Hot Hobbies & Toys How-Tos
How To: Build a bench out of Legos
For a more outdoorsy model, such as a park, one key ingredient that you will need is a bench! But if you're not quite sure what bricks you will need, or how to construct one, this video is your solution! In this video you will get a quick glimpse of the different bricks used for the model as well as a detailed tutorial on constructing the bench itself.
How To: Build a fridge out of Legos
If you're building a house model, or if you're just looking for a quick and fun model to make, give the refrigerator a try! With a full swinging door, it's made to size so any minifigure will have access to it with a believable scale. In this video you will get a glimpse of each piece that you will need for the model with a great construction tutorial!
How To: Build a sturdy Lego table with an added table cloth
When you're making a restaurant, or a house, or any other somewhat modern Lego model, one way to make the interior (or exterior for that matter) come to life is by making furniture, and what better way to start than with a table with a striped table cloth on it? In this great video you will find out what parts he uses and then go through the assembly process all the way to the final project! Pay close attention though as the placing of some of the bricks are absolutely crucial to the model co...
How To: Build a warthog from Halo using Legos
If you're a die hard Halo fanboy and you have some Legos laying around from your childhood, don't think you're dating yourself! Many other people still play with their Legos, and what better way than to recreate the warthog from your favorite game!? In this great video you will learn which pieces you will need as well as the steps that you will need to take to make a great warthog!
How To: Use the Lego Mindstorms NXT software to program robots
Lego Mindstorms is a great way to take your Legos to the next level by adding in the flavor of robotics! But, with taking it up to the next level, it does get a hair tougher! And if you're having trouble working with the Mindstorms software, this great video with Patrick Norton and David Calkins goes over each step of using the software so you can have your very own robot ready to go in no time!
How To: Make the Terran barracks from StarCraft with Legos
When you're building with Lego, you want to try to mix it up a little bit every once in a while. And if you're a big fan of StarCraft wouldn't it be awesome if you could make your own base out of Legos!? Well, let's start with the basics, you're gonna need a barracks if you're even gonna consider making marines! In this great video you will learn how to make a micro-scale Terran barracks with Legos.
How To: Make a Protoss carrier from StarCraft 2 with Legos
"Carrier has arrived", the sweetest sound you'll hear before the echoing blasts and inherent cries of death that you'll bring to your enemy. Protoss are a race in the games StarCraft 1 & 2 for the PC, and for you Protoss players who also enjoy playing with Legos, then start harvesting that vespine gas and get ready for this great video! In this video you will learn which pieces you will need as well as the steps you will need to take to finish your carriers for the final push!
How To: Make a Terran factory with machine shop upgrade from StarCraft 2 out of Legos
StarCraft, quite possibly one of the most influential RTS' of all time, has its supporters for each individual race on all sides of the battle field. For those of you who are Terran players who also love Legos, this video is going to be right up your alley! In this video you will learn what parts you'll need as well as the steps you will take to building your very own Terran factory with machine shop upgrade in a matter of minutes!
How To: Make a bouncy lightbulb covered in rubber bands
Wouldn't the rubber bands eventually provide enough pressure on the light bulb to make it shatter? You would think so, but after watching this video by Nextraker, you'll see that gently wrapping an ordinary lightbulb rubber band after rubber band, until completely covered (and then some), does not break the bulb. Even when you throw it on the ground. It's just like a bouncy ball. Now… try this with an egg. Dare you.
How To: Make a balloon Wall-E
You need 5 balloons-2 gray, yellow, black and white and a pump. Inflate yellow balloon leaving 4 inch tail. Knot the end. Alternate sausage bubbles and pinch twists 8 times. This will create two squares. Inflate the black balloon leaving a 2 inch tail. Make 4 small bubbles and 2 flower petals to make wheels. Inflate gray balloon. Leave 5 inch tail. Make 3 small bubbles for hands-twice. Pinch twist. Make small bubbles for the shoulder. Inflate second gray balloon leaving a 5 inch tail. Make 2 ...
How To: Build a bionicle switchblade
In this video, we learn how to build a bionicle switchblade. Start with the piece of the blade that has holes inside of it. Then, start to connect the edges and the other pieces that go inside of it. Grab the piece for the blade, then lock it into place by attaching the elbow pieces that connect around it. Once you have connected these together, you will have one entire piece with the blade on the very edge of it. The end of it should be bendy, so grab a rubber band that is thick and wrap it ...
