Hot Hobbies & Toys Posts
How To: Recreate Models of Christopher Columbus's Sailing Ships from 1492
Columbus Day celebrates Christopher Columbus's voyage to the Americas in 1492. In most of the New World, it's celebrated on the 12th of October, the day Columbus actually discovered the Bahamas. But in the United States, the holiday is observed on the second Monday in October.
How To: Make your own mylar balloon
Mylar balloons are the best party favors. They are big and shiny and last longer than normal latex balloons. In this tutorial, learn how to make a mylar balloon at home, from scratch. Stop spending so much money at the party store, and next time you have a big event, make your own! Not only will you save money, but it will give your party a cool personal touch.
How To: Turn a 5MW laser into a 100MW laser
Tired of that dinky little 5MW laser? Turn the power up and convert your 5MW laser into a 100MW laser? A small amount of modification can produce a significantly stronger light coming out of your laser. You will need a small screwdriver (such as a jeweler's screwdriver), needle nose pliers, a soldering iron and some bonding glue to do this properly. This video tutorial will show you exactly how to turn your 5MW laser into a 100MW laser.
News: Stabilizing Bracelet Helps Artist with Parkinson's Draw Again
Having control of your basic motor functions is something most people take for granted, but for individuals with Parkinson's disease, that is not the case.
How To: Build a LEGO pick up truck
In this video, we learn how to build a LEGO pickup truck. First, you will need to lay out all the parts that you need to build the truck. This includes small and large parts that are in gray and white colors, as well as wheels. Start off by building the middle of the car, making room for the wheels to fit in. After this, start to add on the blocks that go on the back and the front to make the headlights and different features on the truck. Add on the block for the windshield, then add on the ...
How To: Remove money from the cash box in a slot machine
If you have a casino, or maybe just a single slot machine, chances are you're making money. But how do you actually get the money from the slot? All of that cash will sit in there for ages if you don't retrieve it, and it could cause a malfunction if not removed in a timely manner, because of getting too full. This video will show you how to remove money earned from the cash box in a casino slot machine. There's two ways to access the cash box in a IGT S+ model slot machine, so check them bot...
How To: Modify a Duncan Reflex Auto-Return yo-yo
Your brand new Duncan Reflex Auto-Return yo-yo may be great, but it could always be greater. That's why you mod it.
How To: Make an easy no-sew voodoo doll
Caroline Dean show us how to make a voodoo doll in this tutorial. Start by grabbing two pieces of copy paper, and tear one sheet in half length wise. Next, roll one of the half sheets into a ball, this will become the head. After this, roll the other half of the paper into a tube shape, which will become the doll's arms. Next, place the ball into the center of the copy paper and then gather the corners of the paper around the doll, and roll it into a body shape. Now place a sharp object in th...
News: LEGO Robot Plays 'Little Talks' by Of Monsters & Men on Guitar
Remember back in 2011–2012 when "Little Talks" by Of Monsters and Men was the bumping new single being played everywhere? Well, thanks to this robot created from a LEGO Mindstorm EV3 kit, and an acoustic guitar, you get to get the iconic "hey!" stuck in your head for the rest of 2017. You're welcome.
How To: Remove and install a hopper in casino slot machines
Troubleshooting your casino's slots doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. You can do it yourself, and one of the most common steps to troubleshooting a faulty slot machine is to take out the hopper. The hopper is inside the slot, at the bottom. Almost all coin handling equipment contains a hopper. All you do is slide it out, and slide it back in when done. This video will show you how to remove and install a slot machine hopper in your casino slot machines. The machine in this video is an IG...
How To: Make a really good paper airplane
This video shows you how to make a very good paper airplane, that will fly in the air for about 10 seconds before it falls. Start by folding your paper in half length-wise, and then at one end fold triangles from the corners into the middle. Then flip your paper over, and fold the same corners in again, so that your paper looks like a taller point. Take the last 3 inches of the point and bend it into the middle of the paper, creating an X out of the folds. Then fold it all in half so that you...
How To: Clean dirty pennies with ketchup
In this video, Josh shows us how to clean dirty pennies with ketchup. You will need, a timer, ketchup, a dirty penny and a penny. First, pour ketchup into your cup or dish. You don't need a lot of ketchup into the cup, just enough to cover the pennies. Next, push the penny into the ketchup so it's fully covered. Now, set your timer for 2 full minutes. When the timer goes off, take your penny out of the ketchup. Place the penny onto a paper towel and wipe it off until all the ketchup is gone. ...
