i-SOBOT: The World's Smallest Humanoid Robot

If you had asked me a few years ago if I would ever own a bipedal humanoid robot, I would have laughed out loud. I was lucky enough to receive this little wonder as a gift last year. Hammacher Schlemmer is selling i-SOBOT for under $200 now.

The i-SOBOT is just 6 1/2" tall and has amazing articulation. The robot is made up of 17 very small servomotors and two gyro-sensors for balance. The 23 points of articulation include the neck, arms, wrists, legs, and feet. One disappointment: no hand or thumb motions. Yet.

i-SOBOT has four modes: manual control, special actions, programmed sequences, and voice command. The robot has 180 preprogrammed individual movements, a 200-word vocabulary, and responds to verbal commands (in voice mode only). The preprogrammed actions are pretty impressive and mostly humor-oriented.

The robot is programmable allowing you to record sequences of moves. Without much in the way of a sensor array, it is more of an automated playback than an autonomous entity. Still, if set up carefully, you can do some pretty fun stuff with this robot.

I think the greatest promise of i-SOBOT lies in what hackers and moders out there will add to this robot. I know some people have started to hack the device. As a platform for humanoid robotics, this has got to be one of the best deals around.

Get more info and see a video of the i-SOBOT at Hammacher Schlemmer. They have the best price currently online.

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Robots, RC, Electronics Clearance @ HobbyTron

HobbyTron.com is offering a whole bunch of cool stuff in a clearance sale. Included in the sale are many robot toys (like Robone shown here), radio controlled vehicles, electronic kits, and magic tricks. Cool store, eh?

They are also offering a coupon code that should get you an addition 10% off the listed prices.
Here are the details:
Coupon code: 10CLEARANCE
Expires: 11/14/08

Take a look at the HobbyTron.com clearance section

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Good Deal on I-SOBOT Robot by Tomy

Amazon is selling the Tomy I-SOBOT for just over $200 USD now -- that's a savings of $97.03 off of original retail.

Update:
The price seems to have jumped back up to $242 -- still a savings, but only of about $57.

From Amazon:
With unbelievably smooth robotics, the i-SOBOT walks more like a human than a robot. This fully-functional and fully-assembled robot features 17 custom designed actuators and gyro-sensor, allowing it to keep balance and freely move joints for impressive performance, vivid movement, and incredible flexibility. Other main components include a built-in speaker unit and built-in microphone with a voice recognition chip. With built-in clutches and metal gears, the i-SOBOT offers up to 220-degree movement. The two infrared transmission bands allow the robot to be operated with an LCD remote control.

See all the details of the Tomy I-SOBOT Robot

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Make A Lathe Out Of Your Drill Press

Some time ago, I posted about an accessory to convert your power drill into a small lathe.

I was visiting the toolmonger site the other day when I saw this tool which looks like a far more robust option if you already own (or plan to own) a drill press.

This accessory sold by Grizzly allows you to turn a multi-speed drill press into a vertically oriented lathe. What a great idea! It looks like it would be fairly easy to setup and change from drill press mode to lathe mode.

A 12" tool rest allows a maximum work piece length of 24" -- if you reverse the piece to work on the other end. The set includes a base plate with live center, 12" tool rest, mounting bolts, mini screw center, and spur center. It fits all drill presses with a through hole in the table. All of this for about $20. Wow.

Take a look at this Lathe Attachment for Drill Press.

You may want to take look at this highly-rated set of lathe chisels to complete your new setup.

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Spyderco Sharpening Ceramic Stones

As some of you know, I am a advocate for sharp woodworking tools. Traditionally, fine woodworkers have used water stones. Other options include oil stones, abrasive papers, and more recently, diamond impregnated plates.

Water stones are messy (as they must be stored in water, used wet, and occasionally flattened). Likewise, oil stones require honing oil which can be a bother. Abrasive papers wear out (meaning there is a large hidden cost). Diamond stones are convenient because they only require a bit of water as lubricant and don't need flattening. They are, however, somewhat expensive.

Spyderco is now offering ceramic sharpening stones. These new ceramic stones seem to have everything going for them: no oil, no water, no wet storage, no flattening, no replacing paper. They require only the occasional cleaning with an abrasive kitchen cleaner (Comet, or the like). They are fairly affordable to boot!

Note that Spyderco has the traditional flat stones (right) for sharpening chisels, planes, jointer blades, and knives. In addition, they are have a set of specially shaped stones (left) for sharpening odd shaped carving tools.

Check out the new Spyderco Ceramic Sharpening Stones.

