3D Printed MultiTools

These multitools, which I designed with Google Sketchup, are something that I wanted to have around.
So I made them and had them printed. Since they were there, I decided to set-up a Shapeways store so anyone can get the designs printed.

The PentaTool at the right actually has, up to eight separate tools in it.

This bracelet multitool was meant to reduce
the clutter in my pockets if possible.

The TriTool at the right is actually my favorite. One because it is cheaper, two, it is just better. It has the same seven tools in it that are also part of the eight that the PentaTool has.

Large Personal Robot

This project is old. I started it  few years back but he was just shoved aside by my other real work and now he's just waiting to be finished when I have the time. 

He was started as a project in modular/slim personal robot design, and wood was the closest material that was handy. So I machined his body  and then started adding the systems. Right now he is outfitted with motors and a rough wired remote. The things you see sticking out of his middle section are the arms that are waiting to be installed if he doesn't get scrapped.

A Video of My Voice Impressions

I enjoy doing some impressions from time to time. So I decided to make this video

Cardboard Laptop Case

Here is a very quickly-made laptop case that I created out of cardboard. It works great, but it isn't the best fashion item. And don't worry my laptop doesn't fall out of it. There are small flaps at each end that stop this.

 

Kindle Cover Made from a Book

What could make more sense. I got my Kindle but I really like the feel of a book and I didn't want to pay for an expensive case. So I cut out this prototype Kindle case from a book that was out of date.

Steel Cow-Catcher

A cow-catcher is a head latch for cattle that holds them in place so that people are able to vaccinate the cow or help her give birth.

During my time as a ranch-hand I was asked to build this one out of scrap metal. It is able to hold a 1500 pound cow without any problem at all. 

To use, the cow is directed into the catcher where, when she pushes on the gate with her shoulders, the two flaps latch catching her. When the work with the cow is done a person simply pushes down on the handle and the gate will allow the cow to move away.

This project probably took a little less than a day to finish but it will be standing for the next twenty years.

Vertical Wind Turbine

This is a project I built in high school when I was interested in renewable energy. This wooden turbine prototype was designed to react to wind in any direction and have as little resistance as possible. Each turbine flap is hinged so that each will fold in against the center of the turbine when moving into the wind but extend when moving with the wind. The hope was to gain the maximum efficiency from a breeze.

When it was done it did work. But because the wood is a little too heavy for the application, when the turbine began to spin very quickly the flaps would begin to extend, due to the centrifugal force, and the efficiency would be lost. But that is an easy problem to fix with reduced generator speed and lighter flaps.

It was made with a lazy-susan and a few scrap pieces of plywood from the high school wood-shop.

BEAM Tank Robot

This is about as basic as any of my projects get but it was still fun. It simply uses the whiskers as contacts to turn one side or the other on and off based on what the robot hits. the hardest part was probably taking the tank apart and then using it's battery pack for power. I'm adding in a few more complicated circuits which is why the top is off in the picture.

Horse Shoe Bar Stools

This was one of my artier projects that a friend contracted me to do. Each stool was made completely out of used horseshoes. and some scrap metal stripping that I had available. The wooden seats have been changed. they were originally covered with cowhide. I made these about eight years ago.

The Old Site

Until I get everything transferred, just go to gabebentz.com to see all of my old work

Hello

Hey Everybody,

This is Gabe Bentz Just testing out the new blog by saying Hi. Hi.

I've decided to move away from my old website. It was just too ugly and outdated for me. So I'll be recording progress on projects and ideas from this new blog.

So hope you enjoy looking around at what I've been working on.

Gabe