How to make Steampunk vacuum tube USB drives

[@regmiles]

Hey, thanks for the inspiration. I used some early 1930s radio tubes for this idea. I drilled a hole in the center of the bakelite base, just large enough to accommodate a 3mm 9-12V led and glued it in place. The glue I use dries instantly without odor. The finished effect looks nice and is ready to mount in a one of my retro futurist designs.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Nice work!

[@FullStackFool]

Just discovered this channel - the quiet background is refreshing!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks for the feedback Karl!

[@JGHFunRun]

This is thing is a child of every era - true steampunk!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@JGHFunRun]

@@Makebuildmodify you’re welcome! I love steampunk although I haven’t built much of it (as in any) I still like seeing projects, and this is top notch

[@zanpekosak2383]

I dont know why somebody would dislike this video.....it was AMAZING! Great job.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@icantthinkofanything798]

i appreciate not having stupid music over this. i've been playing my own instead.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Haha! Thanks!

[@andrewwilson8317]

A 90 degree USB connector and lead allows it to be sat on desk and plugged in to laptop. Very nice work mate. This is why I nod up with boxes and boxes of " stuff" awaiting conversion and up-cycling. Old TVs , radios, clocks, instruments, car and motorbike bits etc. I made a beautiful USB power port hub from an old and worn out racing carburettor that lights up and stores pens and pencils, every petrolhead should have one!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Sound like a cool project.

[@JohnHermanII]

post pictures.

[@PijamasGagarin]

First time i see someone tidying up in tutorial. Nicely done.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@petergambier]

It's certainly great to watch a craftsman at work and the device on your drill that makes metal holes larger is a great bit of kit.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Yes, they make short work of the task. amzn.to/2kbXIiJ - DEWALT Step Drill Bit Set

[@phoebeioelara6009]

why is that sound of the video so satisfying and calming 😂

[@Makebuildmodify]

Ha! Thanks!

[@glinnphillips4884]

I like this build. Always did like tubes. Just a new twist on a old product. Fantastic. I will build one for my desk. thanks

[@Makebuildmodify]

Yeah, I love the look of old tubes too.

[@alfredneumann4692]

Crazy. I played with tubes in the 60s.

[@Makebuildmodify]

These are probably at least that old. Thanks for watching!

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

Love SteamPunk, great idea, thanks.

[@Makebuildmodify]

;)

[@cliff8675]

Steampunk-Nerdgasm .... That's freaking cool.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@mamatalu]

You can use power from usb to light up and LED to simulate glowing of tube. Just needs a dim LED and a resistor!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Yes, that is what this video is all about. Thanks for watching!

[@teakettle7021]

This is about as good as "to-the-point" tutorials get. Thanks for the upload.

[@Makebuildmodify]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@xraydelta100]

Enjoyed this video. Some serious injury occurred on that thumb and possibly your hand at one time. I am growing my right middle finger nail out now from a November 2016 log injury. Great vid, thanks.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks! Yes, the thumb was cut about 12 years ago and never grew back the same. My finger got in the way of my chisel a few weeks ago and I had to stitch it up.

[@istvanbogdan268]

Wow. This steampunk light usb datatraveller is cool.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thank you!

[@mewmewdesigns895]

those two exposed copper traces at the top of the usb drive are for powering an led you could have connected the led to those without a resistor. Doing so will also make your led flash when the drive is working

[@Makebuildmodify]

Wow! That's good to know! Do you know the output voltage for that location?

[@DBrentWalton]

Thanks for showing us your workflow and links to parts and supplies. Excellent workmanship.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tammykeith5909]

thank you for sharing and for letting us sell a few. I will never be a threat to your market but few for me will give me money towards other projects which on my fixed income is a very big deal and I have subscribed. thanks again

[@Makebuildmodify]

Your welcome!

[@derekdavis2058]

This Channel should be MUCH bigger than it is. Fantastic content. Great job Justin.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks for the vote of confidence Derek!

[@MrDegsy69]

They look absolutely stunning but my only reservation would be the amount of extra leverage strain they would place on the Mac or PC USB sockets? I have caught a few USB sticks over the years ferreting about the computer and have accidentally mashed the USB sockets in the process necessitating replacement. Only use these on easily replaceable front panel auxiliary USB sockets that plug into internal MoBo headers for this very reason as you will be stuffed if you trash the PCB mounted ones. Have fun and play safely guys as these do look really cool!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Yes, you do have to be careful.

[@Matt.Jungfleisch]

What a great mix of old and new materials to make something useful. Very creative.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thank you!

[@diycreationsvet4878]

Gonna add these cool creations to my Custom Whiskey Dispenser. I just completed to cool ones 👏👏✅

[@Makebuildmodify]

Very cool!

