Maker & DIY 2014

Maker and DIY project coverage - 3D printing, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, custom builds, and hands-on tinkering for hobbyists and creators. Browse our comprehensive Maker & DIY section, featuring 16 items organized from newest to oldest for 2014. Whether you're after in-depth benchmarks or expert buying advice, it's all here. Also, learn about how TweakTown tests and reviews hardware.

ReviewXYZprinting Da Vinci 1.0 3D Printer Review

November 20, 2014 | Steven takes us on a tour of XYZprinting's Da Vinci 1.0 3D printer. Its value impressed us for the features included - here's our full review of it.

Article3D Printing Tips and Tricks: Making Your Portable Toolkit

June 27, 2014 | Charles walks us through what our portable 3D printer toolkit should include. Read on and see what tools you may be missing to make your experience better.

ArticlePractical 3D Printing Guide: Making a GoPro Camera Mount

June 25, 2014 | Hobby 3D printing is often referred to as a novelty, but the desktop 3D printer can be practical and useful, too. Let's see what Charles does for a GoPro.

Article3D Printing Tips and Tricks: Keeping Your Electronics Cool

June 20, 2014 | Just like PCs, 3D printers are subject to overheating, and precautions need to be taken to prevent this. Follow on as Charles tells us more about it.

ArticleProject M.A.R.V: The Multi-Rotor Aerial Reconnaissance Vehicle, Part 3

June 19, 2014 | In this installment of Project MARV, Charles walks us through the build process of the quadcopter's frame and just how to go about it.

ArticleAmateur Radio is Still Alive and Kicking: Journey to Becoming a HAM

June 18, 2014 | Charles recently started his quest to expand his maker skill set, and decided to take a stroll down the road to becoming a licensed amateur radio operator.

ArticleProject M.A.R.V: The Multi-Rotor Aerial Reconnaissance Vehicle, Part 2

April 21, 2014 | In this installment, we cover the tiny GPS Data Logger that will mount directly to the frame of the quad-copter and allow recording its flight path.

ReviewPunchtec Ord Bot Hadron 3D Printer Review

April 18, 2014 | The Ord Bot Hadron from Punchtec is a very versatile 3D printer that changed the way Charles think about printing with PLA and 1.75mm filament.

ArticleProject M.A.R.V: The Multi-Rotor Aerial Reconnaissance Vehicle, Part 1

April 18, 2014 | With multi-rotor helicopters getting a bad rap lately, Charles created his own multi-rotor to show that they can be used for more than controversy.

ArticleProject ATAAPR: Andy the Autonomous Arduino Powered Rover - Part 1

March 20, 2014 | Charles walks us through the steps used to create a cheap, autonomous rover that runs off of an Arduino. Let's check out part one now!

Article3D Printing Tips and Tricks: Filament Quality and Why It Matters

March 18, 2014 | In this installment, Charles tells us why using high-quality filament is one of the most important parameters in achieving good results.

Guide3D Printing Tips and Tricks - Essential Tools of the Trade for your hobby

February 13, 2014 | 3D printing requires more than a 3D printer and a PC. Follow along as Charles covers the typical tools needed to operate and maintain it.

Guide3D Printing Tips and Tricks - How to make ABS Juice to help your 3D prints better stick

February 13, 2014 | Charles walks us through his method of making a batch of ABS Juice which promotes less warping and better print adhesion to the printing surface.

ArticleHands-on with the TinyDuino and TinyLily Systems from TinyCircuits

February 12, 2014 | TinyCircuits' TinyDuino and TinyLily development systems take the normal bulky development board standard and flip it on its head. Let's take a look.

Article3D Printer Tips and Tricks for Better Quality Results: Part 1

January 17, 2014 | In his first installment, Charles shows you how to improve print quality by installing a fan ducted to the hot end.

ArticleUnboxing the Punchtec Ord Bot Hadron 3D Printer

January 15, 2014 | Charles unboxes one of Punchtec's Ord Bot Hadron 3D printers.