Wednesday 18 January 2012

Repurpose Challenge

One of my favorite web sites online is 


It's a place where people interested in making things gather and share ideas.
Ever wanted to turn your gas powered leaf blower into a vacuum cleaner, make cream cheese toast
or build your own flame thrower? 
Yes?
This would be a good place to check out....
What I like most about this site is how people often "repurpose" materials to achieve their creative ends.
I love to build things with my hands. Make things that I need or want with materials on hand. And whenever possible use parts or materials from one object and repurpose them to create something new.
Years ago I remember building a 12volt regulated power supply for electronic projects and needing a case to put it in.  I installed it in a used metal can that once held Earl Grey Tea....how perfect.
There always seems to be something needed around here and by building what you need not only can you save yourself some money but you can often build something better suited to your needs because you can customize it and of course there is the satisfying feeling of accomplishment that comes from the process too!
Currently my head has been preoccupied with trying to figure out how to build an oversized quilting frame for my wife that needs it for some art work she is creating. The materials list for the project includes EMT (electrical conduit), scrap wood from a futon and scraps of a hardwood chair that I just found the other day at the side of the road.
Here are some photos of my "found" broken chair parts....
I'm going to cut cogs from the seats to help tension the fabric in the quilt frame I am building....


What could you make from this pile of pieces?
Have you any "repurposing" tales to tell?
For any up for a challenge...try to find something that someone has discarded and make something new!

-Martin

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I am totally hooked on Instructables now! I cannot believe I didn't know about it before; thanks for sharing the link (I think?)! ;)
Also, I love how you "MacGyver" things. I do not have that talent, but my dad did. I loved watching him hatch an idea in his head, herd mismatched items together, and create something out of nothing. Magic!

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