Workshop · Emmanuel Tsouris https://www.emmanueltsouris.com/explore/workshop/ Woodworking, repairs, DIY projects and experiments — the story of making something, rather than the instructions for it. en-us Emmanuel Tsouris Emmanuel Tsouris © 2026 Emmanuel TsourisSun, 02 Nov 2025 12:57:00 +0800 The Wall Behind Me: How I Finally Finished My Office Backdrop with ChatGPT and IKEA https://www.emmanueltsouris.com/posts/the-wall-behind-me/ Sun, 02 Nov 2025 12:57:00 +0800 https://www.emmanueltsouris.com/posts/the-wall-behind-me/ Emmanuel TsourisWorkshop A story about finishing what I started — turning a blank wall into the creative backdrop for my home office, with a little help from ChatGPT and IKEA. When I sit at my desk today, there’s a story right behind me. It’s told in shelves, books, and the small things that make up a life.

But for nearly four years, that same wall was just blank.

It started back in 2021 when many of us were still working from home through the pandemic. I had turned a former bedroom into my office and creative workspace, slowly arranging everything just the way I wanted. Except for one wall—the one with the sconces. Based on the layout, with an outlet floating in the middle, I guessed the previous owners had used this room as a small home theater. But I didn’t need a TV in the office.

At one point, we covered the outlet with an old framed map of the galaxy—a placeholder that fit with some of the other space and sci-fi decor we’d added.

Originally, my desk faced the windows with space-themed artwork behind me. Eventually, I turned the desk around to face the room so I could look out the window and get more natural light for video calls. In this new setup, the framed galaxy poster hung behind me along with the two sconces and that awkward outlet, all featured prominently in my daily meetings.

I kept thinking about changing it—imagining the kind of backdrops I saw on YouTube: shelves, knickknacks, and bits of personal history. But as often happens, life gets in the way.

That blank space gnawed at me for months.

I tried replacing the lights. The Edison-bulb sconces had that vintage warmth I liked, but they weren’t quite me.

Eventually, I realized the lights weren’t the problem. The problem was that I hadn’t started.

A Saturday Morning Shift

It was a fall Saturday morning. One of those rare, quiet ones. I was sitting on the couch sipping my coffee, sunlight cutting across the room, when I decided: today’s the day I deal with that wall once and for all.

For years, I’d walked past it, thought about it, made plans for it, but never acted. That morning felt different. Not because I had more time, but because I was done waiting.

I opened my laptop, snapped a photo, and pulled up ChatGPT. No grand plan, no blueprint. Just a question and a bit of curiosity.

“I want this to look cinematic and modern — something I can use as a YouTube backdrop but that still feels like home.”

ChatGPT’s first render — exploring the concept.
ChatGPT’s first render — exploring the concept.

We went back and forth. I uploaded more photos. ChatGPT generated concept renders showing different shelf arrangements between the sconces. The AI visualizations helped me see the potential, but I still needed to figure out the actual materials.

ChatGPT’s layout render — centered between the sconces.
ChatGPT’s layout render — centered between the sconces.

The Home Depot Detour

That same morning, I drove to Home Depot to browse options. I found the Hardwood Reflections solid wood butcher block shelving display—beautiful walnut and birch options with black metal brackets. They looked substantial and professional.

Browsing solid wood shelving at Home Depot — beautiful, but over $300 for what I needed.
Browsing solid wood shelving at Home Depot — beautiful, but over $300 for what I needed.

The problem? The three shelves I’d need would run over $300. And while I liked the look, I wasn’t sure the butcher block aesthetic was right for my space. At that price point, I started thinking: I could make these myself out of real walnut. Or maybe plywood. Or even just pine boards with stain…

And there it was—analysis paralysis creeping back in.

I stood in the aisle, phone in hand, uploading photos to ChatGPT and second-guessing every option. Custom built? Too time-consuming. Butcher block? Too expensive and maybe not the right look. DIY from scratch? There goes another six months of planning.