How To: Make a working mini chandelier light for a dollhouse
Garden of Imagination demonstrates how to make a real working miniature chandelier light for a doll house. We need some cord wires, beads, an electric bulb of 12 volt and plugs.
News: LEGO 1858 Remington .45
Meticulously crafted LEGO replica of a Remington .45, circa the Wild Wild West, 1858. Created by Flickr user Arkov.
How To: Build a model DeLorean & train from Back to the Future
Who could forget the spectacular conclusion to the "Back to the Future" trilogy? The scene where Marty and Doc Brown use a train to push the DeLorean to 88 miles an hour so Marty can return to the 1980s has become iconic. With this tutorial, you can recreate the scene in miniature using fairly inexpensive props.
How To: Make your own magic rollback can
This fun little toy can be made with household items. No extra purchases necessary! Amuse your friends and befuddle your pets with this can that seems to roll back to you when you give it a push. It'll seem wrong, but only you will know the secret!
How To: Make a ball out of rubber bands
Do you have too many rubber bands cluttering your desk? Gather them together into a rubber band ball!
How To: Remove Power Wheels brakes for coasting down the road
So, your children have the same old boring Fisher-Price Power Wheels that all the other kids on the block have. Do you really want your child to be like all of the rest? No, I didn't think so. Turn those miniature Power Wheels, Dumar or Peg Perego vehicles into a little bit of realism, if you can handle it. All it takes is a little modification and you'll be wishing you were five again. With a few simple hacks, your son and daughter will be burning rubber, jumping curbs and burying those othe...
How To: Model grass for miniature dioramas and game terrain
Here's how to place grass into your diorama scenery. These tactics may be familiar to model train builders, but there are endless fibers that can create texture for miniature landscapes. Make grass for dioramas, Warhammer, architectural models and other miniatures.
How To: Gather tools for building miniatures
Here are some of necessary the tools for hobby crafting and diorama making. This model maker uses wood rasps, sanding pencils, wire cutters, small pliers, a box cutter, a wood carving knife, and a Japanese pull saw. When building miniatures you may find yourself making your own tools or finding useful sculpting aids around the house. Occasionally, a wood burning gun can help you achieve detail for tiny window shutters and other fine work.
How To: Solder brass tubing on a remote control vehicle
RC Car Action Magazine Editor Kevin Hetmanski shows how to properly solder brass tubing to make custom bumpers, chasis, roll cages and more. Once you know how to do this, you can do any sort of custom building. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to solder brass tubing on an RC vehicle.
How To: Construct a Korean fighter kite with your kids
This creative kite is perfect for high flying! Watch this instructional how to video to learn how to build an intermediate level Korean kite. For this project you will need: rip-stop nylon, bamboo sticks, cloth tape, double stick step, scissors, magic marker, yard stick, toothpick, string and fuzzy string. Have fun creating your kite with an adult helper.
How To: Build a dragon kite with a gold tail with your kids
This awesome kite has a long tail just like a dragon and is traditionally flown to celebrate the Chinese New Year! Watch this instructional how to video to learn how to make a dragon shaped kite. Have fun creating your kite with an adult helper. For this project you will need: rib-stop nylon, bamboo dowels, cloth tape, pencil, scissors, and gold tinsel.
How To: Make a Simple Pop Pop Boat
This video tutorial shows you how to make a simple pop pop boat (putt putt boat) out of house hold items. Very simple and easy to do.
How To: Build a Simple High-Powered Water Rocket Launcher
There are plenty of things you can use at home to make your own rocket, like sugar, matchsticks, or even trash. They may not be as impressive as a real rocket, but they can still be a lot of fun. In this video, How To Lou shows how he made a high-flying water rocket out of some basic materials like PVC and a soda bottle. As Lou points out, the bigger your soda bottle, the further it will go. He used 1/2" PVC pipe, valves, and connectors, as well as some brass adapters. He added an air compres...
How To: Build a cool cardboard RC airplane
Model airplanes are cool and all, but making them out of your typical 8 1/2 X 11 printer paper isn't going to cut it for long, especially if any sort of rain or misplaced foot is involved. Make your awesome model airplanes even more awesome by crafting them out of sturdy cardboard instead.
How To: Solve the Rubik's Cube intuitively without algorithms
Check out this three-part video tutorial on how to solve the Rubik's Cube intuitively and without algorithms. With this method there is no need to memorize complicated algorithms. Crack the Cube with sheer brain power, if you can. No one said you had to be a genius to solve a Rubiks Cube, you just have to have a little common sense and patience.
How To: Waterproof a remote control car to keep it safe
It's always handy to waterproof your RC car because your toy car is going to tread in a lot of dirty - and sometimes wet - ground. This means that any electric circuitry faces the risk of coming in contact with water and fizzing out.
