Make: Volume 50 – Power Up

In this issue we go back to the basics to teach you fundamental Maker skills. Our Skill School is packed with over 60 skills to help you get started or refine your craft. In this issue we also check in with some of the famous Makers we have featured over the last ten years for their tips and tricks. Projects in this issue include:

  • Modifying Nerf Blasters
  • Beginner’s guide to building an R2-D2
  • A Foldaway Table that looks like a Picture Frame
  • 3D Printed PCB Workstation
  • How to Mummify a Banana

Table of Contents

COLUMNS

Reader Input

Thoughts, tips, and musings from readers like you.Page 06

Welcome: I, Maker

Isaac Asimov’s predictions from 50 years ago are surprisingly accurate.Page 08

Made on Earth

Explore the amazing convergence of art and DIY technology.Page 10

FEATURES

Blaster Masters

3D printing modders crank out Nerf pieces that shoot farther, faster, and in more interesting ways.Page 16

Going Glocal

AtFAB partners Anne Filson and Gary Rohrbacher talk distributed manufacturing.Page 20

I Fab a Dream

When making is inclusive, good things happen.Page 21

SPECIAL SECTION

Skill School

Get back to basics with more than 60 fundamental skills to master.Page 22

Metal Zone

Even beginner projects can rock steel, aluminum, and copper.Page 24

Flexible Fabricating

Paper and cardboard are fun and forgiving building materials.Page 28

Worth Repeating

Silicone block molds are a quick and easy way to make a whole bunch of the same thing.Page 30

1+2+3: PVC Ladder Toss

Easy to make and great for picnics, tailgate parties, or other social gatherings!Page 31

Material Possessions

Make fabric, leather, or yarn the focus of your next project. Page 32

Turning Heads

Get to know the various types of screws and their uses.Page 34

Utility Player

Create almost anything with duct tape. Page 36

It’s a Cinch

Two little-known tips for using zip ties to keep things separated.Page 37

Molten Metal

Welding and soldering give you the power to fabricate steel, control electrons, and more.Page 38

Go with the Flow

Learn how to use a multimeter properly, and to choose the best motor for your build.Page 40

Coding for Kids

These tips will help put youngsters on the path for tech success.Page 43

Move It

Add motion to your projects with gears.Page 44

Void Your Warranty

Unlock a wealth of parts — as well as lessons — inside your gadgets.Page 45

Cutting Class

Figure out what saw is right for the job — then learn to use it.Page 46

Finish Strong

Expert techniques to beautify and protect your wood projects.Page 49

Spinning Bits

Master various routers for advanced making.Page 50

Suck It Up

Capture the mess before it’s made, with a DIY dust collection system.Page 52

A Bright Idea

Increase productivity and ease eyestrain with improved workshop lighting.Page 53

Accuracy Is Everything

Correct use of digital calipers is vital to getting precise measurements.Page 54

Welcome to YouTube University

With so many resources online, learning new skills is a snap.Page 56

Accidents Happen

Be prepared. Administer first aid until help arrives.Page 58

A Decade in the Making

For our 50th issue, we’ve collected a small sampling of Makers who’ve had great influence in the Maker Movement.Page 60

PROJECTS

Droid Factory: Build Your First Artoo

Construct your very own, full-size astromech droid.Page 66

Foldaway Frame Table

There when you need it. Gone when you don’t.Page 72

Inspired Chaos

Build a portable Double Pendulum to create abstract time exposures.Page 74

Blow It Up

Use a quadcopter motor and coffee cup to make your own inflatable gear. Page 76

1+2+3: Mummify a Banana

Prepare your favorite fruit for your Ka’s trip through the underworld.Page 79

Electronics Fun & Fundamentals: The Sound Squeezer

Entertain yourself with a homemade capacitor.Page 80

Howtoons: Get a Grip

Different jobs require different types of pliers. Here’s how to chose the right one.Page 83

Doc Ock Work Doc

Create a custom PCB workstation for your electronic projects.Page 84

Pirate Radio Throwies

Build magnetic micro-stations with the Raspberry Pi Zero.Page 86

TOOLBOX

Tool Reviews

All-in-one soldering station, Makey Makey Go, Uzebox DIY 8-bit game console, Atari junk console, and more useful gear.Page 88

3D Printer Review: Makeblock mElephant

This moddable system shows off a versatile construction platform.Page 92

OVER THE TOP

The Fury Road

A flame-spewing dunk tank inspired this fan fiction mash-up of Cormac McCarthy and Mad Max.Page 96