Check out some of these really cool custom segways from a company in Oakland, California!

[via] enGadget

Looks like Lady Ladyada hacked an industrial sewing machine. Definitely check it out.

Unlike little portables which turn on the DC motor when the foot-lever is pressed, industrials use a clutch motor. The motor is running the moment you turn it on, and when the foot-lever is pressed, it moves the clutch towards the motor, engaging it. This means higher torque when you turn it on, thus getting rid of the frustrating “have to help the machine along” stuff necessary with small sewing machines. Great. only problem is that the motor runs at a perky 1750 RPM and the clutch is very sticky. This means it requires some practice to get used to the foot pedal: instead of being linearly related to stitch speed, its much more ‘exponential’. Seems like either nothing is happening or its going at a ridiculous 2000-2500 stitches a minute — much too fast for someone out of practice.

The solution? Basically everyone says “you’ll get used to it with lots of practice.” Which is another way of saying “this design really sucks”. (There’s DC servo motors that have no clutch because they can give high instantaneous torque but I’m not 100% sure they solve the speed-control issues)

Another solution is to change the pulley, which will bring the max speed down, and tweak the clutch setup for better response. For $20 it’s a nice simple fix. I spent a few days figuring out how the hell one does this. I figure if I post all of this now it will possibly save someone else the hassle.

via MakeZine

Wow, here’s a putter that DOES look like Star Trek… I need to go play golf…not that I’d use a putter like this ever since I am such old-school when it comes to putters…

Cool putter though.

The putter comes in two versions, the higher-end Limited Edition features a special “NCC-1701″ head with the serial number (only 1,701 will be produced) engraved on the putter face, a True Temper Double Bend steel shaft, Winn NCC-1701 grip with gold accents, and a magnetized “Limited Edition” mallet headcover.

The regular putter features the unique “NCC-1701″ head, a True Temper Double Bend steel shaft, Winn NCC-1701 grip with red accents, and a magnetized mallet headcover.

via RealityWired

We have all heard about the cheap new laptops that are hitting the market, which is great they give everyone a great chance of owning a laptop etc.

But this one is only $26 and it’s brand new, but unfortunately it’s made of cardboard and the keys are made of chocolate. Naturally this comes from Germany who like to make some really great things out of the brown stuff.

I know some people who would prefer this one to the real thing!

Source [Pop Gadget]

This will make sure that you can get to bar before everyone else, and if the tab gets too much you can make a fast getaway.

On show at the SEMA 2007 show, these little power packs must really pack a punch, however I am reliably informed that they are somewhat noisy, but with a massive V8 underneath you what would you expect, I suppose it could get a little warm there too!

Now this is the sort thing that you need when your neighbours get the F1 mowers!

Source [New Launches]

This has to be the ultimate in “Boys Toys” that makes mowing the lawn more than a pleasure. These mowers are said to be inspired by Formula One, but who cares they just look cool.

The mower is styled with spoilers, front wing, suspension and even mirrors; however the best bit has to be the racing steering wheel which has LCD read out. Naturally this is going cause havoc down the street when everyone lines up to mow the lawn and they end racing down the road.

No prices yet, but they are not going to be cheap!

Source [Autoblog]

Click Here to View in Full Screen Mode

Here’s the video if you can’t see it.  (some kinda YouTube bug…yes blame it on the big company)

Cool, check out this awesome 3-Axis servo motor drawing “HackADay”. You can get the board for really cheap from this guy.

The preprogrammed AVR microcontroller must be purchased directly from Uli Huber. We do not carry the chips.

Please include $5 shipping and handling for destinations within the continental United States. For all other areas, please include $7 for shipping charges.

For those only interested in purchasing a single bare pcb board, shipping and handling can be avoided by sending us the cost of the pcb and include a self addressed stamped envelope with your order. Please attach three first class stamps to the envelope with your legible return address. We suggest using cardboard floppy disks envelopes that can be purchased at office supply stores. US only.

via HackADay

Segways one day will rule the world; they will become aware and eventually rule us humans until we fight back. But until them we can do as we please the Segway and here are a couple of examples that just go to show how good they can look.

These are really customised versions of the two wheeled machine, which I think would surprise many people when they see them.

They have been given custom paint jobs, metal trims and some really great chrome wheels. Plus like the one in the second picture this one has a trailer, which would be great for going down to Wal Mart to get the groceries.

Source [Techna Bob]

This is a great piece of design, not only is it functional, you can eat your dinner off the table which is what you need it for. And space saving, the table will collapse down so that it does not take up any unnecessary space which good for small spaces.

The table is made up from steel tubing, which have been shaped and bent together so that the diner plates, glasses and other items can be placed safely and securely without the bother of cleaning etc, but this may not be that practical for places that have more than one person living in.

Source [Yanko Design]