How To: Make a balloon wizard hat
In order to make a wizard balloon hat, you will need 6 partially filled balloons. Twist two segments. Then, add another balloon. Continue in this way. Keep adding a balloon each time you make 2 twisted segments. Next, begin weaving them in a way. Twist each balloon and connecting it with other balloons. Once you work your way around, you should have sort of an octagonal shape with a lot of legs. Attach larger ones to the twists. It is important to be careful to fill the balloons with the appr...
How To: Make a balloon sorcerer hat
In order to make a sorcerer hat out of balloons, you will need the following: six (6) balloons, which will need to be partially filled with air and two (2) uninflated balloons, which will be used as the straps, holding the hat onto your head.
How To: Make flowers out of balloons
Make flowers out of balloons
How To: Make a dreamcatcher
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a dream catcher. You will need: 1 metal ring, leather, sinew, decorations, scissors, and a clothes pin. First, wrap the leather tightly around the ring. Clip the clothes pin on the top so you don't have to hold it as you go around the circle. After this, remove the clothes pin and cut the leather off. Then, tie it at the bottom with a double knot. Next, measure the sinew to 3 yards, then pull it apart. You will be left with very thin strings. use a folde...
How To: Build a sturdy flatbed truck out of Legos
Looking for a new Lego project? Look no further! In this two-part series you'll learn how to build a great flat bed truck out of lego bricks! Each video starts showing you each brick that you'll need, the first video being the truck cab, and the second being the actual flat bed, and then goes into a great, step-by-step tutorial, showing you where each piece goes and before you know it you'll have a flatbed truck!
How To: Make a bottle boat with an optional radio control feature
Do you remember making the paper hat boats when you were a kid? Want to feel like a kid again? Or just looking for something to do with those old 2 liter bottles? Make a bottle boat! And heck, why not throw on a radio control feature while you're at it! Your childhood wasn't this cool! This video will show you all of the steps that you need to take to get your deadly vessel together and how to assemble the radio control feature as well!
How To: Rust a model car to make it look old and beat-up
If you like making miniature models for their own sake or for use in playing Warhammer and other table top games, there may come a time when you want a shiny new model to look like an old rusty model. If you're working with plastic, you've come to the right place, because this video will show you how to give plastic models a rusty look that will blend them into your post-apocalyptic or just plain derelict scene.
How To: Make the staging mechanism for a multi-stage water rocket
Most really powerful rockets fire their payload in multiple stages to distribute it better. To control the release of each stage, you need staging mechanisms. This video will show you how to make a staging mechanism for a multi-stage water rocket, and references written help here.
How To: Splice two water bottles together to make a large water rocket
If you want to make a really powerful water rocket, one water bottle is not going to give you enough propellant. You're going to have to splice two or more bottles together and do it well enough that they don't come apart. This video will show you exactly how to do it step-by-step.
How To: Make a DIY 9mm Gardena water rocket nozzle
Most people who are really serious about rocketry prefer solid-fueled rockets, but if your passion is for water rockets, then this video should help you with your advanced eater rocket project. It will show you how to construct and troubleshoot a 9mm Gardena nozzle to control water flow that costs much less than a storebought one.
How To: Make a water thrusted rocket out of a plastic bottle and other basic materials
If you like the idea of building rockets that will soar through the air like angels but don't want to bother with operating high explosive, it's possible to build pretty darn powerful rockets out of water. This video will show you how to do so very easily out of junk that you probably already have.
How To: Make superhero singing rings inspired by the Wonder Twins
Remember the Wonder Twins from DC Comics? If you're familiar with the extraterrestrial superheroes, then you know all about those rings they wore. They would touch rings and says "Wonder Twin powers, activate!" to ready their superpowers.
How To: Paint carbon fiber material the easy way
If you're a fan of remote control vehicles or plan on taking up the hobby, you'll need to know some tricks and tips. From putting together the tires for your vehicle to properly painting certain parts of the car.
How To: Install an RC airplane engine
If you feel like you're too stressed and need something to help you get away from it all, pick up a hobby. Maybe building and flying RC vehicles. This can be a great hobby to pick up on and not only will it help make you relax, but it can be a great way to have some fun in the process by flying planes. So check out the video above, good luck, and enjoy!
How To: Construct a kite messenger
This next video tutorial is going to show you how to make a cool kite messenger. If you don't know, a kite messenger is a little boat that fliesup a kite string to the kite. It then releases and comes all the way down the string. It's a cool little project that is sure to take up any time that you or your kids may have. So check it out, pay attention, and enjoy!
How To: Build a small catapult from a kit
If you recently purchased a Midwest catapult kit and need help putting it together, this next video is for you. In it, you'll get the step-by-step instruction for constructing your catapult. It's not very difficult to follow and makes life easier when putting this together. And if you don't own this product, you can always watch the video and build one yourself. Good luck and enjoy!
