CNC "Create" Shop Sign & Inventables Announcement

I'm excited to announce that I've signed on to start working with Inventables -- the company that makes the X-Carve CNC.  I don't own an X-Carve, so I will be using one at my local maker space.  Last week, I headed over to the space and carved my first project -- this "create" sign for the shop.  To make it, I created SVG files in Affinity Designer, and imported the SVGs into Easel.  It was incredibly easy.  I highly recommend giving Easel a try -- just play with it and see what designs you come up with.  I have a hunch after you do, you'll quickly be looking up your local maker space to figure out how to turn those designs into reality!

I also put together a quick video showing the carving process.  This video won't be posted on my YouTube channel, so check it out here!

NEW VIDEO is Up! BLUETOOTH BOOMBOX made from recycled SKATEBOARDS -- check it out! →

In this video, I show how to make a portable bluetooth boombox from twice recycled skateboard wood.  I managed to use every part of the skateboard in this DIY speaker build. The front panel is formed from reclaimed skateboard wood, the handle of the speaker is made from skateboard trucks, and the feet are made from skateboard wheels and bearings.  

I used Dayton Audio kit parts for the electronics.  It has a 2x50w Bluetooth amp, which is driving two Tang Band 5” W5-2143 full range speaker drivers.  It is battery powered, with great battery life, and most importantly, sounds amazing!  

A huge shout out to KIRBY MEETS AUDIO for his help in designing the speaker enclosure and selecting the Tang Band drivers.  His channel has a wealth of information on speaker design and speaker building, and his video production is top notch.  Go subscribe to Kirby Meets Audio if you haven’t already!
KIRBY MEETS AUDIO YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://goo.gl/8gFxnw
Also, a big thanks to FOCUSED SKATEBOARD WOODWORKS for sending me their offcuts and making this build possible.  Check them out!
Web: https://goo.gl/tM4T2s
Instagram: @focused_skateboard_woodworks

SPEAKER PARTS USED IN BUILD

• Bluetooth Amplifier Board: https://goo.gl/UgQ4wq
• 5” Full-Range Drivers: https://goo.gl/4WXUtJ
• Battery Charger Board: https://goo.gl/1w3C74
• Li-ion Batteries: https://goo.gl/LUPbzs
• 19V Power Supply: https://goo.gl/t2sZwB
• “L” Brackets for Amp and Battery Boards: https://goo.gl/SQzwwQ
• Cable Kit (on/off. Volume, line input): https://goo.gl/XY6gcy
• 2.5” Ports: https://goo.gl/mQwhL2

TOOLS FOR ELECTRONICS
• My favorite solder: http://amzn.to/2CNgjIF
• Quality Soldering Iron: http://amzn.to/2CKHoMC
• Blue Soldering Mat: http://amzn.to/2DboPCd

WOODWORKING TOOLS
• Cordless Nailer: http://amzn.to/2FJIsFW
• Ridgid Cordless Router: http://amzn.to/2pinfZL
• 90 Degree driver / oscillating saw: http://amzn.to/2FHqrbB
• Hole Saw Kit: http://amzn.to/2GztkIw
• RZ dust mask: http://amzn.to/2wM8F1t
• Bosch 18V cordless circular saw: http://amzn.to/2wcDgnN
• Bosch 18V cordless Drill & Impact Driver Kit: http://amzn.to/2BCI753
• Dewalt Table Saw w/ 32” Rip Capacity: http://amzn.to/2yQd2Fy
• Japanese Flush Cut Hand Saw: http://amzn.to/2yRa1Fd
• Dewalt 12” Miter Saw: http://amzn.to/2yQRgS6
• Forstner Bits: http://amzn.to/2Bgv863

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM: @modustrialmaker || https://goo.gl/3Yqo2m 

For those interested in building one of these, here are the calculations for the Tang Band 5" speakers and 2.5" ports.  The below shows the enclosure for a single speaker -- for the boombox, you'll have two enclosures; one for each speaker.

50K Giveaway & Modustrial Shop Project Ep. 1

Better late than never!  As promised, I'm celebrating 50,000 subscribers on YouTube with a giveaway for two of the "Living Art" LED lamps from my last video, as well as a Kreg Rip-cut jig, and a Nova 2G/3G IOT modem.  There are four ways to enter the contest -- two on Instagram and two on YouTube, so everyone can get up to four entries.   Just scroll down use the form below.  And of course, make sure to check out the "Living Art" Desk Lamp build video if you haven't already.  (Note: The contest starts at 5:00am CST, so if you are early, please check back then.)