Here's a video on the product courtesy of Woodcraft Woodworking Supply.

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Diamond Sharpening System for $50!

Diamond Tri-Hone Sharpening System

This is a great product at full price ($70), but a GREAT deal at Rockler's current sale price of $50. Diamond stones are effective, easy to care for, and last a long time. I've used a Smith Tri-Hone for years (pre-diamond version) and have always found the system to be convenient. This 3-stone sharpening system features coarse and fine diamond stones and natural Arkansas stone for final finishing. You just flip the center element around to put the grit of your choice facing up. Notice also, that the diamond face includes a micro-tool sharpening pad for small tools (such as carving tools). The set comes with a helpful little a helpful little angle guide and sharpening instructions. Check out the Diamond Tri-Hone Sharpening System

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Engineer's Sqaure and Caliper Set

Woodcraft is selling a set of three engineer's squares (which are much more precise than your average woodworking square), along with a nice little brass caliper. The set comes in wooden case for storage.

For $35, I consider this to be a pretty good deal.

Check out these Engineer's Squares at Woodcraft.com

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Grizzly Drill-Powered Hobby Lathe

Here is an interesting tool that converts your 3/8" power drill into a miniature wood lathe.

The details on this tool are limited, but impressive for the price. It can accommodate work of up to 24 inches and 6 inches in diameter. That's pretty big, really.

At about $46.00, this could be a handy tool -- especially if space is limited or you just want to try out a lathe of your own on the cheap.

The funny thing is that a well-rated set of lathe chiselsmight cost you more than the lathe itself!

Check out the Grizzly H2669 Hobby Lathe

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Locate Rockler and Woodcraft Retail Stores

My two favorite woodworking stores sell online and have many retail locations. While shopping online is fun and easy -- handling the tools and selecting your own wood can't be done over the internet. I recommend you find a Rockler woodworking store or a Woodcraft woodworking store near you. Here are some links to help you.

Woodcraft has a great selection of hand tools, especially for carving. In most stores you can handle the tools. They also host courses and demonstrations.

Locate a Woodcraft woodworking store

Rockler specializes is jigs and accessories for you power tools. The retail location near me has a fantastic selection of choice woods.

Locate a Rockler woodworking store

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Carving Vise to hold Figures While Carving

Now, I'll be honest...I don't own one of these, but it sure looks like a nice thing to have for carving. I bring it to your attention also because it is on sale for $59.99, normally $71.49.

Adjustable Carving Vise/Carvers Mallet
Two great carving tools! One to hold it and a beautiful mallet to carve your fine pieces! (Mallet head is green not black as shown.) Mallet and carving vise sold separately. Adjustable Carving Vise/Carvers Mallet

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Fractional Digital Caliper

I bought a digital caliper to replace my classic vernier-style one last year. It is a lot easier to read the digital display than the fine lines on a traditional caliper.

My digital caliper displays units smaller than an inch in decimals. That's fine for the units like 1/4 inch displaying as .25 inches. But things get sticky with finer fractions. Quick: what's the decimal equivalent of 17/64? Sure, I could figure it out, but I usually don't.

The little gem shown here is a digital caliper that displays units in fractions on the screen. It has three modes: fractional inches, decimal inches, and millimeters.

As with most calipers, you can take inside measurements, outside measurements, and depth readings. It even shuts itself off after it's been idle for while to save battery life. (Mine doesn't do that.)

The Fractional Digital Caliper is available at Hartville Tool online.

While you are there, you should browse the clearance section. There truly are some good deals there.

The 6'' Fractional Digital Caliper is also available at Rockler Woodworking.

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Dremel 400-3/71 400 Series XPR Rotary Tool Kit

Hechinger Hardware is offering this amazing Dremel package for $105 -- about $30 less than Amazon!

From the marketing literature:
The Dremel 400 Series XPR rotary tool offers the performance, precision and control required to complete the widest range of projects of all Dremel rotary tools--from work, home or studio. Exclusive XPR attachments take advantage of the increased strength of the XPR's unique motor design plus it works will all existing Dremel attachments and accessories.

