6 pin PCIE to XT60 Adapter

Since I am going to college soon, but I'm not planning to bring my solar battery box, I will need a different way to power my computer speakers. They use about 24 Watts at max volume. My dad suggested using an AC adapter, but I don't have one of that level. Buying one would be too expensive. I was inspired to use my computer power supply because I have seen that arcade games do the same thing. Arcade games usually have Molex connectors- lots of them. I do not have any Molex connectors on my power supply but I do have a spare 6 pin PCIE connector. So I made an adapter to power my speakers from my computer power supply. That is a 6 pin PCIE to XT60 adapter.

Layered Resin Necklace

I made this colorful layered resin necklace for a friend.

I mixed EasyCast resin and hardener with small amounts of laser printer toner. The colored toner powder was from an old color laser printer that a neighbor gave me to take apart.

I tested two or three batches of resin before the final design. The first test was single color batches to see how long it took to be firm enough to add a hook or to unmold. The single color tests turned out perfect, even though I didn't follow the directions exactly. I was supposed to mix the resin in one container, remix in a 2nd container, and then pour into the mold. I used small plastic hotel shampoo bottles for the molds.
The second test batch was with two color layers. I poured the blue layer first, waited a few hours, and then poured the yellow layer. Unfortunately, I didn't wait long enough and the yellow(now green)  layer sank to the bottom while the blue layer rose to the top.

Based on these results, for the final version I waited at least 8 hours for each layer to set.

Big Air Pressure Gauge

I bought a giant air pressure gauge at a garage sale. I bought it because it looked cool, but I didn't know what units it was. It turned out to be standard psi. I removed the faceplate and cleaned the glass, but I chose to leave the rust on the case.

I had to buy a splitter from the air tool section of Lowes because they were out of stock in the plumbing section.  This one turned out to be better because it had 2 female ends and 1 male end. I have the main air flow going through the straight section and the gauge on the side with the male thread. I used a small hose because the air flow requirement of the gauge is zero.

 I mounted the gauge to a shelf in the garage next to the air compressor. Now I can see it while standing at my workbench.

I used a piece of Betaduct to hide the excess hose. The Betaduct, which is a UK brand of control panel trunking, was recycled from an old AV cart I took apart at work.