I'd like to teach myself electronics with a focus on audio. I'm starting with this book. What should I do/read from there? [more inside]
posted by Charlie Lesoine on Nov 24, 2009 - 11 answers

Can someone give me a primer on translating the British terms for wall / house paint into their American equivalents? [more inside]
posted by holgate on Nov 24, 2009 - 14 answers

What are the personal/individual audio cones are museums called? Is it possible to make one at home relatively inexpensively? [more inside]
posted by codybaldwin on Nov 23, 2009 - 3 answers

I'm looking for a long white lacquered bookcase and found this one at Ikea. Unfortunately, the white version of the bookcase is not lacquered like the other colors. Would it be difficult for me to apply a lacquer finish to it? [more inside]
posted by gfrobe on Nov 20, 2009 - 4 answers

Where can I find bags of various sizes that: are spherical or ball-shaped when full of stuff are made of durable outdoor-hardy material and close with velcro or a drawstring or some other kid-safe closure mechanism Bonus: Bags of other useful shapes like kid furniture, that can be filled and closed You see, I want to make balls out of trash... [more inside]
posted by cross_impact on Nov 19, 2009 - 3 answers

Trying to make my own vegan soy yoghourt from scratch, I ended up with an uncultured mess. Please advise on proper microbial use, or improvements upon whatever else it was that I mucked up. [more inside]
posted by monocultured on Nov 18, 2009 - 8 answers

It's time to buy a new computer. I'm hoping that with the shopping season coming up I'll be able to snag a good deal somewhere. I would prefer to just order the complete package from somewhere, but with enough help I would be willing to purchase individual components and assemble. I need something that will let me game a little and without graphical snags, and something that will continue to perform well for several years. [more inside]
posted by miratime on Nov 17, 2009 - 3 answers

I want to hang this picture on the wall, but in a way that makes it look like it's an inch away from the wall. I know how to make that happen with a piece of wood wood and a sawtooth hanger, but are there any ready-made hardware or system that will achieve that? [more inside]
posted by Opal on Nov 13, 2009 - 5 answers

I've volunteered to reverse the doors on the office fridge (i.e., change them so that they open from the right, instead of from the left). I know the basics of how to do this, but I don't want to look like an idiot in front of coworkers. Any tips, tricks, or things I should know before starting to loosen the screws?
posted by mudpuppie on Nov 13, 2009 - 19 answers

How can I develop a plan to help a small community organization organize its archival materials (something like a self-accessioning plan, I guess)? What should I read? Who should I talk to? [more inside]
posted by liketitanic on Oct 30, 2009 - 5 answers

I'm want to recreate this headboard recently featured on Apartment Therapy. Does anyone know where I can look for a vintage mantle aside from craigslist & ebay? [more inside]
posted by thisiswater on Oct 29, 2009 - 9 answers

I feel like I'm in a bit of a rut! I'm looking for a number of new projects, skills, and interesting things that I can learn or work on. [more inside]
posted by tomble on Oct 14, 2009 - 23 answers

How can I easily darken already varnished wood? [more inside]
posted by hulahulagirl on Oct 11, 2009 - 8 answers

Would placing an additional window screen material on the outside of a vent cause ventilation problems? [more inside]
posted by medea42 on Oct 11, 2009 - 2 answers

DIY-Disaster Filter: I sealed my new (expensive) concrete patio with water based sealant. Followed the directions by cleaning it the day prior and waiting 24 hours for it to dry completely. Just as I was finishing my first coat it started to rain unexpectedly. Help me fix it! [more inside]
posted by shew on Oct 7, 2009 - 5 answers

Does your college campus have a really great, usable calendar? If so, could you post a link? [more inside]
posted by mecran01 on Oct 7, 2009 - 12 answers

Years ago (2002? 2003?), long before Etsy, there was an online community for DIY/crafty blogger types to trade materials and maybe handmade goods as well. What was it called, and what happened to it? [more inside]
posted by junkbox on Oct 7, 2009 - 10 answers

What to do with broken ceramic mugs? [more inside]
posted by brambory on Oct 3, 2009 - 9 answers

I am thinking of making some quirky, amateur porn that straddles the borderline between porn and art. My first flick is going to be a half-hour of this naked girl giving herself hickeys all over her body - wherever her mouth can reach. Help me brainstorm other ideas for porn you always wanted to see, but was never available. Outlandish porn that should be made, but would never be economically viable. Improbable porn that wouldn't necessarily get you off, but is sexy to know it exists.
posted by Sully on Sep 30, 2009 - 54 answers

How do I drill a small hole in an enamel-covered cast iron pot lid? I'd prefer not to chip the enamel, but it would be acceptable if I do. I need a 1/8-inch hole. What type of drill bit do you recommend?
posted by judytaos on Sep 30, 2009 - 20 answers

How do I soundproof my home to reduce noise coming from our neighbours? [more inside]
posted by lilyflower on Sep 29, 2009 - 7 answers

I want to build my own Linux-based DVR. Need some help on the specs and interop with Comcast Digital Starter Cable. [more inside]
posted by dcrocha on Sep 28, 2009 - 10 answers

My animation company is moving into our first real office and we want to make a very large "brainstorming wall" with a dry erase surface so that we can collaborate and share ideas more intuitively. [more inside]
posted by alexherder on Sep 25, 2009 - 13 answers

How do I build a basement vegetable garden in winter? I have gardened over spring/summer/fall outdoors. I need advice on what lights to buy, what vegetables can grow over winter, how to pollinate, etc. Also, can I use heat lamps to help with the warmth loving vegetables, or is that too energy inefficient?
posted by idyllhands on Sep 20, 2009 - 17 answers

