Invent On The Spot Projects

DIY Anvil

In this video, I convert a 2' piece of legally acquired scrap railroad track into a 53 lb anvil or "ASO".

I took a scrap piece of railroad track and converted it into an anvil to forge small items such as knives and hand tools. Watch as things take shape.

Welder Cart

After constant lugging this small but incredibly heavy welder in and out of the shop to work on projects, I finally decided to put this thing on wheels. I was able to make space on this cart for my torch set as well. Check out the build!

DIY Vacuum Chamber (invention prototype)

In this video, I show how I created this Original Design Prototype of a Modular Vacuum Chamber using 2" PVC pipe, 2" PVC caps, silicone, and a brass barb fitting. I created this design for use in casting silicone molds and for casting resin.

A project I was working on required me to produce some intricate resin castings. In order to maintain the details of the pieces, I wanted to evacuate the air from the molds and castings as they cured, but I wanted a vacuum device that was smaller and less expensive than what was commercially available. After some thought and sketching, I created this prototype Vacuum Chamber!

DIY Hydraulic Press

This is an original design for a 6 ton hydraulic press. I researched several presses that could be bought or made but due to specific criteria, I decided to sketch and build my own. The material used for the structure was already on hand but could easily be purchased from a metal mart.

I had a need to press some material but could not find anything available that could meet the criteria I was looking for out of the box. Rather than spending time and money modifying an already expensive pressing device, I decided to design and craft my own. See the results!

DIY Airbrush

In this video, I show you how I made an airbrush out of some simple supplies that can be found in most homes and/or offices. The complete list of supplies for this project are: 1. Air Duster Can 2. Fine tip marker (any color) 3. Clothes pin 4. Gel ink pen 5.

Looking to add some painting touches to a project, rather than stretching the budget and buying a pricy airbrush setup that I may only use a handful of times, I rummaged through some office supplies I had on hand and came up with this successful alternative. See the results in action!

DIY Rolling Shop Seat

I've designed this rolling creeper style stool with an integrated parts tray. The stool framework was made from 3/4" plywood and joined with glue & screws. I based the design similar to a stool made of steel that I've used quite often when airing tires.

Inspired by a rolling metal seat I use at work while airing tires, I designed and built this cool rolling wood seat for my wife to use at home while she restores furniture pieces. See how it turned out!

DIY Lock Pick Tools

In this video, I show how I made a set of lock pick tools using Street Sweeper bristles which I found along the curb. I create a "wave" or "S" pick and a tensioner. The lock shown is a personally owned medium security padlock. Remember to always stay Legal.

Lock pick sets and devices can range in price quite a bit, even upwards of a hundred bucks. This set I constructed nearly for free as the street sweeper bristles were found, well, in the street. And the popsicles were consumed to provide some of the other material. Watch what can be made from leftovers!

DIY Micro Electromagnet

In this video, I show you how to make a micro electromagnet using a small solid copper wire, a cotter pin, electrical tape, and a AA battery. This is a fun little project to teach about electricity and magnetism. CAUTION: the wire may become hot enough to BURN if left connected to the battery!

Triggered by boredom and inspired by an old memory of digging for brass at a scrapyard with my dad when I was I kid, I created a super micro version of the electromagnetic cranes used to move all the steel around that yard. See this attractive project of mine! (pun intended)

Repair Cup Holder (Mini Cooper)

This is a cup holder from a 2006 Mini Cooper S. The factory design is flawed in that it uses a thin plastic to support a metal frame causing it to crack! I did this repair using inexpensive materials found at most auto parts or hardware stores.

Things break.. yeah that sucks! We have the ability to repair almost anything.. that’s awesome! Watch how I repaired this cup holder for a Mini Cooper!

DIY TV Stand

In this video I construct a Television Stand using some scrap MDF (medium density fiberboard) that i had left over from another project. Since this TV was mounted on the wall before, I tossed the original table stand away. this is a cheap alternative to trying to find the replacement part or other store bought stands.

Have you ever thrown away something you were certain you would never need again.. until you realized you did? Yeah, I did that. A TV without a stand can be limited on where it can go for sure. See how I solved my dilemma!

Cartesian Diver Experiment

This Cartesian Diver is my version of the classic science experiment. This project demonstrates the principles of buoyancy and the ideal gas law. The materials I used to make the diver, are a small disposable eye dropper I got from a first aid kit, and some thin copper wire.

Some high schoolers may have run across this experiment to explore gas laws. I’ve put a creative twist on this experiment, and must say it looks awesome. See the cooler version in action!

Monkeys Fist (useful knots)

In this video, I tie the knot commonly referred to as the Monkey's Fist. This knot is most used as the heavy end to heave a line to or from a vessel and can be made using a variety of rope. Small versions serve well as a keychain.

From actual heaving lines to creative key chains, the Monkey’s fist is highly recognizable and one of the most widely used knots around. Watch how I create one from paracord!

THE DIESEL SIDE OF MY WORLD

Paintless Dent Repair

In this video, I perform a Paintless Dent Repair or PDR on the left lower front of the hood of a Mini Cooper S. The dent was approximately the diameter of a tennis ball and approximately three-quarters of an inch deep. The impact was caused by an unknown object.

Nobody wants to take their car into a body shop because some shopper decided to let their cart roll into your vehicle before they sped out of the parking lot. Sometimes extensive sanding, filling, and painting isn’t necessarily the repair you need. Paintless dent repair may be the better way to go! See how I remove a dent from this Mini Cooper hood in about an hour!

Mini Cooper Strut Mount Replacement

WARNING** VEHICLE STRUTS CONTAIN A LOADED COMPRESSION SPRING. PROPERTY DAMAGE, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY OCCUR IF MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT FOLLOWED COMPLETELY. NEVER attempt to remove a compressed spring without first properly caging the spring. Follow all industry safe maintenance practices!

While a knowing a good mechanic can be a blessing, some budgets simply don’t give some people that option. See how I installed a strut mount on the cheap!

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