MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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I fancy making something, but I'm not really into Airfix-type or Lego models. Thing is, I don't really have a clue where to start looking or, if I'm honest, what it is I'm looking for.
I'd like something metal, I think, that screws/bolts together, and if it had an actual purpose at the end of it that would be great. I've wondered about taking an old clock apart and putting it back together, so that might give an idea of the kind of thing I'm after.
Any ideas, and/or pointers as to where I could look?
A bicycle.
You can buy kit guitars. A body to prep/ paint and then individual bits to screw together.
I think the Haynes range would tickle your tits.
I built the twin lens reflex camera. It was enjoyable and a working camera at the end.
Thanks for the ideas
A bicycle.
Bicycle - well, indeed, but that ain't happening
Guitar - maybe
Haynes kits - yeah, had a look at those, maybe the radio (I'd never use the camera)
Any other ideas?
A radio control car/boat/plane would be along the usual answers. How about a 3D printer or build a PC if you've never done one.
Maplin used to sell build your own amplifier type kits.. Might be quite interesting to get something like that but a bit posher, like a valve powered hifi amp.
How about one of those laser cut wooden models? Various options from clocks to trains.
Here's one site for starters...
Brass etched model kits? You'll learn how to solder as you do them.
Either buildings-
https://severnmodels.com/epages/eshop1179816.mobile/?ObjectPath=/Shops/eshop1179816
Or railway stuff-
https://www.djhmodelloco.co.uk/oo-gauge-list/
Metal, bolts together and sorts out any midlife crisis stuff you are saving up for.
https://westfield-sportscars.co.uk/showroom-brochures/westfield-xi-kits/
I drove an original Lotus XI once back in the late 70s. I would kill for one that was road legal.
Not, perhaps, a metal, nuts-and-bolts kind of thing, but you can buy kits of amplifiers and rechargeable batteries, along with some second-hand car speakers and an old suitcase from a charity shop then you can build a neat portable speaker.
Stirling engine? Lovely to watch as a desk ornament.
Now I like the look of those
Westfield XI Kits
I would love to build a kit car, but that's one mid-life crisis that will have to wait for now.
you can build a neat portable speaker
Hmm, I wonder if I could do a Bluetooth one...
RC car?
I built some Lego Technics sets over Christmas and then bought a Tamiya, much more satisfying but certainly a rabbit hole.
More recently i have been buying parts to build a new bike.
Building an RC car appeals, but then I'm left with an RC car I'll never use (or I'll use once)
Stripping down an old motorbike is something I'd love to do, sadly no real space or time though. So that.
Lawn mowers!
Lovely motors to work on, a convenient size and the product will be snapped up easily when fixed.