhancing, head-bobbin’ tuneage for the work week, few things beat our very own SolidSmack Radio. But, sometimes you just need to put all distractions aside for a moment to power through your inbox or get through that next round of design iterations to be home in time…

I don’t know if you’ve ever gotten your hand on a CRKT folding knife, but they are by far one of the highest quality knives on the market. The CRKT Ken Onion knife I have is my favorite, but the CRKT Argus by award winning knife designer, Matthew Lerch, looks tough. Especially with the black…

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…

Sure, there’s dozens –– if not hundreds –– of pens out there that are the perfect everyday carry companion. But how many of those are made from Grade A butt-kicking aerospace-grade material? Heck, how many also double as a tablet stylus? The SMRT Limited Edition Carbon Fiber Rollerball Pen offers the rare combination of an…

It’s not even worth debating whether sketches created by “finger painting” on a tablet with your big stubby nubs are worth using or not. Unless you’re just laying out a few simple lines, a stylus is almost always necessary for achieving something with a finished sketch quality –– particularly one with pressure sensitivity. As the first…

Whether you’re a seasoned Arduino developer or an Arduino beginner, there’s always something new to be learned with the versatile open-source hardware development kit. Whether it’s a prototype for a wearable design or even controlling your garage door via a Twitter feed, the possibilities of what can be done with Arduino are seemingly endless. For…