50k Subscriber Giveaway

NEW VIDEO! Making a "LIVING ART" LED Desk LAMP

In this video I show how to make a Modustrial-designed DIY “Living Art” LED lamp from plywood and an LED matrix.  

The LEDs in the lamp are controlled by an Arduino Nano that creates colorful moving patterns, aka, “living art.”  However, it is also very practical for use as a desk lamp, table lamp, or bedside lamp, since an LED push button allows you to switch from the living-art mode to normal white-light modes, and a red-nightlight mode.   

I made three versions of this lamp – two out of bamboo plywood, and one out of walnut plywood.  You could use any type of plywood you like to build the lamp.

The electronics were designed to be very simple.  It can be built with NO SOLDERING.

To see the finished walnut version of the lamp, FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/modustrialmaker/  || @modustrialmaker

PARTS FOR THE BUILD:

• 16x16 LED Matrix: http://amzn.to/2BgIcsj
• Arduino Nano: (pre-soldered) http://amzn.to/2H0h6bS
• Arduino Nano Screw Terminal Shield: http://amzn.to/2FZwy6y (pre-soldered)
• 5V Momentary LED push button: http://amzn.to/2CLbu2E OR https://goo.gl/Cn1iDy
• JST Connectors: http://amzn.to/2ALve4j
• Semi-transparent white acrylic sheet: https://goo.gl/YV4X81
• Female Power Jack: http://amzn.to/2H3oN0P (no solder) || http://amzn.to/2ziyuEB (solder)
• Lever-nut Wire Connectors: http://amzn.to/2BhMtvM
• 5V power supply: http://amzn.to/2zgiGSJ

ARDUINO NANO CODE FOR THE LAMP: https://github.com/modustrialmaker/Living_Art_LED_Matrix_Lamp

ELECTRONICS TOOLS

• My favorite solder: http://amzn.to/2CNgjIF
• Quality Soldering Iron: http://amzn.to/2CKHoMC
• Blue Soldering Mat: http://amzn.to/2DboPCd

OTHER TOOLS I USE:

• Tap Drill Bit (for threaded holes): http://amzn.to/2Fm7V4A
• RZ dust mask: http://amzn.to/2wM8F1t
• Bosch 18V cordless circular saw: http://amzn.to/2wcDgnN
• Bosch 18V cordless Drill & Impact Driver Kit: http://amzn.to/2BCI753
• Dewalt Table Saw w/ 32” Rip Capacity: http://amzn.to/2yQd2Fy
• Japanese Flush Cut Hand Saw: http://amzn.to/2yRa1Fd
• Dewalt 12” Miter Saw: http://amzn.to/2yQRgS6
• Forstner Bits: http://amzn.to/2Bgv863

"Marble" Concrete Table wins Grand Prize in Instructables / Woodcraft Furniture Contest

I'm excited to announce that my concrete "marble" table with shou sugi ban base won the grand prize in the Instructables Furniture Contest sponsored by Woodcraft.  Thanks to everyone who voted for me!

Here is a link to the details and a gallery with all of the prize winners: 

https://www.woodcraft.com/blog_entries/chicago-maker-wins-furniture-contest

And of course, if you haven't checked out the video, now is the time!

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Modustrial Maker Blog

Mancave Makeover Ep. 2 is available on YouTube -- DIY Floating TV Panel & Reclaimed Wood Feature Wall

This is the second of two videos for the mancave makeover received by a lucky friend.  In the first video, I showed how to make a concrete waterfall countertop (be sure to check it out if you haven't already: https://youtu.be/8vRc4F9MvtE).  In this second installment, I show how to make and install a reclaimed wood feature wall with a floating LED TV panel.

The video also shows the installation of Ikea Sektion cabinets with Kungsbacka front panels, so I guess you could consider this an Ikea hack of sorts :)

The TV panel is formed of two frames. The TV is mounted to the front frame, which is larger than the rear frame, and LED strips are attached around the rear frame.  This arrangement hides the LEDs, so they emit nice glow from behind the panel, and make the TV panel appear as if it is floating in front of the wall.

We used Stikwood reclaimed weathered wood in white to cover the walls and TV panel.  It is a peel n' stick product that is really easy to install.

