Gold is a precious metal that is frequently featured in jewelry, as well as in other fine decorative objects. Jewelers and craftspeople often melt gold to cast or otherwise reshape it into new forms. To properly melt gold, you must have a basic knowledge of its composition and melting point, as well

A stepper, or pulse, motor is an electromechanical apparatus that rotates incrementally when powered by an electrical impulse. Unlike many electrically-powered motors, steppers can start quickly, rotate for specific preset lengths of time and stop suddenly.

Glass marbles are glass balls that are commonly about 1/2-inch in diameter. They vary in color and design and have been around since the 1800s.

Centroid is a term that describes the center of an object. It is also sometimes called the center of gravity, the geocenter and the barycenter. It is of much import to the study of mathematics and physics. The concept of a centroid dates back to ancient Greece, when the great arithmetician Archimede

For an enjoyable wintertime activity, try sledding. Build a sled from junk parts you already have on hand as an environmentally friendly alternative to purchasing one at a sporting goods store. With some basic tools, turn leftover items like deck materials, plywood boards, insulation wood pieces or

Action figure collecting is a hobby for the young and old alike. Children may collect toys so they can have adventures with all of the characters, while adults may collect out of nostalgia for their childhoods, or to resell. Occasionally, you may discover a loose action figure without any packaging.

A 9-volt battery is an ideal battery for magnetizing a small screwdriver. It's small and easy to move around; you can even tape the battery to the handle of the screwdriver. Importantly, no other battery, that's relatively inexpensive, produces nine volts. Magnetizing a small screwdriver is a great

Paperbacks and other thrift store staples can command a premium from collectors.romantic novels and reading glasses image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.comTelevision shows such as "Pawn Stars" and "Antiques Roadshow" have increased public awareness about potential treasures in the attic,...

A simple web camera that you use for everyday conversations on a computer can be configured to act as a lensless microscope. Inside the device is an imaging chip that with a little tinkering can be used to create microscope images that will be transmitted to the computer using the exact same program

Salt is an easy and inexpensive way to melt ice because it lowers water's freezing point. Adding salt to ice makes winter driving much safer; it can also produce a tasty treat.

Ultra Sonicator lkb.com.auSonication is the process of converting an electrical signal into a physical vibration that can be directed toward a substance. Sonicators are vital lab equipment and are used for a number of purposes. Sonication is usually performed to break apart compounds or...

If you're looking for a project to do with your children on a rainy day or you are hosting the local Cub Scout den, there are a lot of wood projects you can do with the kids that will not only keep them occupied but give them a sense of pride in what they have accomplished. Staples like bird houses,

On Facebook FarmVille, the interactive farming game by Zynga, neighbors can feed chickens and try to hatch mystery eggs. Arrange the chicken coop on your FarmVille farm to increase the chances of hatching more good mystery eggs that will net better gifts for your neighbors. Neighbors can give you ch

316 stainless steel is a grade of stainless that is quite suitable for welding. The 300 number makes it a non-hardened steel, which is easier to work with than hardened 400-level stainless. Your welds must be protected from oxidation using an argon-mixed gas or self-shielded stainless welding wire.

Elk hunting can be a challenging, yet rewarding, pursuitelk image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.comElk hunting is a challenging sport, often undertaken in breathtaking natural surroundings. Far from home and carrying everything he or she will need, an elk hunter needs certain supplies to...

Collapsible baskets are cut from a single board. The board is placed on a scroll saw, and the basket is made with one continuous bevel cut that takes a spiraling path starting at the center of the wood. When the cut is done, the basket pushes open into a self-contained stand that has a three-dimensi

Boric acid is a weak acid with the molecular formula H3BO3. It dissolves poorly in cold water but is highly soluble in hot water. It finds a variety of applications in the manufacture of heat-resistant glass, fireproof fabrics and porcelain enamels and is also used as an insecticide. According to th

It's possible to build a decorative table centerpiece from almost any material. However, unless you're experienced with a particular medium, it's best to stick with simple building projects that use common materials. To build a decorative table centerpiece that looks expensive but costs little, try

If you've ever used a telescope, you know how thrilling it can be to observe the moon and the stars of the Milky Way galaxy. While reflective or refractive telescopes can easily be purchased from stores selling astronomical equipment, some devoted hobbyists choose to make their own telescope using m