[@averychiasson3787]

I made this and I get so much attention from it when I use it at my highschool. Thanks man😂

[@Makebuildmodify]

Awesome! That's great to hear! Thanks for letting me know!

[@averychiasson3787]

+Make Build Modify no problem, thanks for making me popular. Keep up the great work

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Those are just super cool.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks! I appreciate the view and the comment!

[@SaschaFrenzer]

It's so relaxing to watch this without having annoying techno music in your face. :)

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@Makyrie]

Agreed 1000 percent

[@007007niki]

Such skill and imagination 😊

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@phgodts]

Nice work! You can go further and put the LED inside the tube and a higher resistor value to simulate the filament glowing. Check audiofile forums to get cheaper burned tubes

[@Makebuildmodify]

That's an interesting idea.

[@Knapweed]

Watching intricate work puts me into a trance. After five or six minutes, I discover I'm sitting there with my mouth hanging open like a drooling moron. Beautiful job.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Ha! Thanks!

[@bradymcphail9690]

Such cool ideas! I truly appreciate that you list the materials and tools needed. Other channels want to charge.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks! I'm glad you like it!

[@Sneaky__Prawn]

Great video, like the blue the best

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks! I like the blue ones too.

[@smiffy008b]

Love it , great idea . Pity you can't supply enough power the vac tube through the USB for that unique glow.

[@Makebuildmodify]

I wish i could too.

[@eddiewillers1]

That would get very hot, very quickly. A tube that has a 6v filament will get up to around 200 deg F in a few minutes.

[@immrnoidall]

love that drill bit holder.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Me too. Thanks!

[@ianforfun1]

After watching this what a brilliant idea and will message you soon. I wondered if you thought of or tried wiring from the USB socket directly onto the Tube Heater Pins providing they are 6v as some pre-amp Tues are 12v ....just a thought as the Tubes themselves would glow!

[@smartguy10000]

Nice idea but the filament in the tube is likely to draw too much current. Most USB don't provide more than 1 amp at 5vdc.

[@countryhamop4580]

@@smartguy10000 Most tubes of that size only draw 0.3A- WELL within the limits of a USB port!

[@Sneaky__Prawn]

Wouldn't the filament get hot if it was used for a long time?

[@Makebuildmodify]

;)

[@attilathehamster6774]

Lovely work man.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@cidhomerimperialpneulemen2107]

I'd love to see you turn a gaming keyboard turned into a steam punk style with typewriter style keys. Wishful thinking?

[@Makebuildmodify]

Interesting idea, Thank you for watching!

[@cassvirgillo3395]

Hi, Valves/Tubes are always cool, analog. Very nice steam punk mod. Be good, C.

[@Makebuildmodify]

I will. Thanks!

[@westelaudio943]

A tube itself isn't analog though. The were used in digital applications too. Grid voltage zero (0) or saturated (1)

[@mdbohica]

Not gonna lie...That's BADASS!!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@a.h.jansen9211]

**

[@WildmanTech]

These are awesome! you would sell out at Maker Faire!

[@Makebuildmodify]

I used to sell a lot of them on Etsy. But the market is full of copycats now. So I only offer them during the holidays. Thanks for watching!

[@jimlanigan7298]

Excellent workmanship!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks Jim!

[@PhantomSiren23]

I love steampunk and found your video rather therapeutic. I must say you work extremely fast. :P

[@Makebuildmodify]

Ha! should I slow down?

[@LetsPrepTogether]

Now that was super cool!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@careucabe]

Muchisimas gracias desde Colombia. Very creative work!

[@Makebuildmodify]

De nada.

[@007tallguy]

that's pretty freakin' COOL! how many times have i burned my fingers fiddling with the old tube radios years ago, but hey, these ones are safe to handle, lol. nice job!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@PSHAX]

Yep.. Definitely gonna be making me some of these! Very cool!!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@MsRmaclaren]

I do some electronics from time to time. I made a TARDIS and wired up some sound and an LED for the light. What is the resistor for, to step down the voltage for the LED I am assuming? Which direction, too hard to see do you wire the resistor?

[@Makebuildmodify]

Here's a calculator. www.digikey.com/en/resources/conversion-calculators/conversion-calculator-led-series-resistor

[@MsRmaclaren]

Thanks!

[@jaykay67design]

A big thank you for this great video - there is a lot of work behind it, which was fully worth it.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fulwoodphantom]

That is soooo cool! Whats the resistor and voltage of the led?

[@Makebuildmodify]

The resistor is 100 ohms and the LED 3.3 volts. The links are in the description. Thanks!

[@psmitty3715]

Pretty innovative! Impressed.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@tubefluid]

Nice Craftsmanship. Subscribed.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thank you for the Sub and watching.