STIKWOOD
 - white peel n' stick wood: (slightly different type than we used): http://amzn.to/2DybS4v
- J-Roller: http://amzn.to/2BVltlB

LED PRODUCTS 

• LED Controller w/ Remote: http://amzn.to/2ltWX41
• WS2812 30 LED/m strips : http://amzn.to/2CqUZtk
• WS2813 Strips (new LED chip w/ data redundancy): http://amzn.to/2zOIjt4
• 5V LED power supply: http://amzn.to/2EgyV5b

TOOLS I USE:

- RZ dust mask: http://amzn.to/2wM8F1t
-Tacklife Laser Level: http://amzn.to/2ltdh4X
- Tack Life Level: http://amzn.to/2yQhYuk
- Bosch 18V cordless circular saw: http://amzn.to/2wcDgnN
- Bosch 18V cordless Drill & Impact Driver Kit: http://amzn.to/2BCI753
- Dewalt Table Saw w/ 32” Rip Capacity: http://amzn.to/2yQd2Fy
- Dewalt 12” Miter Saw: http://amzn.to/2yQRgS6

Making a Waterfall Countertop with LED River Inlay || DIY Concrete (GFRC) || Mancave Makeover Ep. 1

New build video is up on my YouTube channel.  This video explains how to make a one-piece DIY concrete waterfall countertop with an inlaid river of flowing LEDs that cascades over the waterfall edge (using neopixel LED strips).   

This is the first of two videos for a mancave makeover at a friend's house.  Part 2 will be uploaded within the next week, and will show how to make and install a reclaimed wood feature wall with floating LED TV panel, and the installation of the cabinets.

The countertop is made from a glass-fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) concrete mix, which is pre-cast in a melamine form.  I made the mix from scratch (recipe links are below).  I mixed 280 lbs of the dry materials (including powdered pigment) all at once, so the color would be consistent.  I used 40 lbs for the face coat, and the remaining in batches for the back coat with glass fibers.

I used an off-the-shelf LED controller that has MUSIC REACTIVE modes, chasing modes, and solid color modes, with an RF remote, to control the WS2812 LED strips.  The LEDs are covered by a smoke grey transparent acrylic sheet, which is inlaid so it sits flush with the concrete countertop.

MM-Inspired Build - Chris Gagnon's DIY Pendant Double-Ring Light

Chris Gagnon shared a video documenting the build process for a double ring light, which he indicates was inspired by Rings of Saturn light.  I think it came out pretty cool - well done Chris!

Here is what Chris said about the project: 

“I wanted to put my own twist on it by using segmentation. I have always been interested in wood segmentation and the projects that you can make with it. This project is inexpensive and requires very little tools. All your friends will be so impressed when you start making things using this new skill you are gonna learn here. One thing I want you to take away from this video is that you don’t need to spend hours building a fancy jig for your table saw to do perfect segmentation projects and I am going to show you how right now. so lets get started.”

And, in case you haven't seen it, check out the original video for my Rings of Saturn light.

How to Turn Concrete into MARBLE -- new Table Build Video is Up!

New Build video is up! In this video I show how to make a DIY concrete coffee table top look like marble.  The top is made using Fishstone’s glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) ready-made concrete mix, which is pre-cast in a melamine form.  I separated out batches of different colored concrete (from white to dark grey), mixed them together in the form, and then swirled them together by hand to get the marble-like appearance.

I also used an ancient Japanese technique called “Shou Sugi Ban” to make the base for the coffee table.  I used a modernized version of shou sugi ban, employing a propane torch to char the outside of the wood.  The charred wood is natural way of protecting the rest of the wood, and when finished with a penetrating oil, such as Danish oil, provides a durable surface.  This technique works well on any open-grained wood, such as Douglas fir, pine, and cedar.  I used inexpensive 4x4 Douglas fir lumber from my local big box store.  

CONCRETE (GFRC) PRODUCTS USED: 

• Two bags of Pre-Blended GFRC Mix: https://goo.gl/izSggQ
• 1.5 Bag of AR Glass Fibers: https://goo.gl/c9Vw9x
• Cake Fondant Tool for perfect edges: http://amzn.to/2w0JCVx
• Concrete mixer (HUGE help for GFRC): http://amzn.to/2kEnZFi
• StoneTech concrete sealer: http://amzn.to/2gSrjyp
• Another concrete sealer I like: http://amzn.to/2xW7Gth
• Black 100% Silicone Caulk: http://amzn.to/2B64iRY
• Paste Finishing Wax: http://amzn.to/2kF565e
• Concrete Pigment: http://amzn.to/2yPo51P

