A jigsaw is a common tool. However, when working with it, one often runs into certain difficulties: the blade breaks, slips out of the clamps, and when cutting along a curved contour it often twists, which makes it hard to keep the desired direction. It is much more convenient to use an electrothermal (hot-wire) jigsaw, Read more…
Among self-defense devices, electroshock units (ESU) are far from the least notable, especially in terms of psychological impact on attackers. They are, however, quite costly, which motivates radio amateurs to build homemade analogues (see, for example, the detailed article on this in issue No. 5’99 of “Modelist-Konstruktor” magazine). Without claiming to be highly original or Read more…
The grass collector is designed to gather mowed stems; it has a cage welded from metal rods onto which the cut plants fall. There is also a control mechanism for the collector: a chain drive, a gear reducer, and a pair of rods bent at a right angle that act like a crank. Deflecting the Read more…
Motion sensor DD-010 disassembled with the control board removed and an additional siren (100 dB sound level) type KPS-4510 connected. Motion sensors (DD) based on Fresnel lenses and pyroelectric detectors can be used not only for their intended purpose – to turn on lights or as an element of a security alarm installed indoors. Cars Read more…
Perhaps this mechanism is the lightest in its family of counterparts: even a schoolchild can lift and carry it if need be. Low weight and utmost simplicity of construction—these are the qualities of the bicycle plow that drew the attention of visitors to the exhibition of young technicians’ work, participants in the All-Union rally of Read more…
For many years Modelist-Konstruktor has been introducing its readers to various furniture designs intended for do-it-yourself construction. Unfortunately, as reader mail shows, not all home craftsmen who want to get started can take on replicating them. This especially applies to residents of large cities. The main reason is a shortage of “building” materials or, at Read more…
The kerosene primus stove «Rekord» had been lying idle in my garden shed for a long time. At first I wanted to throw it away, since kerosene is hard to find even in the countryside nowadays, but then I changed my mind and decided to convert it to a more readily available fuel—gasoline. However, you Read more…
Most city dwellers living in apartment buildings usually dry their laundry on balconies and loggias. Ropes stretched low get in the way of placing flower boxes, a deck chair or other leisure items on the balcony; ropes stretched high cause inconvenience when hanging laundry and do not always ensure the necessary safety. All these drawbacks Read more…
On a summer cottage plot in bad weather you can take shelter indoors. However, even on a sunny day you sometimes want to hide — from the scorching rays. And if there are no large trees on the plot that would provide welcome shade, you don’t have to build a solid permanent gazebo, as is Read more…
Among the large family of “Lebed” (Swan) designs by Vitaly Konstantinovich Savitsky, the “Lebed-7” stands out for its bold layout of components and assemblies, successful centering, good streamlining, and smooth ride. The sled (see figure) is a four-ski design with steerable front skis. The steering is automotive-type, with a worm gear and steering linkage. The Read more…
