Hot Construction Toys How-Tos
How To: Make a prop sword out of an aluminum bar
This will still hurt if you swing too hard! If you need a realistic looking prop sword, you can follow along with this tutorial to make the prop out of an aluminum bar. You'll need a couple power tools as well, so be careful around them!
How To: Make a quiver full of larp safe foam tipped arrows
This tutorial is a great guide on how you can make a set of safe, foam-tipped arrows. You'll need to start with some hobby arrows, metal washers, wall anchors, a small NERF football, a hot glue gun, glue sticks, measuring tape and a foam golf ball or blue camping foam.
How To: Make an easy and eco-friendly spell packet for a larp mage
This tutorial shows you how to make spell packets. It's designed for NERO, but many larps use the same rules. All you need is a square of natural fiber cloth (like cotton), some birdseed (or rice or crushed walnut shells or any biodegradable matter) and a rubber band.
How To: Make a mold for a Cthulhu cameo out of silicone
Make a charm that will show off your Mythos Lore! This tutorial shows you how to make a silicone mold for a Cthulhu cameo. All you need is some silicone putty and a good idea for the charm or cameo you want to make.
How To: Make sanity reducing creepy Cthulhu tentacles
Now you too can build your own prop of eldritch horror! Guaranteed to induce a SAN check in anyone who sees it, this tutorial shows you how to build a set of flexible Cthulhu tentacles out of one inch furniture foam, half inch furniture foam, steel wire, pantyhose, one inch PVC tubing, epoxy and a jar of latex.
How To: Make your own copy of the Necronomicon
If you're a fan of either H.P. Lovecract or Sam Raimi, you'll appreciate this tutorial which shows you how to construct your own prop copy of the Necronomicon, the Book of the Dead which features quite prominently in stories of eldritch horror.
How To: Make armor out or Sintra and Rub'n'Buff
Make your own armor with a weathered look out of Sintra (or expanded PVC foam). You'll need a heat gun, a padded cushion, paper towels, rub'n'buff in silver leaf, a knife, a marking pencil, water and a can of spray primer. Trace your piece onto the Sintra, then use the heat gun to shape it. Useful for costumes, Halloween or larps.
How To: Construct a basic boffer longsword using a foam noodle
This tutorial shows you a very basic method to create an effective boffer sword using PVC pipe, a foam noodle, duct tape and some open-cell foam for a stabbing-safe tip. You're also shown a good method for constructing the hilt. This is a great tutorial for anyone looking to make a foam sword for their favorite boffer larp!
How To: Make a Chinese-style boffer jian sword
Playing an Asian-style character for your next boffer larp? If you're looking for a good way to make a jian, or Chinese boffer sword, this is the right tutorial for you! It lays out all the steps, including preplanning, to get precisely the jian you want.
How To: Make a spear out of foam for boffer larping
Build a spear for boffer larping! This video is aimed at Dagorhir, but you can use it for any boffer larp. You'll need foam, duct tape, a sharp bread knife or saw knife, a Sharpie, a Nerf football, cloth tape and fabric to cover it.
How To: Make a boffer mace out of foam, PVC pipe and latex
This tutorial shows you how to make a boffer larp safe mace. Get some PVC pipe, a foam noodle you can get at a drug store, and some soft foam for the head. Then cover your pipe with pipe insulation and sheath the weapon in latex.
How To: Make LARP-safe werewolf claws or monster claws
This tutorial shows you how you create a boffer larp safe pair of werewolf claws. Start with some basic heavy gloves, like gardening gloves, then cut out your claws from foam (at least three inches long!), and then follow along with the tutorial to end up with your own awesome monster claws!
How To: Paint your airsoft gun using Krylon paint
Airsoft is a fun and exciting tactical game that really gets you off your feet! And what really sets it apart from paintball is the guns! They look much closer to the real thing and add that extra depth to the game! But the paint jobs and wood finishes are never the best, but that's ok, because you can paint it yourself! In this video you will get a tutorial on how to paint your airsoft rifle using Krylon paint.
How To: Accurately read a tape measurement
In this tutorial, we learn how to accurately read a tape measurement. First, roll out the tape measure, then find the inch marks. These will be in red. From here, you will find the half inch marks between each of the red inches. Half of the half inches will be right in the middle of that, and exactly half of the half! In between this, you will find 3/4 of an inch and 1/8 of an inch. Make sure you have a good view of the lines on the tape measure so you can identify these correctly. The last m...
