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

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

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

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

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

When making is inclusive, good things happen.Page 21

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

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

2×4s and plywood are a Maker’s best friends.Page 26

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

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

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

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

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

Select the right glue for your materials.Page 35

Create almost anything with duct tape. Page 36

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

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

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

Rather than learning to code, start thinking computationallyPage 42

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

Add motion to your projects with gears.Page 44

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

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

Keep your blades sharp, and use a marking knife.Page 48

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

Master various routers for advanced making.Page 50

Drive screws and bits with the right tool for the job.Page 51

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

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

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

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

Outfit your workspace to provide head-to-toe protection.Page 57

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entertain yourself with a homemade capacitor.Page 80

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

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

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

Color in the unrecognizable mystery shape, then reveal the real deal as a reflection in a curved mirror.Page 87

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

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

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