How To: Build a looping rolling marble machine with magnetic elevator
Wow! No longer do you have to buy those huge marble machine roller coaster toys — you can DIY one! This video covers the materials, tools and techniques used to make a homemade rolling ball marble machine. If you haven't seen this rolling ball marble machine toy in action yet, WATCH IT. It's a looping rolling marble machine made with wood, rebar tie wire and polyurethane tubing, featuring a magnetic elevator.
How To: Make a secret deodorant stash safe
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a secret deodorant safe. Begin by removing the cap of the deodorant, and cut off the top part of the deodorant can, using a pair of pliers. Now simply place in your item and place on the cap to disguise your safe. Place some tissue paper inside to prevent and rattling and provide protection. To place in a small container, buildup some tissue paper by gluing it inside the can. Then place in the small container and place on the deodorant cap. Th...
How To: Build a semiautomatic Lego gun
Most Lego guns require you to feed ammo, or at least cock the gun, every time you shoot. Not so with this model. This video features step-by step instructions and a demonstration of how to build a semiautomatic Lego rubber band gun quickly and easily. Never lose a Lego rubber band gun war to your friends again with the increased firepower of this semi-auto Lego shooting machine.
How To: Fill a hopper with coins in casino slot machines
Almost every coin handling device has a hopper inside. In a slot, it's usually in the bottom of the machine. Troubleshooting casino slot machines can be tricky, but if it's a mere coin dispensing issue, it might just mean you're running low on coins. This video will show you how to fill the slot machine hopper, and it's best to use about 200 coins— at least. It's just a basket that holds the tokens, so when someone wins, the machine will dispense them.
How To: Make a simple heart out of balloons
Learn how to make a simple heart shape with twisting balloons, skill, and practice! Your Balloon Man, Mr. Fudge, is full of balloon tricks! Be sure to find other balloon videos on WonderHowTo from Mr. Fudge teaching everything from animals to planes! In a few twists and a few ties, you'll be an expert balloon artist in no time!
How To: Make a voodoo doll out of almost anything
Do you have frustrations to take out that can only be helped with magic? If you are in need of the power of a voodoo doll but don't know how to obtain one, check out this helpful tutorial from Planet Voodoo.
How To: Make swords & hearts out of balloons
This video demonstrates how to make a balloon sword and heart. To make a sword, pump up a balloon as long as possible and tie the end. Twist the balloon at this end making a small ball. Bend the balloon at around 20 cms in length and twist both the ends of the balloon at the same level as the ball creating a loop. This is named the 'elephant bend'. Now insert the long end of the balloon into the loop leaving behind a small part. Your sword is ready.To make a Heart flower. Take a red balloon a...
How To: Build hot air balloon out of a garbage bag
This is a simple and easy tutorial, and anybody can build a hot air balloon out of a garbage bag by following the instructions in it. All one needs is a garbage bag, some stiff industrial wire and fire starter bars. The important thing, according to the author, is to judge how many fire starter bars will be required to make the balloon rise without melting its plastic body. First, two long wires are twisted together in the middle to make an 'X'. A smaller wire is twisted onto the middle of th...
News: 16-Year-Old Builds Wicked LEGO Star Wars Diorama
Paul Yperman, you've got some competition (see previous entry, Star Wars LEGO Droid Ship). 15-year old Sven Junga's LEGO Stargate diorama (including a Daedalus from Stargate Atlantis) is nothing to shrug about. Incredibly impressive.
How To: Build a "pop-pop" or "putt-putt" steam engine boat
This extensive video series is all about making your own simple steam engine and boat, which is known variously as the "putt-putt" or "pop-pop" boat. Science Toy Maker gives the full details on making your own homemade steam engine model boat, which is similar to the one seen in the move "Ponyo".
How To: Whistle like a train
By following this tutorial, you can learn how to easily make a train whistle sound using only your hands. By simply folding your hands and adjusting for the air flow as you blow on your thumb knuckles, you can replicate the sound of a train whistle. This is a very easy trick to learn so with just a little practice, you can use the train whistle to play with your kids, call them to dinner, etc. A great trick for somebody who has difficulty with conventional whistling.
How To: Whistle loudly using your teeth
Never doubt the volume of your whistle again. This video shows you how to whistle loudly using your teeth. You'll learn proper position of your mouth and tongue to be able to make the loudest sound possible. With lots of practice you'll be the only one heard at the local games as you cheer on your favorite team or player. Watch this to get all you need to know to achieve that super loud whistle you've always desired, on the field or indoors.