Kit Complexity: 2
(1=Easy, 5=Difficult) Is the kit easy, moderate, or challenging to build for its most likely target audience? Kits clearly aimed at children would, for example, be rated differently from microcontroller kits.
Gryphon Ornithopters
At MAKE Labs we built a squadron of balsa-and-tissue ornithopters for William Gurstelle’s how-to article in MAKE Volume 08. The trickiest part was bending the tiny wire crank that flaps the wings in time. Even with Bill’s clear instructions, that little wire was trial-and-error. This kit spares you that error. The pre-bent crank and laser-cut […]
Toys & Games: balsa, Games, ornithopter, planes, stick and tissue, toys
Herbie the Mousebot
I built this Mousebot with my son, who had just turned 10. At first, I had to show him how to solder and helped him align the sides (not too easy), but by the end he was doing all the work himself and enjoying the “toughness” of the assembly. This kit is simple, but it […]
Boe-Bot Robot and Gripper
I bought my first Boe-Bot over 10 years ago. I’ve dropped it, stepped on it, even lost it behind the couch for three months. Nothing seems to faze this thing. The Boe consists of an aluminum frame, upon which two servomotors, a battery holder, and a BASIC Stamp 2 microcontroller board are mounted. Over the […]
Initiator Starter Set
This starter kit has been the standard introduction to high-power rocketry (motor types H and above) for 20 years, and for good reason. The Initiator rocket is big (39″), looks sharp, and can handle a wide variety of motors with its 29mm reloadable motor casing. You can put the kit together in an evening with 5-minute […]
Tabletop Catapult, Ballista, and Trebuchet
These three great starter kits for making small tabletop siege weapons pack quite a kick. They’re simple to build, and include well-documented, easy-to-follow instructions. All components are made of quality materials accurately machined and drilled. The Ballista kit (pictured) is built of laser-cut hardwood and is a real blast to assemble and fire. It’s a bit more difficult […]
Siege & Ballistics: ballistics, desktop, siege, tabletop, wood
Compressed Air Rockets Kit
I was looking for something to do with the kids. They raved about how much fun the rocket launching was at Maker Faire, so I brought some of that fun home with this kit, which is based on Rick Schertle’s project from MAKE Volume 15. The kit is an easy build, one or two hours […]
Whiskey Aging Kit
Just because you don’t own a distillery doesn’t mean you can’t have a hand in making your own whiskey. Whiskey starts its life as a clear, nearly flavorless spirit; it’s the aging process that provides the beautiful brown color and most of the smooth, smoky flavor. The Age Your Own Whiskey Kit provides all you […]
Alcoholic Beverages Beverages: alcohol, beverages, home aging, whiskey
Saga T-Style Electric Guitar
Love to play the guitar, and want to add something custom to your kit? The Saga Electric Guitar Kit offers a blank canvas for guitar building. You could paint it, stain it, or classically distress it to look like your favorite guitar idol. In addition to the guitar body, the headstock has a paddle shape […]
Drawdio
Drawdio is an electronic pencil that lets you make music while you draw. It’s a great project for beginners: an easy kit with instant gratification. Invented by Jay Silver, it’s a very simple musical synthesizer that uses the conductive properties of pencil graphite to create sounds. The result is a fun toy that lets you […]
Toys & Games: art, audio, electronics, Games, toys
Tenor Wolfelele Ukulele
It took me about 45 minutes (not including glue drying time) to put together a service-able ukulele from Wolfelele’s precut wooden components. The well-designed parts fit together in a way that ensured it didn’t end up crooked, and the triangular instrument sounds better than any other $100 ukulele I’ve played. The kit has everything you […]