WOOD

 - Three (3) 8 ft. 4x4s -- Douglas Fir, Cedar, or Pine
 - 3/4" Dowels: http://amzn.to/2yTWrkl

OTHER PRODUCTS USED IN VIDEO:

- Propane Torch: http://amzn.to/2yQbtaV
- Danish Oil: http://amzn.to/2yRhlAw
- RZ dust mask: http://amzn.to/2wM8F1t
- Diamond Grinding Wheel (for grinding underside of table): http://amzn.to/2yRL6RY
- Forstner Bit Set: http://amzn.to/2yQAoej
- Tack Life Level: http://amzn.to/2yQhYuk
- Kreg Pocket Hole Jig: http://amzn.to/2kCvlsW
- Herzo Dust Shround for Angle Grinder: http://amzn.to/2yPymLr
- 

TOOLS I USE:

- Tack Life Angle Grinder: http://amzn.to/2B6fwWG
- Bosch 18V cordless circular saw: http://amzn.to/2wcDgnN
- Bosch 18V cordless Drill & Impact Driver Kit: http://amzn.to/2BCI753
- Dewalt Table Saw w/ 32” Rip Capacity: http://amzn.to/2yQd2Fy
- Japanese Flush Cut Hand Saw: http://amzn.to/2yRa1Fd
- Dewalt 12” Miter Saw: http://amzn.to/2yQRgS6

Bluetooth Speaker Build Featured on Adafruit, Arduino.cc, and Maker Update

The Bluetooth LED speaker build was a passion project for me, so I'm excited to see it getting some positive press.

Check out a great overview of the project on Maker Update's weekly maker news show, where it was the project of the week:

The speaker was also feature on Adafruit's blog and Arduino.cc

Adafruit link

Arduino.cc link 

I also uploaded a full written Instructable which has more details on the project that weren't in the video.

Instructable link

Lastly, if you haven't watched the video itself yet, what are you waiting for?  It is my favorite project yet, so I hope you like it!

NEW BUILD VIDEO -- DIY Bluetooth Speaker w/ Reactive LED Matrix

My new build video is up -- check it out!

In this video, I show how I designed and built a Bluetooth Speaker with an integrated LED matrix. The LED matrix includes a number of different visualization modes, including a fireplace mode, an abstract “moving art” mode, and several that react to the music via a microphone inside of the speaker box. I haven’t seen any other product designed for the home, which marries sight and sound in this way.

The idea for this project came about in a somewhat unorthodox way. I wanted to build something for several friends expecting newborns. I wanted a gift that would help their children develop neurologically, and a gift that they wouldn’t outgrow. Having done a number of LED projects, and having some woodworking experience, I came up with the idea to integrate an audio-reactive LED matrix in a Bluetooth speaker.

The speaker box involved a fair amount of woodworking. The outside of the box is made from rough curly maple lumber, which I milled to 3/4". The front and back panels are made from MDF. The finish of the curly maple was inspired by electric guitar finishes, like those seen on some of my favorite Paul Reed Smith guitars.

Internally, I am using a 2x15w Dayton Audio bluetooth amplifier board for the audio, and an Arduino Mega to control 16x16 LED matrix (WS2812 LEDs). A small electret microphone inside of the speaker box detects the music that is playing, and provides a signal the Arduino can use to create reactive display on the LEDs.

The design also allows for mechanical adjustment to entirely change the look of the LED matrix; from pixelated to abstract. I am particularly proud of this feature, as I haven’t seen it anywhere else before, and the effect is very cool (it is shown towards the end of the video). The LED matrix is mounted to a baffle behind the white semi-transparent acrylic diffuser, and by twisting a thumb screw on the back of the speaker, you can move the LED baffle towards or away from the diffuser. The thumb screw thus allows you to go from a pixelated display (where individual LEDs are visible), to an abstract display, where the LEDs blur together to form moving art, with an almost 3D-like effect.

MM-inspired Concrete and Live-Edge Inlay Charcuterie Board

The Cutting Bored just uploaded a video of their concrete and live-edge inlay charcuterie board.  (I'm trying to resist saying its a cutting board by the Cutting Bored :) ) The video indicates this board was inspired by my live-edge table build video, but this is really a unique twist on the design.  They used inexpensive materials and still got a great looking result.  

Generally, The Cutting Bored has a great YouTube channel going, so check out the rest of their videos as well, and show some love by subscribing.

For those that missed it, here is the original live-edge white concrete table that the Cutting Bored references in their video.