Seniorgiri Counter the Loneliness Yourself.

Seniorgiri Series: Hobbies Technical Hobbies

By Shobha Mathur [email protected]

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Hello When was the last time you did Something for the First Time?

Do it now. This is the age to enjoy whatever you wanted to do before but had no time to do till now. You are your own best friend. You do not need any one’s permission to learn new crafts or pursue new hobbies.

Remember ☺ You are not competing with anyone. ☺ You do not have to prove anything to anyone. ☺ You have to suit only your pace of doing thing, Last but not least ☺ Be proud of yourself for all and any achievement. ☺ Enjoy and Enhance your life and abilities.

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THIS IS HOBBY HELP SERIES FOR SENIORS.

I am compiling a series of things to do - what to do to counter loneliness, in addition, how to go about it. This is about Technical hobbies for those who are technically inclined. It is about woodworking, ham radios, magic tricks, and suchlike activities. I have given necessary links and info about each activity. I have tested all the links mentioned. As on October 2009, all links are secure, correct and working. You should look for more as you surf. You may find many that will suit to your needs. This is just a first step.

Please feel free to share this with anyone you like.

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Technical Hobbies

A person who works with his hands is A laborer. A person who works with his hands and his brain is A craftsman. A person who works with his hands, his brain and his heart Is an artist Louis Nizer

Though emancipated women may take offense I will assert that most men are technically prone, (They are from Mars!), and like to tinker with machinery. Almost all DIY (Do It Yourself) enthusiasts are men, who like to work with their hands to create or at least repair things. Hence I am specially addressing this piece to menfolk. All ye people who are nuts and loose screwed about anything with nut and bolts, like exact measurements, can read drawings and follow complex instructions, read on. Heaven is here! The most useful and easy task is of course to tend to your car and other sundry Home electric /electronic items. If you do not succeed in curing them of their various ailments, you can still guide and frustrate the mechanic. It has its own charm (I mean to you, NOT to the mechanic!).

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If that is not to your complete satisfaction and you still need more time pass employment, here are some resources you might like. All these sites are virtual treasure troves. Take your time to browse. Just looking at things might inspire you. You will need some tools depending on what you want to make. Assess frankly your interests, span of attention, and stamina. It is better to browse around before buying anything expensive. The introduction of each site is mostly from the site itself.

http://www.businessshakers.com/images/internet-hobby.jpg

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The Activities mentioned here: Wood working Watch Making Ham Radio Stained Glass Faux Stained Glass Photography Gemology Magic Tricks

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General Sites Here are some broad-spectrum sites for all kinds of information. Kind of Swiss knife of creative process. Have a look around. All kinds of information is to be found here. Resources, Tools, where to get them, photos of projects, links to other sites - you will find many useful items and inspiration.

1. The Internet Craftsmanship Museum The goal here is to collect and present as much information as we can about craftsmen from around the world and the projects they build. Our interests are not to just show the projects themselves, but to present everything we can find out about the builder and the project. This collection exists only on the Internet. What will be featured here is craftsmanship in many forms. http://www.craftsmanshipmuseum.com/

2. Creativity Web The Creativity Web is a resource center giving you information to help you become more creative. The World Wide Web is a relatively new medium for disseminating this information and creating a global community of creative people. http://members.optusnet.com.au/charles57/Creative/index2.htm l

3. How stuff work Very Good site. Detailed information about how things work. This link is for Electronic page. http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/

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4.E-How A site with How to do lessons for any subject. How to do just about anything is the apt Motto. http://www.ehow.com/

5. Craftsmanspace Choose our free metalworking and woodworking plans, download them and made it on your pleasure. Free plans for Kid’s Toys, Indoor and garden furniture, Fun projects, Animal Stuff, models etc.. http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-projects/

6. Great Hobbies Inc. A site with many kits to buy. http://www.greathobbies.com/index.php

7.Centre for Technical Hobbies Vysehrad As the mane suggests , resources for many activities. http://www.stv.cz/indexa.html

8. Hobby DIY Garage Resources for many activities. http://www.dapj.net/hobby/?page_id=156

Do-It -101.com With tools, time and a bit of research there is very little that the average person can not accomplish. Build a musical instrument and learn to play it. Learn about computers and the internet, build your own web site to feature your hobby or craft. Save money doing your

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own renovations or repairs to your home, fix your car or motorcycle. Find woodworking plans or metalworking projects, get gardening tips and landscaping ideas. Protect your home and family, learn emergency survival tactics whether you are at home or in the wilderness. Most importantly have fun and enjoy yourself in this adventure called life. We have manually searched the web to bring you the best and most relevant links possible in the different categories. http://doit101.com/

