Editor's Desk
The latest updates from Make: and readers like you.Page 05
Make: Volume 84 — Speed Demons!
What’s new in digital fabrication? So much! In Make: Vol. 84 we show you how adding dedicated SBCs, like a Raspberry Pi, make 3D printers vastly smarter and up to five times faster. New laser engravers can cut metal for under $2,000, and cheap workhorse diode lasers are everywhere. Pro-level 3D scanning is on your phone, and 3D design software has a flavor for every style of maker. Now’s the time to level up!
Plus, we dive into how makers can (ethically) use generative A.I. to create audio, images, text, code, and 3D models for your next project!
Plus, 23 Projects & Skills, including:
- Build a $30 Vertical Wind Turbine
- Create Wearable Soft Speakers
- Wow your friends with a DIY Ambient TV Backlight
- Sew decorative Light-Up Zodiac Embroidery
- Get involved with Amateur Radio and Software Defined Radio (SDR)
- And much more!
On the cover: Portable and wicked fast, the Voron 0 is the little pony that started it all (seen above with its bigger and even faster cousin the Voron 2.4). Photos by Mark Madeo and Debra Ansell.
Table of Contents
Columns
Welcome: The Amateur Enthusiast
Dale Dougherty
Newly minted ham radio operator Dale Dougherty reflects on the importance of amateurs building community and advancing tech.Page 06
MacGyver Challenge: S.O.S.!
Lee Zlotoff & Rhett Allain
Can you MacGyver an ocean rescue signal in time?Page 07
Made on Earth
Backyard builds from around the globe.Page 10
Features
Unleash the Amateurs
David Lang
Lessons from the early days of radio show that amateur enthusiasts can take tech farther than companies or governments imagine.Page 14
A Beautiful Sight to See Through
Erin Bangle
Students cut glass and solder to create stained-glass windows at Spokane’s On Track Academy.Page 18
Digital Fabrication
Speed Demons
Sumit Basra
Feel the need? A new generation of smarter machines are 3D printing up to 5 times faster.Page 24
3D Printing Gets a Brain
Kevin O’Connor
Klipper firmware leverages a full embedded computer to make printers faster than ever.Page 28
Start Scanning
Andrew Sink
3D scanning is easy with phone apps, photogrammetry, and accurate handheld and desktop machines.Page 30
CAD Your Way
Caleb Kraft
What’s the best 3D design program? The one that fits your style! Narrow your search with these tips.Page 32
Print Me!
Sumit Basra
Find 3D models fast for printing at these popular repositories, each with its own flavor.Page 33
Which Laser Should You Buy?
Caleb Kraft
Choose the diode, CO2, or fiber laser that’s right for your cutting and engraving projects.Page 34
Metal Blasters
John Ivener
Price break: Truly engrave metal for $2K or less, with a new crop of infrared lasers.Page 38
Creative AI
Generative AI for Makers
Stefania Druga, PH.D.
From art to 3D design to text, audio, and code, AI has truly arrived. Learn how it works and how it can help you make and craft.Page 42
AI Tools You Can Use Right Now
Caleb Kraft
Get your hands dirty making your computer do the creative work. Here are dozens of AI tools to try.Page 50
Projects
ORB-sessed
Debra Ansell
What’s better than a cube of 150 LED pixels? Why, a sphere of 150 LED pixels!Page 54
30 Dollar Wind Turbine
Daniel Connell
Crank out the kilowatts with this ultra affordable DIY vertical axis wind generator.Page 64
Bright Lights, Big TV
Mike Senese
Elevate your home entertainment setup with this Pi-powered ambient television backlight system.Page 74
Squishy Tech: Soft Speakers
Lee Wilkins
Experiment with making wearable speakers and haptics using conductive textiles.Page 82
Anyone Can Use AI
Reade Richard and Andy Forest
Use a micro:bit to build your first AI project. From our upcoming book, AI Robots.Page 90
Zodiac Embroidery
Becky Stern
What’s your star sign? Stitch your favorite constellation and light it up for all to see.Page 96
Amateur Scientist: King of the Ring of Fire
Forrest M. Mims III
Measure twilight glows to reveal the height of Tonga’s volcano eruption — the highest ever recorded.Page 100
LED Pipe Dreams
Terra Gilbert
Build a DIY seven-segment digital clock with glowing, flowing light pipes.Page 104
Make a Hygge Book Lamp
Anuradha Reddy
A few easy cross-stitches and you’ll be reading by cozy candlelight.Page 108
Toy Inventor’s Notebook: Mini Infinity Cube
Bob Knetzger
Reach for the stars with this simple kaleidoscope.Page 110
Skill Builder
3D Scanning Artworks
Austin Beaulier
Expert tips on capturing the classics volumetrically.Page 112
Getting Started With Software Defined Radio (SDR)
Tim Deagan
Eavesdrop on virtually the entire radio spectrum — for 30 bucks!Page 116
Toolbox
Toolbox
Gear up with the latest tools and kits for makers.Page 122
Over the Top
“A Shrine to His Tools”
Henry O. Studley’s tool chest is a work of art, packing nearly 300 tools into a handcrafted wooden marvel.Page 128