Look at what you get:

Features XPR Planer attachment, Flex Shaft & Circle Cutter Includes XPR Storage Case plus 71 Accessories in their own integrated storage area Variable speed provides maximum control and precision Permanent magnet motor for increased performance and consistent speed at all speed settings Ergonomic, contoured styling with soft-grip areas for greater comfort and control Lightweight design for comfort during prolonged use Separate on/off switch and speed control dial for the perfect speed every time Lock-out collet button prevents engagement of spindle lock when tool is running "Dove-tail" feature for Dremel-exclusive attachments Cool-running ball bearing construction for smooth and quiet operation Replaceable motor brushes extend tool life Five year warranty

Product Includes:

• 400 Series XPR Rotary Tool
• XPR Planer
• Flex Shaft
• Circle Cutter
• 109 High Speed Cutter
• 150 Drill Bit
• 191 High Speed Cutter
• 401 Mandrel
• 402 Mandrel w/ Screw
• 403 Bristle Brush
• 404 Bristle Brush Cup
• 407 1/2" Coarse Sand Band Shank
• 408 1/2" 60 Grit Sanding Band (2)
• 411 Coarse Sanding Discs (15)
• 414 1/2" Felt Wheel
• 420 HD Cut-off Wheels (20)
• 421 Polishing Compound
• 422 Cone Polishing Tip
• 425 Emery Polishing Wheel (2)
• 426 1-1/4" Fiberglass Cut-off Wheel
• 428 Carbon Steel Brush
• 429 1" Felt Wheel (2)
• 430 1/4" Sanding Band w/ Mandrel
• 431 1/4" 60 Grit Sanding Band (2)
• 432 1/4"120 Grit Sanding Band
• 438 1/4" 120 Grit Sanding Band (2)
• 540 1-1/4" HD Cut-off Wheel (2)
• 541 Aluminum Oxide Grinding Wheel
• 561 MultiPurpose Bit
• 8193 Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone
• 84922 Silicon Carbide Grind Stone
• 85602 Silicon Carbide Grind Stone
• 932 Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone
• 953 Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone
• XPR Storage Case

Wow! This is an entire workshop in a box!

Check out the Dremel 400-3/71 400 Series XPR Rotary Tool Kit

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Hechinger Hardware

You've got to love their motto: The World's Most Unusual Hardware Site.

You be the judge and let me know if they truly are unusual. I'll scan the site myself this week and update this post with any items that may be of interest to automata makers.

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Automata and Mechanical Toys by Rodney Peppe

I have said in the past that if you want to make a wood automaton, and can only get just one book, Automata and Mechanical Toysby Rodney Peppé is the book to get.

This wonderful book is currently available in hardcover at amazon.com for 31% off the regular retail price. This is a great deal.

The book is printed on fine glossy paper and is full of color photos (160 in all). The book profiles over 20 leading automata-makers, and provides step-by-step instructions for making an automata test-bed. There is also a section teaching you how to make ten fundamental mechanisms.

One of the best things about this book is that there are scale patterns to copy and use -- cams, gears, pin-wheels, ratchets, and even a Geneva mechanism.

Visit Amazon and use the Search Inside! feature for Automata and Mechanical Toys

Following as a close second, Peppé's book entitled Making Mechanical Toysshould also interest you.

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4" Brass Caliper for measuring

I love the look of this all brass 4 inch caliper for measuring. Often when I use calipers, I don't even read the measurement. Rather, I take the measurement with the calipers on one piece (or tool), then transfer the distance measured on to another piece. Of course, if you want to read a measurement exactly, calipers are a great way to do it.

Some of the product specifications:

• Does outside and inside measurements
• Sliding dovetail way (that's the track in which it slides)
• Rigid construction
• 4"/100mm rule with vernier scale
• Graduated in 1/16" and mm

For under $7 USD, this looks like a very good deal to me. Then again, I love brass.

4" Brass Calipers at WoodCraft

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Mini Router Table Bargain @ Amazon.com

As a follow up to my last post, I found this mini router table accessory for Dremel (or other) rotary tools. With the right 1/8" router bits,this tool turns your Dremel into a miniature shaper table for cutting grooves (dado), mouldings, sanding, and edging on small wood stock.

This is looks to be exactly the same as the one sold under the Dremel and Craftsman name, but for much less.

Check out this great deal on Mini rotary table at amazon.com

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Rotary Tool Bargain @ Amazon.com

I know I recommend Dremel tools on my site, but I guess I mean "Rotary Tools".

Here is a fantastic deal on Amazon for a Rotary Tool from GMC.

Look at what you get for less than $20:

• Rotary tool
• 40-piece accessory kit and wrench
• 1.2 amp, variable-speed motor (15,000 to 35,000 rpm)
• Lightweight, durable body with soft, rubber grip
• Flexible shaft
• Adjustable mounting stand
• Case
• 2-year warranty

I don't know too much about this brand, but it has great user reviews on Amazon. I do own a bench grinder of this make and it's doing great.

If you buy the Rotary Tool with something costing $5, you will also get free shipping.

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