I needed to break the loop.

Back in the truck, I decided to start with IKEA LACK shelves — they’re modular, clean, and cheap. Under $100 total. Since I wasn’t sure about the look, I could always upgrade later, but they’ll get me out of planning mode and into done mode.

That was it. Decision made. Coffee finished.

Time to actually do something.

The Trip to IKEA

That same Saturday afternoon, I jumped in my truck and drove to IKEA with meatballs and shelves on my mind.

The IKEA trip that made it happen.
The IKEA trip that made it happen.

Once I arrived, I had to stop for some IKEA meatballs first. No one wants to walk through IKEA on an empty stomach.

I’d decided on three shelves:

  • Two 43-inch black-brown LACK shelves (Product #: 401.036.33) centered between the sconces — $29.99 each
  • One 74-inch black-brown LACK shelf (Product #: 401.037.51) below them as a visual anchor — $34.99

Total cost: $94.97 — roughly a third of what I’d have spent at Home Depot.

The LACK shelves — simple, clean, and modular.
The LACK shelves — simple, clean, and modular.

They weren’t custom. They weren’t solid wood. But they were good. And they were enough to get started.

The Build

Sunday morning, after a cup of coffee, I unpacked the shelves, grabbed my Milwaukee drill, and got to work.

Installation tips:

  • Used my stud finder to locate studs - the two smaller shelves had one stud between the sconces, the longer shelf had two between
  • Measured and marked center points for each shelf using the 48" level
  • Top shelf: 12 inches below the ceiling
  • Middle shelf: 12 inches below the top shelf
  • Bottom shelf: 12 inches below the middle shelf
  • Pre-drilled pilot holes where needed
  • Used the E-Z Anchors for additional support points between studs

The whole thing took maybe an hour. A satisfying hour, the kind where you stop thinking and just do.

Before: the blank wall that never felt finished.
Before: the blank wall that never felt finished.
After: three IKEA LACK shelves, finally done.
After: three IKEA LACK shelves, finally done.

Tools I Used

A few solid tools made the process simple:

What’s On the Shelves

Now, these simple shelves hold fragments of my story — small, ordinary things that together feel like me:

Lighting:

Bottom Shelf:

Middle Shelf:

Current Book Rotation:

Reflection

Perfect is the enemy of done. The LACK shelves aren’t high-end, but they transformed the space exactly how I wanted.

Analysis paralysis is real. Standing in Home Depot, I could feel myself thinking about research, lumber comparisons, and DIY plans. Sometimes the best choice is the one that gets you moving.

Start with good enough. I can always upgrade later. But for now, these $95 shelves do exactly what I needed: they make the space feel complete.

AI as a decision partner works. ChatGPT didn’t just generate pretty renders; it helped me break through decision fatigue.

Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

]]> Budget Coffee Setup for Your Rivian: Café Quality for Under $75 https://www.emmanueltsouris.com/posts/rivian-budget-coffee-setup-guide/ Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.emmanueltsouris.com/posts/rivian-budget-coffee-setup-guide/ Emmanuel TsourisWorkshopPlaces Complete guide to making pour-over coffee in your Rivian R1T or R1S. Budget-friendly electric kettle setup with full gear list and Amazon links. Perfect for EV camping and road trips. Can you make real coffee in a Rivian while charging? Absolutely. For less than the cost of a week’s worth of drive-thru coffee, you can set up a complete portable brewing station in your electric truck. Here’s exactly what I use.

The Discovery: Electric Kettle Meets Electric Vehicle

It’s a fall October evening. The sun is sinking behind the Cascades as my Rivian hums quietly at a charging station. The air has that unmistakable Northwest bite – cool, damp, and earthy. I’m leaning against the tailgate, watching the light fade, when a simple craving hits: I want a cup of coffee. Maybe tea. Or even instant soup.

That’s when it clicks. Why not keep an electric kettle in the truck?

