As the first-ever Italian built Jeep to grace our shores, the little Renegade looks to offer Jeep buyers all the charisma and charm of a Wrangler, but wrapped in a tidy, more adorable package.
The Hot-Wire “Styro-Slicer”
ANIME! Get a free 30 day trial of CRUNCHYROLL PREMIUM by using my link — http://www.crunchyroll.com/thekingofrandom
This homemade, hot-wire foam slicer will make all your cosplay dreams come true. But wait, there’s more! …
It traces out styrofoam shapes with an incredible amount of precision an control, makes 3D puzzles, foam swords, guns, and anything else you can imagine. It cuts at any angle, has adjustable power settings, works off the grid, and even snaps together easily for quick, and clutter-free storage.
Next Video: How To Make The “Styro-Slicer”: Coming Soon!
Previous Video: How To Make Brass Knuckles, From Bullet Shells: http://bit.ly/BulletBrassKnuckles
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Styrofoam Casting: http://bit.ly/StyrofoamCasting
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Endcard Links:
Batarang: http://bit.ly/DIYBatarang
N64 Rocket Controller: http://bit.ly/N64RocketController
Magic Mud: http://bit.ly/MagicMud
Matchbox Rockets: http://bit.ly/MatchboxRockets
Music by Scott & Brendo “Somewhere” Instrumental
iTunes: http://bit.ly/ScottBrendoiTunes
YouTube: www.youtube.com/scottandbrendo
Project Inspired By:
The need to cut clean styrofoam models, for “backyard” metal casting projects.
WARNING: The electrified wire of the “Styro-Slicer” can reach temperatures well above 1,000ºF, which can cause burns, and potentially start fires. This project should only be attempted with adequate knowledge and training, and under constant adult supervision. Have fun, but always think ahead, and remember that any project you try is at YOUR OWN RISK.
Project History & More Info:
Big thanks to Crunchyroll (http://www.crunchyroll.com/thekingofrandom) for choosing to sponsor this video! It helps a lot. 🙂
When I started casting aluminum, well over a year ago, I learned about a technique called “lost foam casting” from watching an online episode of a show called “Stuck with Hackett”.
Hackett made a foundry to melt aluminum, then buried a piece of styrofoam in the sand to make a custom part for a project he was working on. I didn’t quite understand how it worked, and it blew my mind!
I wanted to try some experiments of my own, but working with styrofoam was more than frustrating.
Scissors couldn’t cut it properly. Knives broke it into sticky styrofoam balls that clung to everything. And I couldn’t make anything useful, that looked very good at all.
In my moment of frustration, I somehow remembered back to an experience I had back in pre-school, or kindergarten, where there was some kind of machine we got to use a couple of times to cut styrofoam shapes.
I could only remember that it had a hot wire that sliced through styrofoam no problem, and left really clean cuts.
Inspired by that thought, I got on the internet and searched around for “hot wire foam cutting”, and found a lot of commercial devices from about $100 and up.
I also found a couple videos on YouTube of some DIYers showing their own variations using wood, PVC, or other miscellaneous items.
The common theme amongst all versions was that they were all basically just a thin piece of wire connected to electricity, that gets hot, and cuts foam. Everything else is just details.
I got some scrap wood, a piece of picture hanging wire, and in just over 15 minutes I had a crude wire-cutter of my own, powered by a transformer I ripped out of an old stereo.
Unfortunately the prototype was really crude and I didn’t have time to make a nice version for my metal casting videos, so I never did mention it. But it was the device I used to craft the styrofoam handgun in my styrofoam casting video. (http://bit.ly/StyrofoamCasting)
I’ve loved the wire foam cutter ever since, and used it so much and wanted to share it with the world, but I couldn’t do it until it was developed “King of Random” style.
My goals were to make it function like a commercial foam factory, take up as little storage space as practical, and do it for as close to $10 as possible.
It’s taken this long because I’ve been so busy with other projects, (mainly rockets), that it just sat on the shelf for over a year.
But I finally devoted a couple of days to prototyping, and came up with this!
The build is fairly easy, but also very technical, and the video is very long.
So I broke it up into segments. One video shows it’s features. The other video shows how to build it.
As a side note, my 6 year old can’t get enough foam slicing. He uses my old prototype to make anything and everything, and it’s become one of his favorite hobbies.
