Rubber Mallet

Make: Compressed Air Rockets Kit

Make: Compressed Air Rockets Kit

Building this rocket launcher is a breeze, and folks are always amazed at how it shoots reusable paper rockets 200–300 feet high. The launcher is made from PVC pipe. You pressurize its chamber to 75psi with about 18 strokes of a bicycle pump, then release all the pressure in a split second through an electric […]

Build a Makerspace

Build a Makerspace

Introduction by Dale Dougherty, founder of MAKE How do we give young people more opportunities to become makers and learn practical skills they can apply to their own creative projects? The question comes up after each Maker Faire, when I see how young people are inspired by other makers. I know they leave and want […]

Custom Roller Skates

Custom Roller Skates

So why would you want to make your own roller skates? Because you can! Imagine rolling into a rink and turning heads as skaters check out your original, cool-looking skates. Not only will your custom skates set you apart in terms of style, fit, and comfort, they’re also a great conversation piece with the irresistible […]

Double Pendulum

Double Pendulum

Devices that demonstrate true chaotic behavior (in a strict mathematical sense) are rare. Even rarer are chaotic devices that are easy enough for the typical maker to build at home and are interesting and beautiful. But one device nicely fits the bill: the double pendulum. A double pendulum consists of a bar swinging from a […]

Compressed Air Rocket

Compressed Air Rocket

Author Note: Since the release of the article in MAKE Magazine Volume 15 in 2008, the Compressed Air Rocket has been popular beyond belief.  We’ve sold thousands of kits and Kip Kay’s Weekend Project on YouTube has over one million views!  Now we’re rolling out a Version 2.0 of the launcher as well as the […]

Wooden Table

Wooden Table

Before moving off to college I wanted to build something that would be suitable as a kitchen table and double as my desk for studying. It needed to be sturdy and robust enough to last through college and for the years to come, yet I did not want to build a piece of furniture that […]