High on the list of world changing, Nobel prize winning inventions that nobody has heard of is the phase contrast microscope. This microscope uses some tricks that exploit changes in refractive index within a sample, allowing you to see details of cells that you generally can’t see without staining. The problem with staining cells is that it kills whatever you apply it to. Phase contrast microscopy made it possible to observe processes in living cells and improved our understanding of cell biology. In general, a phase contrast microscope gives you a much better image if you just want to look at really small biological things.

By Matt, Aidan, Derek, Jess & James. Each year the South Swindon Parish Council hosts a light trail at night though the Old Town Gardens. It’s a fun event where you get to walk though the gardens at night viewing different light installations from disco balls to multi-coloured arches and more. Back in the middle of September we approached the council with the concept of us making something for the light trail.

Stats:Made by: MattStatus: FinishedTools used: Dremel, Soldering Iron Introduction: So this was a project that I always had in reserve if I didn’t have many other projects. So when the world shut down I decided to give this a go. The aim was to grab an old portable boombox from the 90s and breathe new Read more about Member Project: Rebuilding a Retro Boombox[…]

Made by: Joe Status: Finished Tools used: Horizontal bandsaw, angle grinder, MIG welder. A rocket stove is a stove that uses small diameter wood as fuel, and burns incredibly efficiently without smoke. Primarily used in India and Sub-Saharan Africa due to the reduction in wood required, they also make great stoves for camping, or for Read more about Member Project: Rocket Stove[…]

Aka: The Shiv of Self Love (The Wanky Wanky Shiv) Stats Made by: Josh and Steve Status: Finished Tools used: 3-in-1 lathe, TIG Welder Description Well it started as an oil change and before we knew it we were removing the apron from the Colchester Triumph 2000 lathe, but more on that later. In order Read more about Member Project: Slide Hammer[…]

Stats Made By: Steve Status: Finished Tools used: 3-in-1 lathe, 16mm reamer, Arbour Press Description I have a Honda Grom and like any good motorcyclist I take pride in modifying my bike. This modification involves replacing the standard steel swingarm with a Tyga aluminium over braced item. This is a straight swap however I wasn’t happy Read more about Member Project: Swingarm Bushing[…]

Stats Made by: Joe Status: Finished Tools used: Thicknesser/planer, table saw, vertical bandsaw, mitre saw, electric planer, belt sander, electric drill. Description I’ve been keeping my toiletries in a plastic basket that I got at university, despite the fact the basket was way too small and things kept falling through the bottom. After having made Read more about Member Project: Treasure Chest[…]

Stats

• Made by: Jess
• Status: Finished
• Tools used: Mitre Saw, Powered Screwdriver, Trepanning Tool (new!), Polyurethane spray varnish

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Part of our makerspace access system involves an Arduino and an ESP8266. Mostly it works just fine, but every now and again the Arudino seems to lock up and stop working. Various attempts have been made to stop this happening, but so far to no avail. Leaving a laptop connected to the Arduino’s serial port for debugging wasn’t happening because it happens quite infrequently and no-one had a spare laptop to leave lying around.

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