2016 Toyota Camry XLE V6 – Redline: Review
Widely known for being a bland, transportation appliance; enthusiast often forget how a Camry can also be known as the hot-rod within the family sedan segment when equipped with Toyota’s potent V6, let’s drive the 2016 Camry XLE V6 and see if it still deserves a look within this crowded family sedan market.
QC#89 – The “Styro-Slicer”
A homemade, hot-wire foam cutter, is used to slice styrofoam into guns, swords, and 3D foam fighter jets .. for cosplay, decoration, and backyard metal casting.
Full project: The Hot-Wire “Styro-Slicer”: Coming Tuesday December 22nd
Next Video: QC#90 – Making The “Styro-Slicer”: Coming Soon!
Previous Video: QC#88 – Bullet Shell “Brass Knuckles” : http://bit.ly/QCBrassKnuckles
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Join my email list! http://bit.ly/TKOREmailList
“Quick Clips” are clips of random experiments in a minute or less.
For other project videos, check out http://www.thekingofrandom.com
Endcard Links:
Spot Welder: http://bit.ly/SpotWelder
Popsicle Stick Bombs: http://bit.ly/ExplodingNinjaStars
Mini Metal Foundry: http://bit.ly/MiniMetalFoundry
Secret Safe: http://bit.ly/SuperSecretSafe
Social Media Links:
Google+: http://bit.ly/plusgrant
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Instagram: http://bit.ly/instagrant
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Pinterest: http://bit.ly/pingrant
Tumblr: http://bit.ly/grantstumblr
Music by Scott & Brendo “One More Time” Instrumental
iTunes: http://bit.ly/ScottBrendoiTunes
YouTube: www.youtube.com/scottandbrendo
Project Inspired By:
The need to cut clean styrofoam models, for “backyard” metal casting projects.
WARNING: The electrified wire of the “Styro-Slicer” can reach temperatures well above 1,000ºF, which can cause burns, and potentially start fires. This project should only be attempted with adequate knowledge and training, and under constant adult supervision. Have fun, but always think ahead, and remember that any project you try is at YOUR OWN RISK.
Project History & More Info:
When I started casting aluminum, well over a year ago, I learned about a technique called “lost foam casting” from watching an online episode of a show called “Stuck with Hackett”.
Hackett made a foundry to melt aluminum, then buried a piece of styrofoam in the sand to make a custom part for a project he was working on. I didn’t quite understand how it worked, and it blew my mind!
I wanted to try some experiments of my own, but working with styrofoam was more than frustrating.
Scissors couldn’t cut it properly. Knives broke it into sticky styrofoam balls that clung to everything. And I couldn’t make anything useful, that looked very good at all.
In my moment of frustration, I somehow remembered back to an experience I had back in pre-school, or kindergarten, where there was some kind of machine we got to use a couple of times to cut styrofoam shapes.
I could only remember that it had a hot wire that sliced through styrofoam no problem, and left really clean cuts.
Inspired by that thought, I got on the internet and searched around for “hot wire foam cutting”, and found a lot of commercial devices from about $100 and up.
I also found a couple videos on YouTube of some DIYers showing their own variations using wood, PVC, or other miscellaneous items.
The common theme amongst all versions was that they were all basically just a thin piece of wire connected to electricity, that gets hot, and cuts foam. Everything else is just details.
I got some scrap wood, a piece of picture hanging wire, and in just over 15 minutes I had a crude wire-cutter of my own, powered by a transformer I ripped out of an old stereo.
Unfortunately the prototype was really crude and I didn’t have time to make a nice version for my metal casting videos, so I never did mention it. But it was the device I used to craft the styrofoam handgun in my styrofoam casting video. (http://bit.ly/StyrofoamCasting)
I’ve loved the wire foam cutter ever since, and used it so much and wanted to share it with the world, but I couldn’t do it until it was developed “King of Random” style.
My goals were to make it function like a commercial foam factory, take up as little storage space as practical, and do it for as close to $10 as possible.
It’s taken this long because I’ve been so busy with other projects, (mainly rockets), that it just sat on the shelf for over a year.
But I finally devoted a couple of days to prototyping, and came up with this!
The build is fairly easy, but also very technical, and the video is very long.
So I broke it up into segments. One video shows it’s features. The other video shows how to build it.
I don’t expect many people will actually build this foam factory, and I don’t expect many people will even watch the video. However, I do expect that anyone who is serious about making one for themselves, will find the information invaluable, and have unlimited amounts of fun and creation with their new “Styro-Slicer”.
As a side note, my 6 year old can’t get enough foam slicing. He uses my old prototype to make anything and everything, and it’s become one of his favorite hobbies.
