Soldering iron works by melting a solder using the current flowing in the metallic tip of the tool. When this happens, the solder will melt and can be used to fuse a gap between two metals. Pretty simple, isn’t it? Yes, it is. If you plan to buy one, however, finding the perfect soldering iron…
As you might have guessed, manufacturing chain link fences involves a similar process to that of knitting a sweater—assuming that the machine is a mad giant with a flock of steel wool—bearing sheep. Typically made from galvanized or LLDPE-coated steel wire, chain link fences feature a distinctive zig-zag pattern that isn’t just there for looks;…
While Frank Howarth of Frank Makes may be one of our favorite go-to YouTubers when it comes to woodworking, This Old Tony is close behind when it comes to machining and other forms of metalworking. While the scope of his videos vary from designing and making your own springs to machining tool holders for a…
These days, it seems like we rarely go a week without some crazy blacksmith vying for YouTube view counts with an attention-grabbing blade design. Regardless of whether the skilled blacksmiths are recreating Jaime Lannister’s Sword from Game of Thrones or demonstrating the process of repurposing a circular saw blade into a usable knife design, we’re…
Brace yourselves – this is actually a pretty big deal. Last week, researchers out of the University of Rochester used laser etching methods to create unique patterns that made metal surfaces extremely hydrophobic i.e. water-repellant. Unlike chemical treatments like Teflon-coatings or Ultra-Ever Dry, they claim that this material is much more rugged and long-lasting. In…
For thousands of years, casting aqueous substances and drying them into usable forms has been a core technique in manufacturing, and one of the greatest advancements made in human technology. From ceramics and metals to glass and plastics, countless methods of casting have been invented to exhume objects from molds over the millennia. But unfortunately,…
What incredibly functional complex designs could you possibly think up if you only had fabric, sheet metal or wood to work with? More than you could do carpet scraps and hot glue I imagine. Design can be interesting, but it gets downright inspiring when you see common flat panel materials used in different areas you…