The Rivian has 120V outlets built right in. Silent power on tap. No generator, no gas stove – just plug-and-play convenience that makes a charging stop feel like home.

My Complete Budget Rivian Coffee Setup

Total cost: under $75 (less than most people spend on coffee in a week)

Sure, you could spend $200+ on a fancy temperature-controlled gooseneck kettle. But for tailgate coffee while your EV charges? This budget setup delivers café-quality results without the premium price tag.

1. Amazon Basics Electric Kettle

Get the Amazon Basics Electric Kettle →

This is the foundation of the whole setup. The Amazon Basics Electric Stainless Steel Kettle is compact, durable, and surprisingly fast. It holds just over a quart of water and boils in 4-5 minutes thanks to a 1500-watt heating element.

Why it’s perfect for the Rivian:

  • 1500W power draw works perfectly with Rivian’s 120V outlets
  • Auto shut-off prevents battery drain if you forget it
  • Boil-dry protection for peace of mind
  • Stainless-steel interior (BPA-free and easy to clean)
  • Compact enough to store in the gear tunnel or under a seat

The affordability is a bonus – it’s cheap enough to keep permanently in the truck without worrying if it gets knocked around on rough roads.

2. Hario V60 Plastic Coffee Dripper

Get the Hario V60 Dripper →

The Hario V60 Plastic Coffee Dripper 02 is lightweight, unbreakable, and built for travel. Plastic might not sound premium, but it’s actually ideal for a vehicle setup – no broken ceramic or chipped enamel to worry about.

Perfect for EV camping because:

  • Practically indestructible
  • Weighs almost nothing
  • Makes exceptional pour-over coffee
  • Fits over most mugs or thermoses
  • Takes up minimal storage space

3. Mini Manual Coffee Grinder

Get the Mini Hand Grinder →

Fresh-ground coffee makes all the difference. This Mini Manual Coffee Grinder has 40 adjustable settings and a small crank that feels satisfyingly mechanical. There’s something about grinding beans by hand that slows time down just enough to appreciate the moment.

Why hand-grinding works for road trips:

  • No power needed (save the battery for the kettle)
  • Compact and portable
  • Consistent grind quality
  • Becomes part of the ritual
  • Quiet operation (no 6am blender noise at campsites)

How to Make Pour-Over Coffee in Your Rivian

The next morning after ordering my setup, I made my first pour-over coffee from the tailgate. Here’s the process:

  1. Plug in the kettle to your Rivian’s 120V outlet (front trunk, bed, or cabin)
  2. Grind your beans while the water heats (about 30 grams for a 16oz cup)
  3. Set up the V60 over your mug with a paper filter
  4. Pour slowly in a spiral motion once the kettle boils
  5. Enjoy as steam rises into the cool air

As the kettle reached a quiet boil, I poured a slow spiral of water over freshly ground beans, steam rising into the cool air. The smell of coffee mixed with pine and damp leaves. No gas stove, no noise – just quiet, efficient heat from the truck’s battery and a ritual that felt grounding.

That first sip was everything.

Maybe it was the crisp air, maybe it was the silence – but it reminded me that simple comforts don’t need to be sacrificed when you travel electric. With a few compact tools and some fresh beans, even a charging stop can feel like a café in the woods.

Beyond Coffee: Other Uses for Your Rivian Electric Kettle

This setup isn’t just for coffee. The electric kettle opens up a whole world of possibilities:

  • Tea – proper brewing temperature for any variety
  • Instant meals – ramen, soup, oatmeal, dehydrated camping food
  • Hot chocolate – perfect for kids on family road trips
  • French press coffee – if pour-over isn’t your style
  • Hot water bottles – instant warmth on cold camping nights

Storage Tips for Your EV Coffee Kit

I keep this little setup packed and ready in a small stuff sack:

  • Kettle stores in the gear tunnel or front trunk
  • V60 and grinder nest together in a small bag
  • Coffee beans in an airtight container
  • Filters and a small towel complete the kit

Everything fits in a space smaller than a shoebox, and it’s always ready for the next adventure.

