Edited Nov. 2, 2011:  Please note that I’m no longer endorsing this kit.  Please check this page for the new, improved kit:  saskview.com/?page_id=750

Useless Machine Kits are now available at Solarbotics for an astoundingly low, low price of $24.95:

http://www.solarbotics.com/products/60005/Included in the kits is the sweet laser-cut black acrylic case.

This is a full bundle and very easy to build.  All you’ll need to supply is tape, batteries, screwdriver and any basic soldering iron and solder.  This is a perfect introduction to electronics and a great way to learn basic soldering skills!

Each bundle includes:

• 1 x 39300 Black acrylic “Useless Box” construction set (with nut/bolt hardware)
• 1 x SWT8 DPDT toggle switch
• 1 x SWT9 SPDT lever switch
• 2 x #2 mounting screws for SWT9
• 1 x BHoldAA 2-AA battery pack
• 1 x DSST (double sided sticky tape, for mounting the battery pack)
• 6″ hookup wire
• 1 x GM4 gear motor
• 4 x “Little Rubber Feet” to protect your Useless machine from abrasive counter tops!

And you can buy just the sweet acrylic case itself.

Dave Hrynkiw at Solarbotics came up with a fantastic design for the case and he was kind enough to post the laser cutting template at thingiverse.com:  http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5065

I hope to be making a build video for the kit, and to have a couple kits to give away so stay tuned.

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