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Woodworking Woodworking is not simple carpentry, but creative expression. It can be a really satisfying hobby, but needs Strength and stamina. You will also have to invest in a variety of tools. To make any ordinary piece of woodwork you don't need many tools but each one should be the very best, for therein half the pleasure lies. Different Saws, Hammer, Chisel, Planer, Bore and Bit, Squares, Screw drivers, Nails and screws are some essential items. A table to work is needed to work without strain. First, gauge your own physical strength before shelling out for tools. Woodworking can be unsafe. Injuries are always a possibility in a woodworking center. And it can be Expensive. Good, highfeatured tools are costly, but they are a long-lasting investment. The most important rule of woodworking is to always wear safety glasses, no matter what task you're performing in the workshop Quality woodworking is done with hand tools, calmly and thoughtfully at your own speed. If you are still in the contemplation phase, wondering if woodworking is something that might be of interest to you, then browse online for sites related to this interesting hobby

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Links Free Woodworking Stuff Internet's most diverse collection of free woodworking stuff. We're talking free books, charts, clip art, plans, software, woodworking supplies catalogs, tips, articles, desktop themes, and other woodworking-related materials. http://free-woodworking-stuff.com/index.htm

Allwoodwork Here at Allwoodwork you can find all sorts of fun and useful information. There are woodworking forums, a home improvement forum, a gardening forum, articles, tips, and reviews. http://www.allwoodwork.com/index.htm

Getting Started in Woodworking Woodworking is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling activities around. Don't know where or how to get started? Here you'll find the basics on how to set up your work area, what tools you'll need to get started, how to work safely with your tools and more. http://woodworking.about.com/od/gettingstarted/Getting_Starte d_in_Woodworking.htm

Yahoo Directory of Wood working Many links here. http://dir.yahoo.com/Arts/Crafts/Woodworking

Woodworker’s workshop Free Woodworking Plans, Projects and Patterns

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Free woodworking plans to build wine racks, gun cabinets, workshop router tables, bookshelves, kids’ furniture and thousands more for beginners and all skill levels. http://www.woodworkersworkshop.com/resources/index.php?c at=102 Absolutely Free Plans On this site we have categorized the links into sections, "Boat Plans", "Clip Art", "Games, Hobbies and Recreation", "Holiday Projects", "How To & Info", "Indoor Projects", "Outdoor Projects", "Projects for Children", and "Workshop Projects". http://absolutelyfreeplans.com/

Bink's Woodworking Anyone can be a Woodworker, but only Craftsmen can hide his Screwups! Free Woodworking Plans, Project Ideas, & Shop Tips. http://www.binkyswoodworking.com/

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Horology or Watch Making For real Techno savvy people. There are lessons and kits available, and list of sites from where you can order the supplies. There are also many science sites teaching about water clocks, sundials etc. Good to show off to your grandchildren.

Making a Watch by Hand Story of a craftsman about his first watch. http://web.ticino.com/dcorson/watch/

Craft Site Directory: Clock Making Horology is the science of measuring time combined with the art of designing and making clocks. Browse this section to find out more information about horology (papers icon), clock making supplies (thread icon) and links to online shops with handcrafted clocks and/or repair service available (shop icon). http://www.craftsitedirectory.com/clockmaking/index.html Horologyzone This Online Watch School is free, all watch lovers are welcome.

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http://horologyzone.com/ Watchmaking This page contains descriptions of tools and procedures of interest to watchmakers. Because I want to make a watch, I hope to attract comments and advice from others who are ahead of me and perhaps supply motivation to those who want to get started. http://www.csparks.com/watchmaking/

Internet Resources regarding Horology This page and subsidiary WebPages attempt to provide a comprehensive Index and Cross links to as much Horological Information on the WWW as possible. http://www.horology.com/horology/

The Sun Dial Clocks Home Multiple resources regarding clock making. http://www.ubr.com/clocks/default.aspx

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TELEGRAPH KEYS, CLOCKMAKING AND MODELMAKING By a senior citizen If you are interested in telegraph keys, clock making or model making, and want to improve your skills, you will want to take a look at the many "How To" books and videos I have to offer. http://www.wrsmithclocks.com/ Murray Clock All kinds of kits available: Clock Parts & Clock Plans... Grandfather, Grandmother, Granddaughter Clock Kits, Mantel Clocks, Puzzle Clocks, Skeleton Clocks, Musical Clocks... Based in Canada. Can order from their online store. http://www.murrayclock.com/