Budget Coffee Setup: The Complete List

Ready to upgrade your charging stops? Here’s everything you need:

Total investment: Less than $75 for café-quality coffee anywhere your Rivian takes you.

Whether it’s a dawn departure or a sunset stop, there’s something satisfying about brewing coffee right from the Rivian – electrons in, caffeine out.

FAQ: Making Coffee in Your Rivian

Will using an electric kettle drain my Rivian’s battery? Minimally. Boiling water uses about 0.1-0.2 kWh, which is less than 0.2% of your total battery capacity. You won’t even notice the difference in range.

Can I use this setup in other electric vehicles? Any EV with a real 120V household outlet can handle a 1500W kettle. The F-150 Lightning, the Cybertruck and several GM EVs have them. Note that the Tesla Model S and Model X do not: their accessory outlets are low-voltage and nowhere near enough for a kettle.

Do I need special filters for the Hario V60? Standard V60 size 02 paper filters work great. Buy a pack of 100 and keep them with your kit.

Can I use pre-ground coffee instead of the hand grinder? Absolutely. The hand grinder elevates the experience, but pre-ground coffee works fine if you want to simplify the setup even more (and skip the grinder).

What about cleaning while on the road? The beauty of this setup is how easy it is to clean. Rinse the kettle and V60 with water, compost the grounds and filter, and you’re done. No soap needed between uses.

Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

]]> The Travel Router That Finally Fixed My Hotel Wi-Fi Headaches https://www.emmanueltsouris.com/posts/gl-inet-slate-ax-travel-router-review/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:30:00 +0000 https://www.emmanueltsouris.com/posts/gl-inet-slate-ax-travel-router-review/ Emmanuel TsourisWorkshopPlaces After years of frustration with hotel Wi-Fi, I finally found a travel router that solved my connection problems. Here's how the GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800) made my travel life easier — and why you might want one too. If you’ve ever been on the road — maybe trying to get a little work done, upload photos, or just stream something decent — you already know the pain.

Hotel Wi-Fi. Airport Wi-Fi. Cruise Wi-Fi. It’s all one giant roulette wheel of frustration.

I used to just accept it. I’d go through the “agree to terms” captive portal, connect every device one by one, and pray that the connection wouldn’t drop right in the middle of an upload. Until one day, I saw Dave’s Garage and Network Chuck both talking about something called a travel router — specifically the GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800) — and it completely changed how I connect on trips.

What Is a Travel Router?

Think of it as your own portable Wi-Fi network in a box.

You plug it into the hotel’s Ethernet jack or connect it to their Wi-Fi once, and it creates your own secure Wi-Fi bubble for all your devices. Laptops, phones, tablets — they all reconnect automatically to your network, not the hotel’s.

It means you only have to deal with the “sign-in page” once, and everything else just works. That alone was worth it. But this little box does a lot more.

Why I Picked the GL.iNet Slate AX

After watching Network Chuck set it up like a pro (coffee in hand, naturally), I went down the rabbit hole. Here’s what sold me:

  • Wi-Fi 6 performance: Dual-band speeds up to 1800 Mbps (600 Mbps on 2.4GHz + 1200 Mbps on 5GHz).
  • VPN-ready: WireGuard (up to 550 Mbps) and OpenVPN pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN providers.
  • AdGuard Home integration: Block ads and trackers across your entire network.
  • OpenWrt: Customize it, install plugins, or even build your own private VPN gateway.
  • Guest Mode & QoS: Keep things organized if you’re sharing Wi-Fi with family or coworkers.
  • NAS support: Plug in a USB drive and instantly share files on your private network.
  • Cloudflare encryption & IPv6: For faster, more secure browsing.

This router is small but mighty — about the size of a deck of cards, yet packed with serious power.

Real Talk: Why It Solves a Real Pain Point

Every trip I’ve taken — from hotels to Airbnbs to RV parks — I’ve wasted time reconnecting devices, troubleshooting dropped Wi-Fi, or exposing my laptop on an untrusted network. This little device fixed all that.

