not a kludge

Instructables user PDRWLSN created this pocket-sized flame thrower not because it's freaking awesome, but to as a way to start a quick fire when you're camping and only have access to wet wood. The gun uses materials readily available at any hardware store with butane lighter fluid as a fuel source and a BBQ ignition switch as a trigger. Below is a video showing the machine failing to melt snow. If any of you are crazy enough to try this, please, be safe.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=playerembedded&v=-KAgep0AWE]

Steve Hoefer at Grathio labs shows off his Arduino based door opener, which responds to knocks on the door bye timing the gaps between the sounds. If the gap matches the programmed knock, it unlocks. Let's never use keys again!

Know a little bit about Arduino and care to make your own? Check out his Instructables post!

The perfect accessory for all my sideways ideas. ~Not-So-Handy Andy

Prolific hacker Craig Smith digs up a toy from his childhood:

About 1983, when I was fifteen, I dropped my dad's red Bakelite soldering gun and broke the casing. Of course he was upset, so I did my best to "fix it." So I took my original Star Wars Han Solo pistol and gutted it to hold the soldering gun components. I even ran the lightbulb up into the scope on top. The button on the handle worked well for the trigger switch. Ten years later, when the old house was sold, the gun wound up in my belongings. To this day, when an underpowered iron just won't do, I pull out the "Han Solderer" and get the job done. Half of me likes the mod, the other half is ill over the fact that I gutted my vintage Star Wars toy. What's done is done.

From BPerry2:

I was able to build this lamp for under $20 (US) The books cost $6, The Switch and fixture cost $7.50, and a few misc. items that was another $4.

Another successful book lamp from a dedicated user! That particular light bulb looks brilliant, a great addition to the build. If you missed the first one, here's what user Richard C made last week. Well done guys, let's keep them coming!

Fun Fact: No-So-Handy Andy was also born on the year of the Dragon.

[polldaddy poll="5622691"]

The homemade tanning bed still has a few kinks that need to be worked out.

~NSHA