“Your Projects” is a column that features some of the awesome creations our readers have been making. These projects from our readers come from the MAKE Google+ Community and beyond.
On our Google+ page, Jim Cummings has shared a system for modular shelving units. It uses 3D printed brackets to create any size and shape of furniture the user wants.
Maker Jan Cumpelik shows this tidy 1 bit synthesizer based around an Atmega328p chip. It boasts 8 step sequencing and pitch shifting, all in a nifty point-to-point breadboard setup.
Mat P makes some interesting comments on the economics of being a maker:
I was at Maker Faire last weekend and was amazed by all the 3D printers, CNC machines, and robotics. After I left I felt inspired and wanting to build. Then I got home and started going through all the projects in my head and then the cost. I’m starting to wonder are groups like make focusing to much on projects with high costs to them?
Could we be making the maker movement less accessible to people of lower income? One would think these people could benefit the most from making items for themselves. The advanced tools like laser cutters and 3D printers are wonderful and the work people are doing is amazing. I just find myself reading make and thinking I can’t do these projects because I don’t have these tools.
Yes I could go drive an hour to a hackerspace but with limited funds and time that’s not really an option. I do my simple projects, mostly wood working at home five to thirty minutes at a time. My dream has always been to go into to robotics but even a simple robot can cost hundreds of dollars.
I would be interested in a series of projects from make that focus on low cost projects. Maybe take simple useful items and show how you can make them for less then the cost of buying them. The projects should focus not only on low cost materials but also simple tools the average person could afford. Just a thought running through, my head that I wanted to share. I want to start sharing more of my projects so I can do my part to support the maker movement. Happy to do the series if make wants to fund it ;)
Nicholas St Gabriel shared:
When we recently moved I picked up a credenza for my office for cheap. Of course it came without handles for the cabinet doors. I tried a couple of different things, but ended up on these LEGO pulls.
Jason Allen gives us a sneak peek of projects happening at Wood Werks of Columbus, Ohio, including this CNCed topographical US map.
Like these projects? Be sure to sound off in the comments! Your project could be in next week’s column.
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