Shaping the Perfect 40-Minute Surfboard
Wonderfully shot video piece by The Surfers Journal from a couple years back with iconic board shaper Terry Martin. While not a brand new, it’s always awesome to watch a master at work. Martin has shaped over 75,000 boards, spanning many decades. He’s a…
Illustrated Map of Los Angeles from 1932, a Note about the Perry-Castañeda Map Library, and the Award-Winning US Map by David Imus
I’m a huge map nerd and a history buff, so finding this illustrated layout of early Los Angeles (the city I’m currently living in and exploring) is like unearthing an ancient treasure map of fun discoveries. Los Angeles is an interesting place as it…
That Time I Shot a Pumpkin Thief With a Pumpkin Cannon (no, not really)
About a year and a half ago I helped some producer friends shoot a “punkin chunkin” themed segment of a popular cable TV show. I had initially talked with them about building a catapult for the scene, but they were able to locate a…
The DIY Princess Leia-Style Vapor Screen ‘Hologram’ Projection System by Chris Weisbart
If you like DIY tech stuff, make sure to follow me on twitter — thanks! My pal Chris Weisbart is a huge inspiration. Creatively minded, handy in any workshop, great cook, loves surfing at 6:00am, and always able to get a room full of…
Crazy Deal: Stanley FatMax Tape Measure and Bonus Boxcutter for $5 from Lowes
The most used tool on any TV show I’ve done: the tape measure. And yet, it was the tool that our promotional suppliers seemed to send the least of. There were never enough, they were always getting lost or misplaced or borrowed by someone…
The Fastest, Cheapest, Dirtiest Earbud Hack To Keep Your Headset In Place When Running and Doing Sports
A little bit of rubbery glue (let it dry first!) on the back of your earbuds will keep them seated solid during any sweaty exercise you can throw their way.
Red Epic Camera on Octocopter – Aerial Filming Movie Rig
Helicopter-mounted cameras open up some interesting shot possibilities to DP’s and directors. With a remote control flying camera, you can do bigger moves than with a jib or crane, as well as aerial follow shots that might otherwise require a full-size helicopter — if a…
Milling up a Burly Laurel Oak Slab
Timelapse from Ole General Store of a five-ton, 5’x10′ oak log getting milled into slabs. Took three men, a custom mill and a small Caterpillar with forklift attachment 9 1/2 hours to get the job done. Each slab weighs in around 500 pounds. I’m…
Awesome $5 Subscription Deals – Popular Science and Popular Mechanics magazines (and others too!) – UPDATE: Popular Mechanics for FREE
UPDATE: Here’s an offer to get a year of Popular Mechanics for nothing more than just a few pieces of personal information. Once again (but only until December 3), Amazon is offering a $5 magazine subscription deal on some great titles. Perfect timing for your…
Awesome Homemade Pizza – Broiler Cooked in Cast Iron Pizza Pan
Put that pizza under your oven to give it a nice crispy crust.
Hi, I'm Mike. I’m the executive editor of Make: magazine, and host of Discovery channel’s Punkin' Chunkin' and Catch It Keep It, TV shows where I build and explain crazy machines that crush stuff, blow things up, shoot fire, all in the name of science.
I've previously worked at Wired and ReadyMade magazines, writing about how to utilize new technology in our everyday lives.
This site is where I keep a list of instructions for fun projects I've done, am working on, or draw inspiration from. I encourage everyone to get involved — get up and do something!