The Clock Shop Mike Kovacich at The Clock Shop in Anaconda, Montana offers a kit to assemble a large brass clock movement. You can buy it as plans only, plans plus materials, plans, materials and pre-machined gears, a complete kit or a fully assembled clock– with or without wooden case. If you want to learn how a clock works, this is a good starting project, and you will end up with a very interesting timepiece for your mantle. www.clockshopkits.com

Web Sites of Interest to Amateur Clockmakers Links to many sites http://users.tpg.com.au/pgc123/Home/horologicallinks.html

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Online courses

Antique clock repair coursesWatch, study and learn antique clock repair through DVD course instruction using actual live repairs!! http://www.ticktockpro.com/ Clock Repair Get your clock repair questions personally answered in our Clock Repair Discussion Forum! http://www.howtorepairclocks.com/ Clocks Magazine Directory: Courses for horologists http://www.clocksmagazine.com/link-pages/clock-courses.htm

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Ham Radio Ham radio is the world's greatest hobby that can save lives. It's a hobby that instantly turns into a life saving service whenever there's a disaster or large-scale emergency. On September 11th, it was ham radio that kept New York City agencies in touch with each other after their command center was destroyed. When hurricanes like Katrina, Rita and Wilma or tornadoes or floods knock out other communications, ham radio provides vital life-anddeath capabilities. But 99% of the time, hams do what they do because it's just plain fun.

Who's the Typical Ham? Amateur Radio operators come from all walks of life -- movie stars, missionaries, doctors, students, politicians, truck drivers and just plain folks. They are all ages, sexes, income levels and nationalities. They say Hello to the world in many languages and many ways. But whether they prefer Morse code on an old brass telegraph key, voice communication on a hand-held radio, or computerized messages transmitted via satellite, they all have an interest in what's happening in the world, and they use radio to reach out. http://www.hello-radio.org/

How Stuff Work Ham radio lets people talk across the globe, wirelessly and inexpensively. Learn how to get started in ham radio, from licenses to equipment. http://www.howstuffworks.com/ham-radio.htm

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Yahoo Directory of links http://dir.yahoo.com/News_and_Media/Radio/Amateur_and_H am_Radio/

Ham universe Free info re ham radios http://www.hamuniverse.com/about.html QSL.net QSL.net is dedicated to the sole purpose of furthering the abilities and interest of the Amateur Radio Community. If you are a licensed Amateur Radio Operator you are invited to reserve your free space on this server. http://www.qsl.net/

General Information about all things Radio. Wifi, Internet, Satellite, Am-FM radio http://radio.about.com/

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Magic Tricks You like showing off? Doing pranks and practical tricks? Do magic! Instant fame and favor from all. There are many sites to teach you magic tricks. The following are free.

David Blaine Style Street Magic http://www.goodtricks.net/david-blaine-street-magic-tricks.html

LearnMagicTricks.org Many Videos for learning http://www.learnmagictricks.org/

Magic Tricks Learn How To Do Hundreds of Magic Tricks - Free! http://www.classicmagic.net/

TrickMagic Learn how to do magic tricks! We'll reveal the secrets behind some great sleight of hand moves! You can learn how to pull a card out of thin air, how to throw a card 50 to 100 feet in the air, make people believe you are psychic -- and do spectacular card magic! http://www.trickmagic.com/ Magicbunny.net We have teamed up with Pubtricks.com who are the leader in download magic on the internet to provide you with a great selection of magic tricks. 20 of 30.

http://www.magicbunny.net/ Free Magic Tricks 4U Would you like to learn FREE Street Magic? http://www.freemagictricks4u.com/

Magic and Illusion Learn many tricks, and also subscribe to a newsletter – all free. http://magic.about.com/

XPloreMagic XPloreMagic offers you thousands movies of free magic tutorial, magic show, documentary, and fun. http://www.xploremagic.com/

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Photography It used to be an expensive hobby, but with new digital cameras is getting affordable in the sense that though the camera is expensive, recurring expenses of reels and developing charges are not there. With web cams and phone cameras is even more easy – just shoot and send or view in real time! There are many kinds of photography including Still, Movie and Video. Different kind of cameras are needed for some special kind of photography. That is a wide subject and if interested you can find more about your special area of appeal. I just want to mention about cameras that can photograph an Aura. AURA PHOTOGRAPHY

Aura and Kirilian photography is very interesting. An AURA is the electromagnetic energy field that surrounds, and flows around all living things. The colors and patterns within this energy can be photographed and apparently show the state of our physical, mental and spiritual health.