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – Redline: Review
After a rather luck luster first effort into the midsize hybrid sedan segment, Hyundai looks to recitify the faults that kept the first Sonata Hybrid from being the top of its class with much improved fuel economy, better exterior looks, a roomier cabin, and smoother driving dynamics. Are the changes enough to warrant a look over Camry, Fusion, and Accord hybrids?
How To Make Brass Knuckles, From Bullet Shells
Transforming scrap bullet casings, into a custom pair of fancy, and “dangerously decorative”, solid brass paperweights.
Free Template: http://bit.ly/StyroKnucklesTemplate
Next Video: The Styro-Slicer: Coming Soon!
Previous Video: How To Build A Rocket (From Scratch): http://bit.ly/TheRandomizerRocket
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Join my email list! http://bit.ly/TKOREmailList
For other project videos, check out http://www.thekingofrandom.com
Mini Metal Foundry: http://bit.ly/PopCanMelting
Styrofoam Casting: http://bit.ly/StyrofoamCasting
Social Media Links:
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Endcard Links:
Mad Science Minion: http://bit.ly/MadScienceMinion
Micro X-Box: http://bit.ly/MicroXBow
Magic Mud: http://bit.ly/MagicMud
Ninja Balls: http://bit.ly/SquishyNinjaBalls
Music By: TheFatRat – Licensed by Tasty
Song Title: Xenogenesis
Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nabH71Bgyc
Label Channel: http://youtube.com/tasty”
Project Inspired By:
An indirect suggestion my dad made for me to try and make something practical out of brass. He didn’t expect I’d end up making these!
WARNING: Brass Knuckles are illegal in most countries, and metal foundries can reach temperatures in excess of 1,000ºC, which is well above the melting point of hobbyists. This project should only be attempted with adequate knowledge and training, proper protective safety gear, and in a fire resistant area with adequate ventilation. The heat from the foundry can easily burn, and inhaling excessive amounts of zinc fumes can cause metal fume fever. Use caution and common sense. Use of this video content is at your own risk.
Project History & More Info:
The weather has cooled off quite a bit, which has turned my interest back to keeping warm by casting metal.
This time round I wanted to play with higher temperature metals, like brass. So I made a trip to a local shooting range, and salvaged a whole bucket-load of spent brass casings.
Quite a few people have asked whether my backyard foundry can melt brass, and I was curious myself, so I threw a few handfuls of casings into a crucible and fired them up.
I tried using lump charcoal because it burns hotter and faster than briquettes, and a clay crucible purchased from the internet because it withstands heat better, and lasts longer than steel.
I was impressed that the brass melted down without hesitation, and I was able to easily cast mini brass muffins the same day.
A couple things worth mentioning are that the melting point of brass is around the boiling point of zinc. I noticed this in real-life when the metal started bubbling, and shooting out white flames. I wasn’t sure what it was until I looked it up, but it was most likely zinc oxide fumes being released.
Zinc Oxide can be toxic in large quantities, and although it’s never happened to me, claims are that it can cause metal fume fever, which gives flu like symptoms.
You should also know that brass is over 3 times heavier than aluminum, so expect the crucible to have a lot more weight to it, making it harder to handle.
Melting brass is cool, but at first I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I cast a “Mini Master Sword” that you can see how to make in another project video, but the sword was ridiculously heavy and impractical.
My dad was visiting at the time and confirmed my thoughts about it by suggesting I try making something more practical and useful. So I thought it would be fun to make some “Brass Knuckle” paperweights.
I looked online at different varieties of brass knuckles, then drew my own version in photoshop, and used the “Styro-Slicer” and the lost-foam casting technique to make a rough pair of knuckles.
I spent around 6 hours cleaning up the first pair with files and sandpaper, then another 2-3 hours playing around with a buffing wheel to see if I could get them any shinier. This was my first time trying to polish metal, and I was really amazed at how brilliantly they turned out. I can actually see my reflection in them.
I cast another pair the same way, and spent another 8 hours sanding and buffing them up to a mirror finish, then wondered how I could take them to the next level.
Spikes seemed like a cool idea, inspired by a picture I saw on a google image search, so I stopped at an alternative clothing store and picked up a spiked choker collar, and repurposed the spikes for my piece of metal art.
These are not designed or intended to be used as weapons. Possession of Brass Knuckles is illegal in most countries, (but not where I live), however I created these simply for artistic expression, and use them mainly as workshop décor. (paperweights).
