We’re thrilled to debut a project with the inimitable Zoe Bell, actress and stunt performer from some of our favorite films like Kill Bill, Death Proof, and Thor: Ragnarok! In this series, Zoe takes on the challenge of learning to drift a stunt car–a physically and mentally demanding skill she’s yet to learn. Zoe embarks on the journey of developing this skill using the maxim of SODOTO: See One, Do One, Teach One. The first step: getting a feel for the car on the test track with Adam Savage.
Model Trains with Working Steam Engines!
We meet the Bay Area Garden Railway Society, a group of model train builders who build scale steam engines that actually run on tiny pieces of burning coal! During a water break for one engine, we chat with one of the builders about what it takes to make these beautiful trains work.
Episode 451 – Let’s Talk About Solo – 5/31/18
How the Prosthesis Exoskeleton Mech Works
We get a demo of Prothesis, the exoskeleton mech suit designed by Jonathan Tippett and his team. This 8000 pound mech is directly controlled by Jonathan using his arms and legs, without any stabilizing gimbals or gyros. Jonathan explains how he has to essentially relearn to crawl in the Prosthesis, and we see and hear this massive machine lumber across a parking lot.
PREMIUM – Model Behavior: Creating a Bronze Finish
We’ve used Rub ‘n Buff on Tested before to give objects metallic finishes, and this week, Bill Doran takes us through the process of turning two garage kits to bronze. We chose these two kits for the differences in their sculpts: one an organic skull and the other a piece of armor. Here’s how a wax metallic finish can bring out the details in your paint work.
Offworld episode 7: The Right Stuff (1983)
This week on Offworld, Ariel is joined by Adam Savage and retired astronaut Jim Newman to talk about the 1983 movie The Right Stuff! The three discuss the film’s portrayal of early NASA missions and astronaut culture, and hear some stories about Jim Newman’s flights on the Space Shuttle.
TapGlo Light-Up Ping Pong Table!
We play TapGlo, a custom-built ping pong table that’s like the intersection of table tennis and the videogame Breakout. The maker of this striking light-up table explains how TapGlo is able to detect where ping pong balls land, and how the panels light up and animate in spectacular fashion.
We Check Out Dremel’s DigiLab Laser Cutter
We check out Dremel’s new DigiLab hobby laser cutter, their first forray into the personal laser cutter space. This device is Dremel’s take on the Full Spectrum Laser Muse cutter, with their own software, testing, and support. We take a look at its operation, cooling unit, and chat about concerns like laser lifespan and safety.
Google AIY Kits for Experimenting with Artificial Intelligence
We learn about Google’s AIY voice and vision kits at this year’s Maker Faire, and check out a few projects that make use of the kits’ artificial intelligence capabilities. The vision kit, in particular, impressed us with its ability to recognize objects, faces, and even emotions.
Ask Adam Anything: Most Used Shop Equipment
Every week, Adam takes a question from the comments section below or on social media (tagged #AskAdamSavage) and answer them for the Tested member community. This week, Adam talks about his most used tool in his shop, as well as his favorite ones to use for his builds.