Maksym Plaksin
Software Engineer, Technical Enthusiast
Software Engineer, Technical Enthusiast
Best20 Python6 PHP/MySQL3 HTML/CSS/JS26 Web Design23 Graphic Design7 DIY15
In 2021 I came across a video by AdventureDenali that introduced me to the Kaweco Brass Sport fountain pen. I immediately fell in love with its rugged, vintage look and practicality, and soon bought the entire set – fountain pen, ballpoint pen, 0.7 mm mechanical pencil, and 5.6 mm clutch pencil.
To store them properly, I handcrafted a leather case in the same spirit. I used thick black leather and a vintage brass clasp, added four dedicated holders, a shortened brass ruler, an eraser, and a custom insert with spare cartridges, refills, leads, and an extra nib.
The result was a compact travel writing kit – durable, stylish, and practical. It turned everyday writing into a small ritual, combining fine tools with a case designed exactly for them.
Own DIY Project
Creator & Builder
October 2021
After buying a car, I performed a full automatic transmission service myself. I bought a new filter and gasket, drained the old ATF, cleaned the pan and magnets, reassembled everything, and filled in fresh ATF. The entire process took 4–5 hours in my own garage pit, using standard tools and supplies.
I regularly service my car on my own, handling routine maintenance and repairs that don’t require special equipment, following manuals and instructions found online.
Own DIY Project
Creator & Builder
December 2020
Someone put up for sale a half-finished e-bike with a 3 kW motor (see the last three photos), and I bought it because I saw its potential: the frame had the right geometry, space for a large battery, and standard mounts for motorcycle parts.
A welder friend extended the seat and added passenger footpegs. Another friend helped me order and install a powerful battery built from Tesla cells. On AliExpress I bought the fittings: wiring, handles, mirrors, hand guards, headlight, and taillight. I also found and installed a rear cargo case. The seat I built myself: a wooden base, latex padding, and a natural sheepskin cover. The fenders I bent from PVC pipes and painted afterward.
The frame turned out to be compatible with parts from a Geon X-Road 250 enduro motorcycle: fork, handlebar, wheels with hubs, front brake, rear shock absorber, and chain. The only custom parts I had to order were sprockets, cut on a laser.
The suspension was soft, which made it comfortable to ride off-road. After the final assembly, the bike had a range of up to 100 km and a top speed of 70 km/h. The charger was integrated into the body, so I could charge it from any outlet.
Friends were always asking me to let them ride it. This was one of my most successful and favorite projects!
Own DIY Project
Creator & Builder
January 2020
I designed and handcrafted a personal business organizer while searching for the perfect productivity tool. The cover was made from suede leather with an elastic loop closure and a pencil holder (Uni Kuru Toga mechanical pencil).
Dividers were cut from colorful plastic folders, with hand-drawn icon tabs coated with lacquer to prevent wear. The insert size was 95×170 mm (B7 format). The binder rings, elastic clasp, and transparent pocket insert were sourced from AliExpress.
In about a month I realized this format was too small for my notes, so I switched to A5. I gave this organizer to a friend, who didn’t need much writing space, and he kept using it for a long time.
Own DIY Project
Creator & Builder
August 2019
I designed and built my own study room to create a comfortable and functional workspace. Starting with sketches and precise measurements, I planned every detail: light wallpaper, white oak tabletop, white office-style furniture, cable cutouts, and a dedicated cabinet for the printer. The drawers and shelves were custom-made at a furniture factory, but I did the full installation myself using reinforced mounts to ensure safety for heavy equipment below.
The entire project took two months from concept to completion. The result was a bright and ergonomic setup that I used constantly for four years with great satisfaction.
Own DIY Project
Creator & Builder
December 2018
A friend of mine worked in a clinical lab and often complained about her pens – they got lost, ran out of ink, or were taken by others. So I came up with an idea: to make her a leather organizer that would always stay in sight and keep two working pens plus one spare for emergencies.
I picked pens by ink color (red, black, and silver as a backup), designed a leather pattern, and stitched it with strong waxed thread. The gift solved her daily problem – she no longer had to search for pens, and every time we met she still thanked me for it.
Own DIY Project
Creator & Builder
October 2016