[@zeitlerj]

Something deep in my core wants to know if you tracked whether or not the blue-cased USB drive became the blue-lit drive and thus the same for the red.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Ha! Let's just say I did. ;)

[@g4mmalotus937]

It looks great! my only comment is that you could have used the inside of the bulb and wired in more storage space for the drive, and made the whole bulb light up while you're at it! Actually... I think I'll just do it myself! Thanks for the awesome idea! So, where do you get those bulbs?

[@Makebuildmodify]

It's tough to cut the bulbs. But I have seen it done before. All of the tools and materials are linked in the description.

[@arkansasroadselfstorageofw7110]

this is like watching silent movies the man don't talk, maybe that's part of his steampunk Theory

[@Makebuildmodify]

;)

[@greenalien8503]

Ik they draw a lot of current, but couldn't you have powered the tube filaments so that it looks like the tubes are doing something? Or would the current draw be too much?

[@Makebuildmodify]

Yup, too much.

[@IsoU235]

Well done sir. Thank you for taking the time to share and enlighten.

[@Makebuildmodify]

I'm glad you liked it David. Thanks for watching!

[@thomaswilliams6155]

nice. and they only take 15 mins to make. awesome

[@Makebuildmodify]

Lol!

[@KagedCreations08XX]

Awesome! I want to steal this idea

[@Makebuildmodify]

You're welcome to use this idea to make and even sell them if you like. Thanks for watching!

[@photomanbill]

NICE! now to get me some tubes!

[@Makebuildmodify]

You can get them on ebay for about .50 cents each. Thanks for watching!

[@johnlivingston9217]

what a fun project!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks John!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Great job! Is there any danger in using vacuum tubes? I've read that they could still have power stored in them. I have a huge one that I found in the trash, I would like to use in a project.

[@Makebuildmodify]

I don't think there is a way for them to hold a charge. But you should do some research on your specific tube to be safe. You can always test the electrodes with a volt/ohm meter. Thanks for watching!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Make Build Modify Sometimes I don't think of the obvious, you're right about testing for voltage. I think what I read was they still may have voltage when off, but that's when they were still in their device.

[@rupertpumpkin5388]

wicked cool! what'd you do to your finger? looks like you almost lost it

[@Makebuildmodify]

I slipped with a chisel. Looks worse than it really was. Thanks for watching.

[@francobuzzetti9424]

amazing work mate!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@will1867]

So how many usb drives did you break before you got it down right?

[@Makebuildmodify]

I think Iv'e ruined 2 or 3. Only because they in a case where I couldn't see size of the chip. If you by the type I used in the video you shouldn't have any trouble.

[@will1867]

Make Build Modify yeah I'll have to give it a try but, haha i don't have the same confidence that you have. also did you just bulk order your clock parts?

[@JimiHendrix998]

measured and precise engineering....😂

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thank you?

[@metalhed411]

Next is to make them functional as a usb tube storage flash drive. It can be done.

[@Makebuildmodify]

These are 32 GB.

[@metalhed411]

@@Makebuildmodify ooooohhhhh... So Cool!! 😎 (mind blown!)

[@JimBeshears]

Too awesome for words. All those tubes I tossed out in the Air Force. ::sigh::

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks, Jim!

[@goofysvintageworkshop6728]

Good idea, nice work

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@totaltwit]

Brilliant! Bonkers and I luv it! Very well made too, thoughtful construction. I assume that is a 100 ohm resistor, looks like it.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Yup. 100 ohms is correct. Thanks for watching!

[@tam_ryan1036]

What a crackin' build! Just as soon as I get my workshop finished....... ;-)

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks! I hope yours turn out great!

[@williamryan1984]

Excellent. Great Ideas. Many thanks.

[@Makebuildmodify]

You are welcome!

[@ChippedBuilds]

Those look so cool.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@wasabisushi128kb]

I'm dumb and new to building and making things, so I'm sorry for my dumb question, but what is that cone drill bit he keeps using?

[@Makebuildmodify]

It's called a step bit. they're designed to drill thin stock like sheet metal or other sheet materials. they're great to have in your tool set. Here a link to a good one. amzn.to/2kbXIiJ

[@Makebuildmodify]

P.S. You're not dumb. You're just learning a new hobby.

[@wasabisushi128kb]

@@Makebuildmodify You're amazing. Thank you beyond my mildest dreams!

[@RobotRiedingerEd]

Great project, and lots of other tips I picked up along the way such as using tape for a mixing surface and some of the solder techniques. One thought, please don't drill into your hands, they are too talented. Get a vee block or make a jig.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks! I'll be more careful.

[@rileyt3072]

So is this making, building, or modifying?

[@Makebuildmodify]

Lol!

[@countryhamop4580]

Hope those tubes are either duds or types that aren't valuable. One of them looked like it might be an EF86, a rather sought after audio tube.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Not sure if it was an EF86 but you get them by the hundreds on eBay for about $0.25 each.

