Open Source Water Boiler

October 22, 2012 by kris de decker Filed Under: DIY, Kitchenware, Random

open source water boiler

“Coffee makers and water boilers are relatively simple machines, yet their workings are typically inaccessible to the user. Repair or even recycling becomes impossible: once the product ceases to function, it is rendered disposable. The OS Boiler explores an alternative approach to the design and production of these ubiquitous appliances. Based on the OS design principles, the WaterBoiler’s (completely disassembleable) design and transparent construction invites users to adapt, repair, and combine with existing OpenStructures components.”

“The limited complexity of the Boiler allows new partnerships to emerge that can adapt to the scale of production: a single unit designed as a DIY kit to one-thousand units produced in a collaboration of international suppliers and local manufacturers. Consistent application of simple and straightforward principles in design and production leads to an object that can evolve and adapt over time.”

Open Source Water Boiler (and the version with ceramic filter) at the OpenStructures Project.

For an in-depth article about OpenStructures and related projects, read “How to make everything ourselves: open modular hardware“.

Robin Wood, Bowlturner

October 18, 2012 by kris de decker Filed Under: Craftsmanship, Lathes, Random, Video, Wood, Woodworking

robin wood bowlturner“The bowls created by Robin Wood’s reconstructed lathe have an unique finish, which is only found in bowls cut with a traditional pole lathe. The sharp tools leave a distinctive mark much like the lines found on thrown earthen ware or glass. The clean cut with the sharpened tools means that the objects are practical for everyday use. They can be washed with warm soapy water and will not fuzz up, unlike a bowl cut
on a machine lathe and later sanded smooth. Robin’s bowls and plates only improve with use and ware.”

“Of course making wooden table ware for a living means making thousands of items every year, which seems rather a tall order when you consider the technology being used, but Rob insists that his pole lathe can turn out wooden ware as quickly as the mechanised equivalent. This theory has been put to the test and proven correct. As Robin explains in the
film, when he’s powered up, so is his lathe and he can get results quickly. When he stops the lathe turning he can adjust the wood instantaneously, whereas when you power down a mechanical lathe you have to wait for the machine to slow down and stop turning in it’s own time.”

“Any fool can make something more complex but it takes real genius to make things simple again“. A new video by Artisan Media. Robin Wood’s blog.

Via Toolemera. Previously: Make your own treadle lathe.

Insects as a Sustainable Feed Ingredient in Pig and Poultry Diets

October 18, 2012 by kris de decker Filed Under: Food, Meat

“Use of insects as a sustainable protein rich feed ingredient in pig and poultry feed is technically feasible. Insects can be reared on low-grade bio-waste and can turn low-grade bio-waste into high quality proteins. Insects therefore can be a promising interesting link in the animal feed chain to fulfil the globally increased demand for protein.”

“Insects as a sustainable feed ingredient in pig and poultry diets – a feasibility study” (PDF), Livestock Research, Wageningen University, October 2012. Previously: Mass Insect Farming / Edible Insects and Insecticides.

Wire Hanger Rocket Stove

October 16, 2012 by kris de decker Filed Under: Cooking stoves, DIY

Wire hanger rocket stove“The thab stove is a designed template that utilizes unwanted wire hangers
from North America to assist in improving the portable dung stove used
by Tibetan nomads.

  • 1.6 million people die from indoor pollution (three stones fire) every year and that equals to one death every 20 seconds.
  • 3.5 billion wire hangers end up in U.S. landfill every year and that equals to 60,000 cars
  • 5.6 million stoves can be made from 3.5 billion unwanted wire hangers every year.”

See and read more. Via Treehugger and Designboom. Thanks to Angela Riviera.

International Appropriate Tech Competition

October 16, 2012 by kris de decker Filed Under: Events

“The Siemens Stiftung has initiated a worldwide competition to identify and present appropriate technical solutions for developmental activities. Held to directly bring together low tech innovations for basic supply problems in developing countries, these innovations should be implemented with the resources in the regions. The project also aims to build up a database of inventions that is accessible to actors in developmental cooperation. All intellectual properties will remain with the developer/developing team. The Siemens Stiftung has a total of 200,000 EUR at its disposal to be awarded to the best 23 entries. Online application is possible until 31st December 2012.” Read more. Via Afrigadget.

Modern Stone and Flint Tools

October 16, 2012 by kris de decker Filed Under: Primitive technology, Tools

Modern stone and flint tools“The set is a result of an experimental exploration of the realm of tool
making. Where stone and flint tools have been the means of our
ancestors’ survival for over a million years, they magnify our bodily
(teeth, fingernails, fists etc.) capabilities of cutting and chopping,
sawing and pounding. Through a method of three-dimensionally scanning
and printing, the ancient artifacts are digitally outfitted with
custom-designed handles, encapsulating the rugged forms in a perfectly
enclosed case.”

Modern stone and flint tools. Via Makezine. Previously: Flint knapping.