62 PROJECTS TO MAKE WITH A DEAD COMPUTER
and Other Discarded Electronics
By Randy Sarafan
WORKMAN PUBLISHING >> NEW YORK
Dedication
To Danica, without whose love, support, patience, and proofreading this book could not have happened.
Copyright 2009 by Randy Sarafan
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproducedmechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopyingwithout written permission of the publisher. Published simultaneously in Canada by Thomas Allen & Son Limited.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.
eISBN 9780761159766
Cover design: Robb Allen / Book design: Rae Ann Spitzenberger Illustrations by Winnie Tom
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New York, NY 10014-4381
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PHOTO CREDITS
Main Cover Photo: Jenna Bascom
Details: Sophia Su
Color Insert: Original photography
copyright Evan Sklar
Additional Photo Credits: Jenna Bascom p..
Props and Wardrobe Stylist: Jen Everett
Hair & Makeup: Jen Browning
NOTICE TO READERS: A BRIEF WORD ON SAFETY
This book is intended to provide you with ideas and general techniques for projects to repurpose electronic equipment which might otherwise be discarded. While following along with these projects should be a rewarding and productive experience, you should always take care to use caution and sound judgment. If you are uncertain about your ability to safely perform any of the techniques described in this book, you should seek professional assistance.
Make sure to read the section on general safety (starting on ) before proceeding with any of the projects described in this book. Dont forget to read all of the Safety First textboxes you come across while reading this book. You also should familiarize yourself with the safety warnings and instructions for any tools, equipment, and other materials you may use in any of your projects. Finally, we recommend that you check with your local building and zoning authorities for any necessary building permits, regulations, codes, or other laws pertaining to your projects.
The publisher and the author of this book do not and cannot assume any responsibility for property damage or bodily injury caused to you or others as a result of any misinterpretation or misapplication of the information and instructions provided in this book, which are not meant to serve as formal interpretations of the National Electric Code.
Contents
Find out what lurks in the depths of your computer, learn how to get at it, and how to dig in safely.
Get smart with 14 projects to deck out your desk and office, live large in your living room, and geek out your kitchen with your fried electronics.
Go geek chic with 12 projects to accessorize your lookbecause theres so much more to style than a well-placed pocket protector.
Robots and Aliens and Lasersoh, my. Here are 6 clever projects you can make for yourself or a friendjust for the fun of it.
Indulge your creative side with 9 projects that turn computer scraps into sculpture (and notebooks and wallets and pencil sharpeners and picture frames and...).
Lets get loud: From instruments to speakers to amps, here are 6 projects to help you turn up the volume.
From the practical to the prank-worthy, here are 10 projects to unleash the gadget god within.
Feed the birds, raise an ant farm, wrangle the lizards, introduce your cat to a different sort of dead mouse and more: 5 projects for your growing menagerie.
Introduction
For a large part of human history, a direct correspondence existed between the person who made a tool and the person who used that tool. This theoretical person understood not only all of the uses for this tool but also all aspects of the raw materials used to create it. He invested time and energy into this tool to aide himself in survival, and did the best he could to let as little resources be wasted.