QC#88 – Bullet Shell “Brass Knuckles”
Brass bullet shells are melted down and transformed into “dangerously decorative” paperweights.
Full project: How To Make “Brass Knuckles” from Bullet Shells: http://bit.ly/BulletBrassKnuckles
See more metal casting experiments: http://bit.ly/PopCanMelting
Next Video: QC#89 – The “Styro-Slicer” : http://bit.ly/QCStyroSlicer
Previous Video: QC#87 – Rocket Wadding : http://bit.ly/QCRocketWadding
Subscribe for new videos every 5 days! http://bit.ly/TKoRSubscribe
Join my email list! http://bit.ly/TKOREmailList
“Quick Clips” are clips of random experiments in a minute or less.
For other project videos, check out http://www.thekingofrandom.com
Endcard Links:
Christmas Life Hacks: http://bit.ly/ChristmasLifehacks
Business Bucket: http://bit.ly/TheBusinessBucket
Thunder Caps: http://bit.ly/ThunderCaps
Star Wars Gummies: http://bit.ly/StarWarsCandies
Social Media Links:
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Pinterest: http://bit.ly/pingrant
Tumblr: http://bit.ly/grantstumblr
Music by Scott & Brendo “One More Time” Instrumental
iTunes: http://bit.ly/ScottBrendoiTunes
YouTube: www.youtube.com/scottandbrendo
Project Inspired By:
This project was inspired, indirectly, by a suggestion my dad made to try and make something practical out of brass. He never thought I’d end up making these!
WARNING: Brass Knuckles are illegal in most countries, and metal foundries can reach temperatures in excess of 1,000ºC, which is well above the melting point of hobbyists. This project should only be attempted with adequate knowledge and training, proper protective safety gear, and in a fire resistant area with adequate ventilation. The heat from the foundry can easily burn, and inhaling excessive amounts of zinc fumes can cause metal fume fever. Use caution and common sense. Use of this video content is at your own risk.
Project History & More Info:
These are not designed or intended to be used as weapons. Possession of Brass Knuckles is illegal in most countries, (but not where I live), however I created these simply for artistic expression, and use them mainly as workshop décor. (paperweights).
The weather has cooled off quite a bit, which has turned my interest back to keeping warm by casting metal.
This time round I wanted to play with higher temperature metals, like brass. So I made a trip to a local shooting range, and salvaged a whole bucket-load of spent brass casings.
Quite a few people have asked whether my backyard foundry can melt brass, and I was curious myself, so I threw a few handfuls of casings into a crucible and fired them up.
I tried using lump charcoal because it burns hotter and faster than briquettes, and a clay crucible purchased from the internet because it withstands heat better, and lasts longer than steel.
I was impressed that the brass melted down without hesitation, and I was able to easily cast mini brass muffins the same day.
A couple things worth mentioning are that the melting point of brass is around the boiling point of zinc. I noticed this in real-life when the metal started bubbling, and shooting out white flames. I wasn’t sure what it was until I looked it up, but it was most likely zinc oxide fumes being released.
Zinc Oxide can be toxic in large quantities, and although it’s never happened to me, claims are that it can cause metal fume fever, which gives flu like symptoms.
You should also know that brass is over 3 times heavier than aluminum, so expect the crucible to have a lot more weight to it, making it harder to handle.
Melting brass is cool, but at first I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I cast a “Mini Master Sword” that you can see how to make in another project video, but the sword was ridiculously heavy and impractical.
My dad was visiting at the time and confirmed my thoughts about it by suggesting I try making something more practical and useful. So I thought it would be fun to make some “Brass Knuckle” paperweights.
I looked online at different varieties of brass knuckles, then drew my own version in photoshop, and used the “Styro-Slicer” and the lost-foam casting technique to make a rough pair of knuckles.
I spent around 6 hours cleaning up the first pair with files and sandpaper, then another 2-3 hours playing around with a buffing wheel to see if I could get them any shinier. This was my first time trying to polish metal, and I was really amazed at how brilliantly they turned out. I can actually see my reflection in them.
I cast another pair the same way, and spent another 8 hours sanding and buffing them up to a mirror finish, then wondered how I could take them to the next level.
Spikes seemed like a cool idea, inspired by a picture I saw on a google image search, so I stopped at an alternative clothing store and picked up a spiked choker collar, and repurposed the spikes for my piece of metal art.