AURA IMAGING CAMERA EXPERIMENTS

http://aura.ph/

INTERACTIVE AURA PHOTOGRAPHY?

http://www.auraphoto.com/fundementals/interactive.shtml

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Fun things to do with your photographs With computer software you can do many fun things with your photos. Please See: Eleven Fun things to do with Your Photos – my ebook

Sell your Photos on the net If you are a real enthusiast you can even sell your photos on the web and earn money. Please See: Sell Your Photos – my e-book

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Stained Glass The palaces and mansions of kings and princes were decorated with stained glass. The windows especially and the ceilings of churches till date surprise you with beautiful stain glass work. As a hobby it requires a degree of dedication, patience, time and skill. Many tools are needed to do the work - Grinder, Bits, Glass cutter, Foils, Soldering iron, Glass drill etc.

Stained glass classes in India vary from beginner’s course to the advanced course. I have found some free online resources. There are all sort of tips and lessons. Please go through them before deciding to go ahead with this.

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Beginning Stained Glass Instruction OBJECTIVE: to teach students basic stained glass terminology, techniques, and safety procedures before they begin a project. http://www.lessonplanspage.com/ArtDelphiBeginningStainedG lassInstruction412.htm How to use stained glass tools It gives step-by-step direction to use the tools. http://www.thestorefinder.com/glass/library/howtotools.html

Art of stained glass Video and photographic instruction on variety of topics. http://art-of-stained-glass.com/

Hints and tips to use with the free stained glass patterns. http://free-stained-glass-patterns.com/FAQ.html

The best source on the web for free stained glass patterns http://downeaststainedglass.com/freestainedglasspatterns.html

Free Patterns for Stained Glass A site with many links to free tutorials and patterns. http://www.freepatternsforstainedglass.com/

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Faux Stained Glass Stained glass painting is an extremely difficult craft. Luckily today similar effects can be achieved with new glass paints, plexiglass and / or plastic sheets. This is fast and easy way, although synthetic, to fake "The Look of Stained Glass". With this product, you wont be a stained glass artist, but your efforts will be admired by your friends, relatives and neighbors. Crylin had sets of glass paints, as well as kits. Though oil and acrylic paints can be used also. There are several techniques here. 1. You paint on the glass with glass paints. 2. Paint part of the picture and back it up with dome foil or other paper. 3. Paint on strong cling film, let it dry, peel and stick on glass.

Here are some lessons and ideas: Faux Stained Glass Make fake stained glass with hot glue, plexiglass, and paint! Cheap, easy, and pretty. Complete lesson with photos. http://www.instructables.com/id/Faux_Stained_Glass/

Faux Stained Glass Window In this example, you paint the design on a glass picture frame - but there's nothing to stop you from painting it on plexiglass, or a clear plastic sheet protector or transparency, then cutting out the design once it is dry to fasten to a window.

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http://www.allfreecrafts.com/homemade-gifts/window-paint.shtml How to Make a Faux Stained-Glass Sun Catcher http://www.ehow.com/how_9706_make-faux-stained.html How to Create Faux-Stained Glass

http://www.ehow.com/how_2253888_create-fauxstained-glass.html Free Stained Glass Patterns... dot com! Free stained glass patterns are here! This site features only stained glass patterns for windows and panels. All patterns are free. Absolutely and completely free. http://free-stainedglasspatterns.com/ Cut out and Keep Create faux stained glass window clings to add interest to a boring view or otherwise decorate windows or mirrors. http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/faux_stained_glass_window

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Gemology Be a Gem and study gems. Be able to spot spurious diamonds instantly! Essential for Life and Marital Harmony! Here are some courses and sites for you.

MY FREE GEMOLOGY COURSE The down side is that you won't be able to access the actual course website and the materials posted there, unless you are a registered student. The up side is that you're welcome to freely browse the contents located here, and there are no tests, grades, or time schedules to worry about. I've posted a sample course syllabus for your information. http://www.bwsmigel.info/

International Gem Society We have put together a package of educational resources, information and services that are designed to meet your needs. http://www.gemsociety.org/

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Free E-Books Regarding Gemology http://www.diamondring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86604

GemologyOnline A non-profit Forum for the exchange of gemological ideas http://www.gemologyonline.com/Forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.ph p?start=15&t=1074 There are many Gemology courses available all over India. Almost all Jewellery and fashion institutes have some kind of courses. There is also the astrological and healing aspect. That is dealt with in the Divination Section.

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Acknowledgement

The filler Flower graphics used here are from Hellas Multimedia http://www.hellasmultimedia.com/webimages/default.htm. The beautiful graphics are free. Graphics from the net are acknowledged at the point. Other clipart are from Microsoft WP Clipart Free Collection.

This e book is by Shobha Mathur [email protected]

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