The DIY Princess Leia-Style Vapor Screen ‘Hologram’ Projection System by Chris Weisbart
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My pal Chris Weisbart is a huge inspiration. Creatively minded, handy in any workshop, great cook, loves surfing at 6:00am, and always able to get a room full of people laughing anywhere he goes. The best type of guy to hang with.
Chris recently posted a few of his art projects online. Some of these are pieces that he’s put together in his day job as an event tech at a local museum in Los Angeles. Others are personal endeavors done for art shows or just for fun. All of them have Chris’ signature aura of “cool.”
One of my favorite of his projects is the vapor screen display. Remember that scene in the first Star Wars when R2D2 projects the video of Leia pleading, “Help me Obi-Wan, you’re my only hope?” This’s like that. It’s based on the same concept used by commercial units, but built instead with everyday items (drinking straws, scrap PVC pipe, a kid’s humidifier from the thrift store, some scrap computer fans). The device creates a thin sheet of vapor mist that catches projected light from a forward-facing projector, which generates an eerie, floating hologram effect that almost looks 3-D.
The brief how-to from his video:
Crazy Deal: Stanley FatMax Tape Measure and Bonus Boxcutter for $5 from Lowes
The most used tool on any TV show I’ve done: the tape measure. And yet, it was the tool that our promotional suppliers seemed to send the least of. There were never enough, they were always getting lost or misplaced or borrowed by someone else the moment you put it down.
Specifically because of those experiences, I’ve grown an attachment for tape measures. And seeing a deal like this makes my eyes pop open — 16′ Stanley FatMax tape measure and bonus box cutter for FIVE DOLLARS. Regularly $30. Even Amazon can’t beat this. At this price you could probably buy them and sell them on eBay. Get one for everyone!
Buy it online from Lowes. Pick it up in person to save on shipping, or pay a few bucks more to have it delivered to your house. The offer says it is good until Dec 31.
The Fastest, Cheapest, Dirtiest Earbud Hack To Keep Your Headset In Place When Running and Doing Sports
A little bit of rubbery glue (let it dry first!) on the back of your earbuds will keep them seated solid during any sweaty exercise you can throw their way. Read More
Red Epic Camera on Octocopter – Aerial Filming Movie Rig
Helicopter-mounted cameras open up some interesting shot possibilities to DP’s and directors. With a remote control flying camera, you can do bigger moves than with a jib or crane, as well as aerial follow shots that might otherwise require a full-size helicopter — if a helicopter even fits into the space you’re filming. Read More
Milling up a Burly Laurel Oak Slab
Timelapse from Ole General Store of a five-ton, 5’x10′ oak log getting milled into slabs. Took three men, a custom mill and a small Caterpillar with forklift attachment 9 1/2 hours to get the job done. Each slab weighs in around 500 pounds.
I’m not a huge woodworking guy, but the results are really fantastic–someone’s going to make some really nice furniture out of that thing.
Badass Off-Roader: All About the UMM (União Metalo-Mecânica) 4×4 Personal Utility Vehicle
Add another truck to my list of favorite 4x4s.
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International Pizza Report: Spain and Portugal 2011 (Verdict: Much improved!)
Eight years ago, I spent a 12-month stint living in Madrid, Spain. Much of that year involved exploring the region and finding delicious meals and local cuisines. But of course, I’m a pizza junkie, which was something of a challenge in that area. The pizzerias I found in Spain were few and far between — and for the most part, reflected the Spanish tendency for drier foods, like their beloved cured manchego cheese. Dry cheese and bread — that’s one of their actual sandwiches. Nothing else, no spreads or tomatoes or cold cuts to lubricate the taste buds. Just dry bread and dry cheese. And the Spanish pizza was pretty much the same thing.
Awesome $5 Subscription Deals – Popular Science and Popular Mechanics magazines (and others too!) – UPDATE: Popular Mechanics for FREE
UPDATE: Here’s an offer to get a year of Popular Mechanics for nothing more than just a few pieces of personal information.
Once again (but only until December 3), Amazon is offering a $5 magazine subscription deal on some great titles. Perfect timing for your holiday gift buying needs — magazines are one of those gifts that are always appreciated, and they last a whole year.
Two great choices: Popular Science or Popular Mechanics — I don’t know anyone who would mind this as a present.
And there are many others to choose from at this price too. American Photo, Bicycling, Details, Backpacker — even Cosmo — all jump out at me as fun reads.
Again, their offer is only until December 3rd, so best to get them now while the deal is still active.
Earth FlyOver From The ISS: The Most Glorious Time-Lapse Video Of All Time
Hands-down the most amazing time-lapse video ever produced.
From the vimeo description: Read More
Undersea Cable Cross-Section and Interactive Submarine Cable Maps
Ever wonder how those undersea cables survive the rigors of stretching from one continent to another? Here’s a cross section of the many layers that surround and protect the minute, delicate fiber optics that let us 0-1 our way through modern life.
Read More
Hi, I'm Mike. I’m the executive editor of Make: magazine, and host of Discovery channel’s Punkin' Chunkin' and Catch It Keep It, TV shows where I build and explain crazy machines that crush stuff, blow things up, shoot fire, all in the name of science.
I've previously worked at Wired and ReadyMade magazines, writing about how to utilize new technology in our everyday lives.
This site is where I keep a list of instructions for fun projects I've done, am working on, or draw inspiration from. I encourage everyone to get involved — get up and do something!