Make:

Soldering and Desoldering by Joe Grand. Step-by-step instructions for making (and unmaking) the perfect solder joint. Page 162.

Printed Circuit Boards by Andrew Argyle
. Step-by-step instructions for making your own PCBs at home. Page 164

Primer: Welding Mister Jalopy
. If you need metal stuck together, there is no quicker path than buying a portable 110-volt wire-feed welder. Mr. Jalopy's introduction to welding will help you understand the process and show how you can be a welder by the end of the weekend--and end up with a couple of jigs for the effort. Page 158

Kits for the Holidays by Thomas Arey, Gareth Branwyn, Dale Dougherty, Mister Jalopy, Steve Lodefink, Meara O'Reilly, Arwen O'Reilly Griffith, Dave Prochnow, and Pacho Velez. Our guide to the coolest kits to make and give. Page 64.

Backyard Zip Line by Dave MabeBe, be the hit of the neighborhood with a high-flying tree--to-tree transporter. Page 75

Building Tensegrity Models by William Gurstelle
. Make a "needle tower" sculpture from dowels and elastic cord that seems to defy the laws of physics. Page 100

The Two-Can Stirling Engine by William Gurstelle

The Stirling engine has long captivated inventors and dreamers. Here are complete plans for building and operating a two-cylinder model that runs on almost any high-temperature heat source. Page 90

Gun-Operated Alarm Clock by Roger Ibars. Hack a retro gaming light gun with tilt switches to control a vintage digital clock radio. When the alarm wakes you up, grab the gun and kill it off! Page 100

Working with Carbon Fiber by John Wanberg. Form, lay up, and cure your own high-performance composites. Page 164

Mini High-Power Laser by Stephanie Maksylewich. Liberate a 200mW laser from a DVD burner. Page 140

U-G-L-Y Your Bike by Rick Polito To deter thieves, camouflage your bicycle as a piece of crap while keeping it a first-class ride. Page 74

Toolbox by Gareth Branwyn, Kindy Connally-Stewart, Kevin Kelly, Tim Lillis, Terrie Miller, Arwen O'Reilly Griffith, Bruce Stewart, and Phillip Torrone. From fuzzy sensors to underwater ROVs to your very own eco-friendly surfboard. Page 166

Boom Stick by Edwin Wise. The super-loud BOOM STICK is a PVC air cannon that delivers maximum bang for the buck. It assaults the startle reflex of any nearby victim, adding an instant rush of physical terror to haunted houses, art pieces, pranks, and performances. Page 116.

by John Mouton. With wireless cameras on board, these radio-controlled racers give you virtual reality telepresence. Page 96

• DIY Halloween - The Classics :: Fog Chiller
• BUG on Arduino action
• NoiseBridge: new SF hacker space
• Pedal powered tank
• BASE jumping with accelerometers
• Self-disinfecting toilet brush

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