How To: Build a Tech Deck quarterpipe
This is a video tutorial in the Hobbies & Toys category where you are going to learn how to build a Tech Deck quarter-pipe. For this you will need hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, coat hanger, cardboard, card and scissors. First cut out the three pieces of the frame out of the cardboard. Then glue a support to the bottom of the 3 pieces. Now glue the card on top of the frame. To make the coping, cut off a length of the coat hanger that is equal to the width of the quarter -pipe and glue on the ...
How To: Make a boomerang-like comeback can kids toys
Boomerangs can be dangerous. Oatmeal containers aren't. That's what makes this kids toy the perfect build for school or play. After constructing this "comeback can" toy, you'll have a can or container that you'll roll on the ground or table, and it will always come back to you. You'll need an oatmeal container (or similar can), rubber band, nut, a couple paper clips and a pen.
How To: Turn a paper clip into a jumping toy
Forget school boredom again… a mere paper clip will keep you entertained in study hall, all the time! This video will show you how to make a cool little jumping toy with a paperclip of any size. It's shaped like a triangle and jumps pretty far!
How To: Build an accurate bed from Legos
If you're building a great, accurate house model, and are looking to add some furniture to the home, the master bedroom is going to need a bed. Where will your minifigs sleep if they don't have a bed? In this great video you will get a brief glimpse at the bricks that you will need to complete the build along with a tutorial on the build order that you will need to use to construct the bed!
How To: Build a Lego vending machine for any urban model setting
If you're building an office model, or are looking to add a little something extra to a street model, you might give this great vending machine model a try! In this detailed video from brickboys518 you will get brief over view of the bricks that you will need for the model and then a great tutorial on the building process and build order.
How To: Build a couch with Legos
What's a house model if you don't have a couch in the living room, right? Where would the minifigures sit to watch TV? Can't be on the floor! In this video you will get a quick glimpse of the different bricks that you will need to complete the model as well as a detailed tutorial on the construction process all the way into a finished couch!
How To: Build a bench out of Legos
For a more outdoorsy model, such as a park, one key ingredient that you will need is a bench! But if you're not quite sure what bricks you will need, or how to construct one, this video is your solution! In this video you will get a quick glimpse of the different bricks used for the model as well as a detailed tutorial on constructing the bench itself.
How To: Build a fridge out of Legos
If you're building a house model, or if you're just looking for a quick and fun model to make, give the refrigerator a try! With a full swinging door, it's made to size so any minifigure will have access to it with a believable scale. In this video you will get a glimpse of each piece that you will need for the model with a great construction tutorial!
How To: Build a sturdy Lego table with an added table cloth
When you're making a restaurant, or a house, or any other somewhat modern Lego model, one way to make the interior (or exterior for that matter) come to life is by making furniture, and what better way to start than with a table with a striped table cloth on it? In this great video you will find out what parts he uses and then go through the assembly process all the way to the final project! Pay close attention though as the placing of some of the bricks are absolutely crucial to the model co...
How To: Build a warthog from Halo using Legos
If you're a die hard Halo fanboy and you have some Legos laying around from your childhood, don't think you're dating yourself! Many other people still play with their Legos, and what better way than to recreate the warthog from your favorite game!? In this great video you will learn which pieces you will need as well as the steps that you will need to take to make a great warthog!
How To: Make the Terran barracks from StarCraft with Legos
When you're building with Lego, you want to try to mix it up a little bit every once in a while. And if you're a big fan of StarCraft wouldn't it be awesome if you could make your own base out of Legos!? Well, let's start with the basics, you're gonna need a barracks if you're even gonna consider making marines! In this great video you will learn how to make a micro-scale Terran barracks with Legos.
How To: Make a Protoss carrier from StarCraft 2 with Legos
"Carrier has arrived", the sweetest sound you'll hear before the echoing blasts and inherent cries of death that you'll bring to your enemy. Protoss are a race in the games StarCraft 1 & 2 for the PC, and for you Protoss players who also enjoy playing with Legos, then start harvesting that vespine gas and get ready for this great video! In this video you will learn which pieces you will need as well as the steps you will need to take to finish your carriers for the final push!
How To: Make a Terran factory with machine shop upgrade from StarCraft 2 out of Legos
StarCraft, quite possibly one of the most influential RTS' of all time, has its supporters for each individual race on all sides of the battle field. For those of you who are Terran players who also love Legos, this video is going to be right up your alley! In this video you will learn what parts you'll need as well as the steps you will take to building your very own Terran factory with machine shop upgrade in a matter of minutes!
How To: Build a bionicle switchblade
In this video, we learn how to build a bionicle switchblade. Start with the piece of the blade that has holes inside of it. Then, start to connect the edges and the other pieces that go inside of it. Grab the piece for the blade, then lock it into place by attaching the elbow pieces that connect around it. Once you have connected these together, you will have one entire piece with the blade on the very edge of it. The end of it should be bendy, so grab a rubber band that is thick and wrap it ...