Now I just plug it in, connect once, and my devices think they’re back home. My VPN kicks in automatically. No random networks, no throttled speeds, and no sketchy public hotspots.

And because it’s portable and USB-powered, I can toss it in my tech pouch next to my chargers and adapters.

Final Thoughts

I wish I’d discovered this years ago. If you travel even a few times a year — for business, vacation, or content creation — a travel router will instantly upgrade your digital life on the road.

You can grab the same one I use on Amazon here: 👉 GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800)

Trust me: once you’ve set it up once, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

]]> Building a Budget-Friendly Off-Road Recovery Kit for Rivian R1T https://www.emmanueltsouris.com/posts/diy-rivian-recovery-kit-budget-off-road-gear/ Sat, 22 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.emmanueltsouris.com/posts/diy-rivian-recovery-kit-budget-off-road-gear/ Emmanuel TsourisWorkshop How I built a cost-effective alternative to Rivian’s Off-Road Recovery Kit for a fraction of the price. I recently bought a Rivian R1T and really wanted to order the Rivian recovery kit, but I have a long list of things to buy for the R1T and decided to put together my own kit to be a little frugal while still ensuring I have the right off-road recovery gear on hand should I need it.

Building a Budget-Friendly Off-Road Recovery Kit for Rivian R1T

If you own a Rivian R1T or R1S and enjoy off-roading or overlanding, having the best recovery gear for Rivian vehicles is essential. However, the official Rivian Off-Road Recovery Kit costs $650. Instead of paying full price, I decided to build my own DIY Rivian off-road recovery kit for just $204. Below is a comparison of the best budget recovery kit for Rivian and the official version.

Official Rivian Off-Road Recovery Kit ($650)

This kit includes seven essential recovery tools, all organized in a heavy-duty CORDURA® zip-up bag. The components are:

  • 30’ (9m) tow strap (essential for vehicle recovery)
  • 8’ (2.4m) short strap (for various recovery scenarios)
  • Two soft shackles (lightweight and strong)
  • 3/4" (19mm) bow shackle
  • Hitch link and hitch pin
  • Recovery gloves (for hand protection)
  • Heavy-duty CORDURA® storage bag

Buy the Official Rivian Off-Road Recovery Kit on rivian.com

This kit is designed to handle the weight of Rivian’s R1T and R1S off-road adventures and weighs approximately 22 lbs. However, you can put together a similar off-road recovery kit for Rivian at a fraction of the cost.

DIY Budget Rivian R1T Recovery Kit

1. 20’ Rhino USA Recovery Tow Strap

2. 10’ Rhino USA Kinetic Bridle Rope Recovery Kit

3. Rhino USA Shackle Hitch Receiver

4. WARN 88895 Synthetic Leather Winch Gloves with Kevlar Reinforcement

Additional Considerations for Rivian Recovery Gear

  • Soft Shackles Only: If you want additional soft shackles, the Rhino USA Synthetic Soft Shackle (2-Pack) are sold separately.
  • Storage Bag: The Rivian kit includes a CORDURA® bag, but you can store your DIY recovery kit in a waterproof gear bag to keep everything organized. I’m still deciding on the final bag to use, and am trying out a few that I have. I’ll update this post when I’ve decided which one I am going with long term.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy or Build Your Own Rivian Recovery Kit?

By selecting these budget-friendly off-road recovery gear options, you can assemble a DIY Rivian R1T recovery kit tailored to your needs at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re tackling tough terrain, overlanding, or just want to be prepared for unexpected situations, having the right gear on hand is essential.

Would you build your own DIY off-road recovery kit for Rivian or buy the official Rivian kit? Let me know in the comments!

Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

]]> Review of NEEWER Tabletop Overhead Camera Mount Stand for Content Creators https://www.emmanueltsouris.com/posts/neewer-tabletop-overhead-camera-mount-stand-review/ Sat, 11 May 2024 08:19:03 +0000 https://www.emmanueltsouris.com/posts/neewer-tabletop-overhead-camera-mount-stand-review/ Emmanuel TsourisWorkshop Hands-on with the NEEWER TL253A and DS001 tabletop overhead camera mount: what it holds, how steady it is, and where it gets in the way. Today, I’m diving into an exciting unboxing and review of a must-have piece of equipment for any content creator—the NEEWER Tabletop Overhead Camera Mount Stand. Whether you’re into live streaming, video conferencing, or creating YouTube content, this versatile mount stand could be a game-changer for your setup. Let’s explore what makes it special and how it can enhance your content creation process.

What’s in the Box

The NEEWER Tabletop Overhead Camera Mount Stand comes well-packaged with several key components designed for flexibility and ease of use. Here’s what you’ll find inside:

  • TL253A Telescopic Desk Light Stand: Extendable from 24 inches to 47 inches with three sections for convenient height adjustment via twist locks. The ball head is 360° rotatable, and the 1/4" screw can mount various LED panel lights, ring lights, and cameras weighing up to 8.8lb.
  • DS001 Horizontal Holding Arm: Extends from 11.8 inches to 20 inches and mounts horizontally on the desk light stand through its oval clamp. It can hold webcams and LED lights up to 2lb.
  • Adjustable Desk Clamp: Fits on the edge of desks up to 3.5 inches thick. Rubber pads protect your desk from scratches and ensure stability.
  • Universal Phone Holder: Adjustable between 2.5 inches to 4 inches, compatible with most smartphones on the market.
  • Screw Adapters: Two adapters (1/4" to 3/8" and 1/4" to 5/8") to mount a variety of devices and accessories.

Setting Up the Stand

Setting up the NEEWER Tabletop Overhead Camera Mount Stand is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Assemble the Desk Light Stand: Extend the TL253A stand to your desired height and lock it in place using the twist locks. The 360° rotatable ball head allows for flexible positioning of your camera or light.
  2. Attach the Horizontal Holding Arm: Secure the DS001 holding arm to the stand using the oval clamp. Adjust the arm’s length as needed.
  3. Mount the Desk Clamp: Attach the adjustable desk clamp to the edge of your desk. The rubber pads will protect your desk surface and provide a stable base.
  4. Add the Phone Holder: Attach the universal phone holder to the holding arm. It’s adjustable to fit most smartphones securely.
  5. Use the Screw Adapters: Utilize the included screw adapters to mount different devices and accessories as needed.

Performance and Versatility

In practice, the NEEWER Tabletop Overhead Camera Mount Stand offers impressive stability and versatility. Here are some key highlights:

  • Height and Angle Adjustment: The telescopic design and rotatable ball heads allow for precise height and angle adjustments, making it easy to capture the perfect shot or video.
  • Strong and Stable: The sturdy construction ensures that your devices remain secure during use, even when fully extended.
  • Multiple Applications: Whether you’re recording YouTube videos, live streaming, participating in Zoom calls, or taking overhead shots, this mount stand adapts to your needs.

Testing the Setup

To demonstrate the capabilities of the NEEWER Tabletop Overhead Camera Mount Stand, we conducted a quick test by mounting a camera and an LED light. The setup process was smooth, and the stand held the devices firmly in place, providing excellent lighting and stable footage.

Conclusion

Overall, the NEEWER Tabletop Overhead Camera Mount Stand is a versatile and high-quality addition to any content creator’s toolkit. Its flexibility, stability, and ease of use make it ideal for a wide range of applications, from professional video production to casual streaming.

If you’re interested in purchasing the NEEWER Tabletop Overhead Camera Mount Stand, use the affiliate links below to support my blog at no extra cost to you.

Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Thank you for reading! If you found this review helpful, be sure to check out my YouTube channel and subscribe for upcoming tech reviews and unboxings. Happy creating!

]]>