I've installed laminate flooring about a year ago, and individual pieces are sliding around. [more inside]
posted by mecran01 on Sep 19, 2009 - 10 answers

Where can I find woodworking plans or guides for creating outdoor furniture with a minimum of fasteners? [more inside]
posted by odinsdream on Sep 8, 2009 - 13 answers

I learned how to make butter today using just a glass jar, a pint of heavy cream and elbow grease! So I made some, but something strange happened along the way and I seemed to have accidentally made ricotta cheese.... [more inside]
posted by Cat Pie Hurts on Sep 7, 2009 - 9 answers

Can a hot tub/ soaking tub be made from one of these? [more inside]
posted by boby on Sep 7, 2009 - 8 answers

A Seattle nonprofit needs a videographer to help record interviews of people experiencing homelessness at an event. Difficulties: the event is on Friday and it needs to be a volunteer. Do you have any ideas of how I can connect with someone? Or some DIY tips? [more inside]
posted by carpyful on Sep 7, 2009 - 4 answers

Best way to go about fixing a viola nick. [more inside]
posted by spacefire on Sep 6, 2009 - 9 answers

[Renovation DIY filter] I need to install window wells for my basement windows. Is a drain really necessary or can I get away just by filling it with gravel? [more inside]
posted by ddaavviidd on Sep 4, 2009 - 7 answers

I want to create a customized Settlers of Catan board. For the purposes of this question, it could also be a custom Monopoly board. I want the pieces ( cities / hotels ) to light up when they are placed on the board. I know I would put LED's in each piece, but besides that, I am not sure if or how I could power up the LED's. I am not an electrical engineer, but magnets, watch batteries or inductive charging sound good to me. Help me make an awesome electronic board game!
posted by jasondigitized on Sep 4, 2009 - 8 answers

I'm a tall, skinny software developer, (6'5"/196cm) who cannot find a desk even remotely what I need/want in terms of style, quality, and size. I am going to have a carpenter build me a desk. Google has found me nothing. Do you have a desk you love? What makes you love it? Are you a tall person who finds they need keyboard/mouse at exactly the right height? How did you solve this? Do you have plans you love or a desk design you can recommend? [more inside]
posted by carlodio on Aug 31, 2009 - 11 answers

Repainting already painted wood paneling - can I just slap on a new coat? [more inside]
posted by Lesser Shrew on Aug 24, 2009 - 9 answers

Help me wire a wireless doorbell switch. [more inside]
posted by Big_B on Aug 12, 2009 - 5 answers

BeautyNerdFilter: Luck with homemade Vitamin C facial serums? (Chemists welcome!) [more inside]
posted by airguitar2 on Aug 12, 2009 - 5 answers

I'll be spending this coming weekend removing possibly several layers of painted-over wallpaper from 70-year-old plaster walls in my new house. Got any tips, tricks, secrets, or advice? [more inside]
posted by nitsuj on Aug 9, 2009 - 18 answers

DIY Seltzer: We love seltzer/sparkling water at my house. We buy lots of it from the store. This seems wasteful. I've seen other questions asking about CO2 etc, but I'm interested in knowing what your experience has been with certain vendors/equipment. [more inside]
posted by sio42 on Aug 7, 2009 - 15 answers

I have an electric smoker grill, with 2 setting - on / off. Is there a way to regulate how hot the heating element gets, in order to control the cooking temperature? [more inside]
posted by savagecorp on Aug 6, 2009 - 9 answers

Are there any alternatives to bras? Bonus points for historical or non-American bosom support solutions. [more inside]
posted by bubukaba on Aug 4, 2009 - 20 answers

Are there services to assemble your quilt squares for you? In other words, can I pay someone to make a quilt out of a bunch of decorated squares of fabric that I provide? [more inside]
posted by otherwordlyglow on Jul 31, 2009 - 13 answers

Old house hacks wanted! Please suggest some cheap ways to improve life in a crappy college house. [more inside]
posted by ecmendenhall on Jul 30, 2009 - 19 answers

My 2001 Toyota Corolla has spontaneously developed a problem: the front and rear fog lights never turn off, even when the key is out of the ignition. A good mechanic was recommended to me, but he won't be able to see me for several weeks. He warned me to expect to spend $200 minimum. Is there anything I can do in the meantime to try to solve this myself? [more inside]
posted by churl on Jul 24, 2009 - 21 answers

Is it worth it to remodel our attic into a living space? Will it increase the resale value of the house enough to offset the cost and effort? [more inside]
posted by desjardins on Jul 22, 2009 - 27 answers

Why is gloss or semi-gloss paint recommended for exterior house trim? [more inside]
posted by muirne81 on Jul 20, 2009 - 8 answers

I'm building my own arcade joystick, and I could use some internet resources. [more inside]
posted by jabberjaw on Jul 20, 2009 - 9 answers

Thinking of building a platform-style deck in our backyard using the Dek-Block system. Looking for experiences from others who have used it. [more inside]
posted by anderjen on Jul 20, 2009 - 4 answers

What crazy looking instruments can i build with a minimum of skill + resources and a maximum of WTF. [more inside]
posted by Potomac Avenue on Jul 17, 2009 - 35 answers

I would like to make my iPosture which I want to wear as a medallion resemble something of an actual medallion instead of a medical device. [more inside]
posted by GleepGlop on Jul 16, 2009 - 8 answers

How cheaply can I build a house? [more inside]
posted by Nonce on Jul 13, 2009 - 23 answers