2016 Kia Optima LX Turbo – Redline: Review
As the best-selling model within the Kia line-up, the midsize Optima has quickly taken the place as the most important vehicle for the company. With changes that focus mostly on smoothing out the rough edges of the previous model, does this fourth generation Optima have what it takes against fresh competitors in the hot mid-size segment?
How To Make Thunder Caps
Get the 19 page Project PDF: http://bit.ly/ThunderCapsPDF
Convert matches and sticky labels into an arsenal of “impact sensitive” stickers, that can be used as exploding targets for BB gun practice, or smacked with hammers and rocks on the sidewalk, to make ear-piercing bangs in the back yard.
Next Video: Screw-Lock Sugar Rockets: http://bit.ly/ScrewLockSugarRockets
Previous Video: 10 Cell Phone Life Hacks: http://bit.ly/10CellPhoneLifeHacks
Subscribe for new videos every 5 days! http://bit.ly/TKoRSubscribe
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Exploding Cap Darts: http://bit.ly/ExplodingCapDarts
Social Media Links:
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Endcard Links:
Rubber Band Handgun: http://bit.ly/RubberBandHandgun
Smoke Flares: http://bit.ly/HomemadeSignalFlares
Liquid Nitrogen Experiments: http://bit.ly/FunWithLN2
Rocket Rifle: http://bit.ly/HandheldRocketRifle
Music By:
Music by Scott & Brendo “American Dream” Instrumental
iTunes: http://bit.ly/ScottBrendoiTunes
YouTube: www.youtube.com/scottandbrendo
Project Inspired By: A moment of inspiration I had while working on the Exploding Cap Dart video (http://bit.ly/ExplodingCapDarts)
WARNING: This project should not be attempted without adult supervision. These improvised caps are loud, and can be dangerous if misused. Safety precautions should be in place to mitigate any chance of personal injury. Be safe and have fun, but always remember that any project you try is at your own risk.
Project History & More Info:
Do you remember the Exploding Cap Dart project? (http://bit.ly/ExplodingCapDarts)
While I was working on different prototypes for that exploding blowgun ammo, I got wondering about the cap-gun caps themselves, and how they exploded on impact.
I spent a considerable amount of time on the internet researching, and trying to figure out what the composition of cap gun caps were. I was very curious to learn what composition could be stable enough to sit undisturbed, indefinitely, but explode suddenly and powerfully when hit with enough force.
I was amazed when I learned it was a pyrotechnic mixture called Armstrong’s Mixture.
Armstrong’s Mixture is highly volatile and extremely dangerous compound in large quantities, and has been known to explode just by stirring it too aggressively. However in small batches like cap-gun caps, it’s exciting, and relatively harmless.
I found a few websites, PDF’s and online studies suggesting different ways to make improvised versions of the mixture using safety matches. This method doesn’t create a pure composition though, and there really isn’t any way to measure exact amounts. But in experimenting, I did figure out an easy way to make it work consistently, every time.
At this point I have a fair amount of experience with Armstrong’s Mixture, and some things you need to know about it are this;
– Treat it like it could explode spontaneously at any moment, and make sure you have safety precautions in place. This way if it does, you’ll be prepared for it.
– Stick to very small batches, and treat it with caution and respect. Don’t use more than 1 match-head. 2 at the most! This makes enough powder for 10 Thunder Caps, which are about 5-10 times more powerful than regular cap-gun caps in-and-of themselves. And while the powder from only 2 matches might not seem like much … trust me, you DON’T want it going off all at once.
– If you mix it up too aggressively, it can go off unexpectedly, and can be extremely loud, leaving your ears ringing. It can also be set off with friction, impact, heat, and electrical sparks. Wear ear-plugs and safety glasses at all times.
Saying all that, I’ve never actually had the composition go off unexpectedly, so long as I was being extremely gentle with it.
I usually keep each movement as light as a feather and typically mix it with wooden sticks, razor blades, and anything else that is convenient and expendable, so far with 100% success. It’s important to note that I always expect it to go off at any time, and am prepared in case it does.
Attempts to get the mixture to go off while stirring aggressively were hit or miss. Most of the time nothing happened. However, every now and again, it would explode when it was least expected.
The purpose of this experiment, for me, was to understand the science behind cap-gun caps and impact sensitive pyrotechnics.
I believe the “Thunder Caps” project to be a safe and enjoyable experience, so long as it’s experimented with in very small quantities.
However if you try this yourself, remember that any actions and reactions you produce are at your own risk, and you are responsible for the consequences.