Reader Input
Thoughts, tips, and musings from readers like you.Page 06
Make: Volume 54 – Desktop Fabrication Guide 2017
Volume 54 brings our 5th annual Desktop 3D Fabrication Shoot Out! More than 30 reviews show off the latest and greatest FDM and resin 3D printers, CNC machines, and a few extra surprises. Once you’ve picked out your favorite machines, learn how to 3D print on fabrics for unique fashions, get the latest hacks and mods for your digital fabrication tools, and delve into g-code, the language that drives all of these incredible machines. Plus, more than 18 projects, including:
- 3D print parts for a zippy motorized personal unicycle to tear up the streets
- Build a leaf blower-powered Wiffle ball launcher for batting practice or to entertain your four-legged friend
- Crochet adorable resistor components and memo
- And much more
ON THE COVER: With the highest ever score in our rigorous testing, the Prusa i3 MK2 is the year’s best new 3D printer.
Table of Contents
COLUMNS
Welcome: Open Source Pushes On
Mike Senese
Contrary to the hype, early innovators are proving 3D printing is better than ever.Page 08
Made on Earth
Backyard builds from around the globe.Page 10
FEATURES
Under Suspicion
Forrest M. Mims III
Most airport and TSA personnel don’t know how to evaluate homemade electronics.Page 16
Maker ProFile: The Factory Finders
DC Denison
Matthew Burnett and Tanya Menendez’s Maker’s Row connects entrepreneurs to American manufacturers.Page 18
SPECIAL SECTION
5 Fab(ulous) Years
Matt Stultz
After half a decade of machine reviews, desktop fabrication just keeps getting better.Page 21
How We Tested
Matt Stultz
Get to know our team and learn about our testing procedures.Page 22
FFF Reviews
Prusa i3 MK2, N2 Plus, Ultimaker 2 Extended+, Jellybox, DP200 3DWOX, Atom 2.0, Cel Robox, Up Box+, Taz 6, and Best of the Rest.Page 23
Resin Printers
mUVe 3D DLP Pro+ and DropLit v2Page 32
Hybrid Machines
ZMorph and BoXZYPage 34
CNC Reviews
PRO4824, PCNC 440, X-Carve, Nomad 883 Pro, ShopBot Desktop Max, MonoFab SRM-20, Carvey 2016, and Shapeoko XXL.Page 36
Vinyl Cutter
CAMM-1 GS-24Page 41
Laser Cutter
Voccell DLSPage 41
Ones to Watch
Compare this year’s crop of printers to those from years past.Page 42
By the Numbers
Compare this year’s crop of printers to those from years past.Page 44
Fabulous Fabrication
Eric Chu
Nine nifty projects that you can make too.Page 46
Print-à-Porter
Sahrye Cohen and Hal Rodriguez
3D print directly on fabrics with these new techniques.Page 48
G-Code: Speaking CNC
Edward Ford
Understanding the commands lets you read a file and know what’s up.Page 50
United States of Wood
Noah Lorang
Cut a giant topographical relief map of your state — or all of them!Page 52
Picking a Classroom Printer
Shawn Grimes
These guidelines make it easy to choose the right mix of features.Page 54
3D Printer Hacks & Mods
Spencer Zawasky
Make that great printer of yours even better.Page 55
SKILL BUILDER
Saw Precise Angles with a Simple, Affordable Miter Box
Charles Platt
This tool helps you to make straight, correctly angled cuts.Page 56
Understanding 240V AC for Heavy-Duty Power Tools
Tim Deagan
Learn a thing or two about electricity to stay safe, save your tools, and build your own adapters.Page 58
PROJECTS
3D Print a High-Power Electric Unicycle
Matias Eertola
Cruise 25 miles at 20mph on a sweet, one-wheeled ride.Page 62
Make Your Own Mead
James Austin
It’s easy to brew the ancient elixir from honey and yeast.Page 66
Raspberry Pi Weather Station
John M. Wargo
Stick a multi-sensor board onto a Pi and join the Weather Underground network!Page 70
Origami Bike Trailer
Ray T. Lam
It folds flat so it stows anywhere!Page 74
Leaf Blower Wiffle Ball Launcher
William Gurstelle
Put the world’s most obnoxious yard tool to batter use!Page 76
Irresistible Resistors
Lisa Martin
Crochet these adorable amigurumi components.Page 80
Blow-Out LED Candle
John Keefe
Make a wish with this Arduino-powered candle controlled by puffs of air.Page 82
1+2+3: Mini Pallet Coasters
86
These cute drink holders make a great holiday gift.Page Brittani Ginoza
Toy Inventor’s Notebook: Tumble Tower Raceway
Bob Knetzger
Build a simple gravity-powered race game from almost any sheet material.Page 87
TOOLBOX
Tool Reviews
Milwaukee Straight Finish Nailer, Miller Welding Helmet, Adafruit Feather, 3Doodler Create, and more.Page 88
SHOW & TELL
Show & Tell
A collection of dazzling projects from inventive makers like you.Page 96