How To: Fly RC helicopters
In this video, we learn how to fly RC helicopters. The controls need to be moved very gently. The control on the left makes the helicopter move up and down when you push it up and down with your two fingers. When you swerve and move the controller it will move the helicopter as well. Move the sticks each way that you want the helicopter to go. Move the right stick to move the nose of the helicopter and make sure it's right in front of you at all time. Turns will be done with the left stick. P...
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: Construct a working LEGO miniature soda machine
Even LEGO people get thirsty, and what better to quench the thirst than a nice cool can of soda pop? And what's the perfect way to get that cola to your LEGO men quickly? A LEGO soda machine! And believe it or not, this soda dispenser actually dispenses miniature soda cans! Watch and learn how to build this working LEGO soda machine, inspired by otlego's version.
How To: Make an Android doll at home
In this tutorial, we learn how to make an Android doll at home. First, print out the Android logo from the internet, making it large enough to make a doll. Now, cut out the print out with scissors cutting out the different sections individually. Next, place the cut outs onto a piece of green felt, then pin it down so it doesn't shift around. Now, cut around the paper so you get the same pattern. After this, cut out all the other parts, making two of the shapes so you have a top and a bottom. ...
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: Mix Oobleck
In this tutorial, we learn how to mix Oobleck. First, place some cornstarch into a large plastic bowl, then add in some water. After this, mix the ingredients together with a straw until you have a paste that forms from both of them. Don't add too much water, you want this to be more thick than creamy. Now that you have made this, add in food coloring of your choice to make this more fun, just make sure you don't get it on your clothing. After you have mixed the food coloring in with it, you ...
How To: Get a clear aerial video with a Sony DSC-P72
In this tutorial, we learn how to get a clean aerial video with Sony DSC-P72. First, you will want to get a large electric plane and mount the camera securely to the top of it. After this, remember to turn the camera on before you send the camera off. Now, control the plane and turn it into the sky. Make sure the video settings are on, then watch the plane go up in the sky and move it around to different spots up in the air. Move it to places you want to see that you can't while down on the g...
How To: Build spinning tops with everyday objects
In this tutorial, we learn how to build spinning tops with everyday objects. You will need: round recyclable plastic lids, skewers, hot glue gun, and washers or pennies. First, take your plastic lid and weight it with a penny, then poke a skewer through the middle of it. After this, you will have a top made out of homemade products! You can use anything that is laying around your home to make a top, no matter what it is. Just make sure you have something to place int he middle and the weight ...
How To: Make mud and rubble in a WW2 diorama
In this tutorial, we learn how to make mud and rubble in a WW2 diorama. You can use corks as the rubble after you paint it and rip it into different pieces to make it look like destroyed buildings. You can purchase realistic water and gloss gel medium to look like water that is on the battlefield. If you mix them together with some chunky material, and then add in brown food coloring, it will look like mud. Using these tips and tricks, your diorama can look more realistic and look fantastic! ...
How To: Install a ProLine Slash Protrac for a Traxxas Slash RC vehicle
If you own a Traxxas Slash RC vehicle and plan on installing a ProLine Slash Protrac, then this tutorial is what you need. In both videos, you'll find out the necessary steps that are needed to help install whatever it is you need on your RC vehicle. The tools you'll need include, the installation piece, some drivers, flat tip screw drivers, and more. It's easy to follow and really helpful, so good luck and enjoy!
How To: Clean the transmission on a Traxxas Rustler, Stampede Bandit, or Slash
If you own a Traxxas Rustler, Stampede Bandit, or Slash RC vehicle, then this next tutorial may be for you. In the tutorial, you'll be finding out how to clean the transmission to your machine. Just like a car, keeping your RC vehicle in tip top shape is important for ensuring that your machine will last for a very long time. So if you need help with cleaning out your transmission, check out the tutorial above and good luck!
How To: Properly balance your RC's wheels
In this next video tutorial, you'll be finding out how to properly balance the wheels on your RC. Balancing them is important, just like a regular car, in making sure they work properly, don't wear out so soon, and will perform much better. It's not difficult to do and requires a few items that you will need. So good luck, pay attention, and enjoy!
How To: Tie a party balloon snowman figure with a top hat
Learn how to create a simple snowman figure from balloons. It's easier than you'd think! So easy, in fact, that this free video tutorial can present a complete overview of the process in just over two minutes' time. For specifics, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started making your own balloon snowmen, take a look.