How To: Build a sturdy flatbed truck out of Legos
Looking for a new Lego project? Look no further! In this two-part series you'll learn how to build a great flat bed truck out of lego bricks! Each video starts showing you each brick that you'll need, the first video being the truck cab, and the second being the actual flat bed, and then goes into a great, step-by-step tutorial, showing you where each piece goes and before you know it you'll have a flatbed truck!
How To: Build a looping rolling marble machine with magnetic elevator
Wow! No longer do you have to buy those huge marble machine roller coaster toys — you can DIY one! This video covers the materials, tools and techniques used to make a homemade rolling ball marble machine. If you haven't seen this rolling ball marble machine toy in action yet, WATCH IT. It's a looping rolling marble machine made with wood, rebar tie wire and polyurethane tubing, featuring a magnetic elevator.
How To: Build miniature LEGO instruments (guitar, bass, cello and microphone)
If your LEGO men are raring to get a rock band going, then who are you to stop them? With a few LEGO blocks, you can easily create some nifty instruments for them to start jamming with. In this video, watch and learn the steps to creating a guitar, bass and cello out of LEGOs. Also, after the credits, check out the cool LEGO microphone!
How To: Construct a working LEGO miniature soda machine
Even LEGO people get thirsty, and what better to quench the thirst than a nice cool can of soda pop? And what's the perfect way to get that cola to your LEGO men quickly? A LEGO soda machine! And believe it or not, this soda dispenser actually dispenses miniature soda cans! Watch and learn how to build this working LEGO soda machine, inspired by otlego's version.
How To: Build a LEGO pick up truck
In this video, we learn how to build a LEGO pickup truck. First, you will need to lay out all the parts that you need to build the truck. This includes small and large parts that are in gray and white colors, as well as wheels. Start off by building the middle of the car, making room for the wheels to fit in. After this, start to add on the blocks that go on the back and the front to make the headlights and different features on the truck. Add on the block for the windshield, then add on the ...
How To: Build spinning tops with everyday objects
In this tutorial, we learn how to build spinning tops with everyday objects. You will need: round recyclable plastic lids, skewers, hot glue gun, and washers or pennies. First, take your plastic lid and weight it with a penny, then poke a skewer through the middle of it. After this, you will have a top made out of homemade products! You can use anything that is laying around your home to make a top, no matter what it is. Just make sure you have something to place int he middle and the weight ...
How To: Make a prop lightsaber
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a prop light saber. you will need rubber o rings, a metal pipe, a dow rod, and attachments to combine the rods together. First, grab the metal pipe and dow rod, and place the rod inside of the pipe. After this, use an attachment to combine the two together. Next, cover one end with duct tape. Now attach two endings onto the rod and place a longer dow rod covered with duct tape onto the rods. When finished, use the o rings to keep the blade in place and y...
How To: Make a mini K'Nex pistol
This video tutorial is in the Hobbies & Toys which will show you how to make a mini K'Nex pistol. Chris Swartzentruber shows you how to do this in this video. First make the trigger mechanism with the green, white, blue and orange parts as shown. Next make the handle using the parts as shown in the video. One end of the handle is green and the other end is orange. Then you make the handle support, barrel, magazine, rod pusher and the firing pin as demonstrated. Attach the handle to the barrel...
How To: Refill your Zippo with lighter fluid
In this video, learn what to do when your Zippo runs out of fluid. You won't be able to get a good flame or perform any tricks without a totally full Zippo and in this clip, you will get a step by step on refueling. Follow along and stay safe and strong with your flame.
How To: Make a Vacuum Table to Create Fun Plastic Objects
In this tutorial, learn how to make a vacuum table that you can use to make plastic objects. You will learn how to build this type of surface and create anything you may need to replace - for example, if you lose the cover of your cell phone - don't spend a ton getting a new one- just make your own!
How To: Make a 300-style Spartan chest piece with paper mache
This is Sparta! If you find yourself yelling that line from the film and graphic novel 300 before doing all sorts of intense tasks, than this two-part video is for you. It will teach you how to make your own wearable replica of a Spartan chest piece out of cardboard and paper mache at home. Never be harmed by Persian arrow again!
How To: Make a duct tape backpack
Are you a regular backpack user? Do you tire of that generic Jansport look that seems to be all your low backpack-budget will buy you? Do you want to rock something a bit more distinctive without breaking the bank? Do you like duct tape? Then look no further! This 2-part video provides wonderfully detailed instructions for making a full-sized backpack out of only 45 yards of duct tape! A must for the DIY-happy student-about-town.