[@rachrob73]

Inspired! Creative and beyond :)

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@mtmchenry]

Great job. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks for watching it!

[@kalhoon]

What are the two gold tabs at the top of the chip for? Were those led connections?

[@Makebuildmodify]

I'm not sure. They might be but I've never tested them.

[@ronaldbouwhuis]

Jep, gives you the same voltage as the two outer points u used. Just plug the usb stick in a computer and use a multimeter to find the plus and minus.

[@haraldpettersen3649]

Very nice work and a pleasure for the eyes .

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@mikey9710]

Just wondering when you do sell them where could I get one?

[@Makebuildmodify]

I'm not selling them any more. But if you're really interested there are some other artists that have since started selling them on Etsy.com. Just do a search and you find a bunch of different types.

[@mikey9710]

Make Build Modify awesome thank you for letting me know

[@sfunk6294]

Love this video. Great idea!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks so much 😊

[@brucemorris6319]

Pretty cool man.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@aKingInGodsKindom]

How do I buy one and how much do they cost? I’m curious about why there’s nothing for sale on your website.... You could sell stuff like these, have plans/drawings with parts and tools for sale in a pdf for $1 or something. You could make a killing!...

[@Makebuildmodify]

I sold these for a little while a few years back. There really wasn't enough demand to keep making them. The few that did buy them really liked them though.

[@kavehchannel]

AMAZING and BRILLIANT !!! Awesome job man !!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks Kavah!

[@GoGreenMan]

nicely done! what happened to your right index finger? Looks like a hole saw jumped on ya

[@Makebuildmodify]

I slipped with a chisel. 8 stitches. 😣

[@berlyqqq]

so embarrassed, but what are these? Just something to look at and enjoy? or am i missing a function they perform?

[@Makebuildmodify]

Don't be embarrassed. They are a novelty item. The brass and the vacuum tubes are for decoration and the memory chip is for storing computer files. So in the end they are just a decorated USB memory stick. Thank for asking and for watching!

[@hectorpina682]

27 thumbs up in "Z" formation for this kind, humble response. Need more of this in the world and on KZbin in general.

[@jray7656]

Awesome! Hey what did you make your drill bit holder out of?

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks! I think you're talking about the bit that held the gear in the beginning of the video. If so, it's a large center punch tool. I had to grind the larger portion round so it would fit in my drill press. The tapered shape allows for a tension fit.

[@jray7656]

Make Build Modify No your drill bit "case" @ 3:20

[@Makebuildmodify]

Oh, That's an antique drill bit holder. I think it's from 1905. It folds up too!

[@jray7656]

Make Build Modify It's pretty 😎 I wants one. 😊

[@cassvirgillo3395]

Hi Mod, Had to sub after watching that build, nice. Take care, C.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks for the Sub!

[@tebrannan]

Nice job!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks Thomas!

[@BigMkombe]

Right forefinger had a date with grinder by the looks of things

[@Makebuildmodify]

It was a chisel. I slipped. It was about two weeks after the incident in this video. :(

[@INS1977]

old looking is better then polished i think :)

[@Makebuildmodify]

I like both. Thanks for watching!

[@danthemakerman]

DUDE!!!! These are so damn cool!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks, Dan!

[@LivefreeanddiyTv]

These are great, nice work! 🤓👍🏼

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thank you!

[@Skeptycal]

That's really cool!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@tendividedbysix4835]

That's AWESOME! Ever considered making a steampunk computer case out of an old sewing machine or something? :D

[@Makebuildmodify]

Yes I have, I just haven't gotten around to it yet. Thanks for watching!

[@StillIt]

Sweet idea dude! Followed you over from the video creators comments . . . . . . stalker ;)

[@Makebuildmodify]

Nice! Thank you for taking a look at my videos!

[@StillIt]

Pleasure man, looks like you make some cool stuff. Will check out your other vids too :)

[@Willam_J]

I think these are really cool, but I wish people would obtain their tubes from radio restorers and collectors. They have plenty of weak and bad tubes that they can give you for FREE. With only a handful of tubes still being made (mainly for guitar amps), tubes are becoming a precious commodity. When they’re gone, they’ll be gone forever. I’m not condemning anyone. I’m just making a request to help those of us who still need these tubes to keep our old radio collections functioning. Also, the popularity of using tubes for steampunk projects has driven the price of them to insane levels. (For both of us.) Please do a search for radio collecting clubs or antique tube suppliers. They would be happy to help you out. You’ll get your tubes for free and we can have the tubes we desperately need. It’s a win-win for both of us! Thanks!

[@Makebuildmodify]

I usually buy mine on eBay for about ten cents each.

[@luisantoniomarrega1120]

Parabéns a sua idéia ficou muito legal. Rio RJ Brasil

[@Makebuildmodify]

Obrigado

[@kasparsm7964]

Excellent! Really cool!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks for watching!