The hottest DIY Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Music Topics

Conway's Game of Life, in real life

lcamtuf’s thing • 7958 implied HN points • 19 Mar 26
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. A physical Game of Life was built as a 17×17 grid of illuminated mechanical switches driven by an AVR microcontroller, using row/column multiplexing and transistor drivers to handle the LEDs.
  2. Row scanning gives each LED a low duty cycle, so the design uses high peak currents, series resistors, MOSFETs/P-channel transistors, and firmware safeguards like a blackout window and watchdog to avoid thermal or software-induced damage.
  3. Mechanical switches provide a tactile, editable playfield with an analog speed knob, but they are the main cost driver; cheaper or fancier options (touchscreens, flip-dots) trade off price, feel, and complexity.

Exeter Update (More Hammers Tomorrow)

The American Peasant • 2275 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🪑 Design DIY
  1. Making furniture, like chairs, is a skill that improves with time and practice.
  2. The process of creating Exeter hammers has many steps, and they are still working on refining it.
  3. Even simple tasks in woodworking can have complexities that require experimentation and learning.

I Turned an ESP32 into a Thermal USB Webcam

atomic14 • 519 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. An ESP32 microcontroller can be turned into a USB webcam that works as a thermal/infrared camera.
  2. The device captures infrared/thermal images instead of normal visible-light video, letting you see heat signatures.
  3. Full DIY build instructions and details are available online for anyone who wants to reproduce the project.

I've no idea why I fixed this...

atomic14 • 866 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. A problem got fixed even though the reason for the fix is unclear.
  2. The method used is discouraged and not something others should copy.
  3. It shows quick, hacky fixes can sometimes work, but they’re risky and shouldn’t replace proper solutions.

Drones and Lasers - what could possibly go wrong?

atomic14 • 519 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. Pairing drones with lasers can be exciting but brings real safety and legal risks.
  2. Buying a big batch of parts from overseas often leaves you with a chaotic pile of gear and forgotten items.
  3. This is typical maker/DIY territory — hands-on tinkering that can lead to unexpected results.
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Train Surgery

atomic14 • 692 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. Four AA batteries were replaced with a single 18650 Li‑ion cell plus a charger/protection/boost module set to about 5.5 V, making the train rechargeable.
  2. A potentiometer was put in series with one speaker lead to act as a simple volume control, and a homemade knob was added so the control is accessible from outside.
  3. The conversion achieves rechargeable power and adjustable volume, but the drivetrain’s plastic gears still make loud mechanical clatter at low volume.

Some of The Worst Mistakes You Can Ever Make as a Prepper

OK Doomer • 106 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture DIY
  1. Stop doubting yourself and avoid tiny half-measures; decide what you can realistically do and act on it.
  2. Make and commit to a clear, practical plan and build skills and systems steadily instead of panic-buying when you’re scared.
  3. Prep with purpose but don’t let it take over your life — enjoy time with loved ones, learn from mistakes, and keep going.

What's New: Canning, Quick Hydroponics, and More

OK Doomer • 96 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🍲 Food & Drink DIY
  1. The project turns prepping and homesteading into simple, accessible steps so people can prepare affordably and practically where they live.
  2. Recent additions include canning and quick hydroponics, with expanded sections and upcoming DIY solar cooker guides, all collected in a growing downloadable illustrated PDF.
  3. The guide is evolving and community-driven, welcoming reader input and supported by donations and subscriptions to keep updates coming.

A Simple DIY Home Test for Molybdenum Deficiency

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1437 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness DIY
  1. Molybdenum is crucial for converting toxic sulfite to useful sulfate in the body. Deficiency can lead to various health issues like anxiety, sleep problems, and more.
  2. Lab testing for molybdenum status is often inadequate, with tests focused on ruling out toxicity rather than assessing deficiency.
  3. A simple DIY home test for molybdenum status can be done with minimal equipment, a molybdenum supplement, and a few days of data collection, providing a potentially more practical approach to monitoring levels.

A 15-minute intro to resin casting

lcamtuf’s thing • 4693 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. Resin casting involves making a mold and pouring liquid plastic into it. This method allows you to create exact replicas of items, capturing all their details.
  2. Compared to 3D printing, resin casting can produce stronger and more durable parts. It also gives a finer finish since the liquid can fill every tiny detail of the mold.
  3. The process includes making a flexible mold from silicone, applying a release agent, and carefully pouring in the resin. It's important to manage air bubbles for the best results.

DIY vs. Specialization and Trade

In My Tribe • 561 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
💼 Business DIY
  1. Doing things ourselves, like mowing the lawn, can sometimes be a waste of time because we could earn more money working instead. It's important to think about what activities really bring us the most value.
  2. Many people take pride in DIY tasks. This pride can be a strong reason for doing things ourselves, even if it may not be the most efficient choice.
  3. Outsourcing tasks, like hiring someone to do chores, often makes more economic sense. If it frees up time for more rewarding activities, it can be a better choice overall.

MakerNews - January 2026

Maker News • 22 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. Investing in the right bench tools and setups makes everyday electronics work faster, safer, and more reliable.
  2. Creative hardware hacking and reverse engineering often reveal far more capability than expected, from PID‑controlled glue guns to running DOOM on a smart pressure cooker.
  3. Open source projects and detailed writeups turn experiments into shared learning, helping others reproduce fixes, learn tapeout and PCB tricks, and build fun projects like 1D Pong or a lock‑picking robot.

Oops I Did It Again

atomic14 • 346 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. A new PCB was made, but it had a mistake where the LED didn't work because of wrong connections. The designer mixed up common cathode and common anode.
  2. Fixing the issue isn't too hard. It just requires desoldering the LED, adding solder resist, and reconnecting everything correctly.
  3. After making the adjustments, the LED finally worked, showing a successful blink. It took some effort and frustration to get there.

The Value of a Gift

Seven Senses • 419 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture DIY
  1. Gifts should not just be about money; they represent our care, attention, and creativity. The true value of a gift comes from the thoughtfulness behind it.
  2. Making gifts yourself can be more meaningful and enjoyable. It helps to reduce the pressure and consumerism often associated with gift-giving.
  3. Connecting with loved ones through gifting creates special moments and can deepen relationships. The happiness in giving comes from sharing experiences rather than the price of the gift.

Electronic Chopsticks!

atomic14 • 519 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. The HT140 Solder Tweezers are versatile and can be powered by both a DC jack and USB-C, making them convenient to use. They heat up quickly, which is great for soldering and desoldering tasks.
  2. The tweezers come with useful accessories like a flexible USB cable, a 65W power supply, and a stand, ensuring everything is organized and easy to set up.
  3. They work well for both small and larger components, but using flux can help improve heat transfer. It's a handy tool for electronics projects, especially if you need to fix or modify boards.

vrk the marketer

vrk loves paper • 139 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture DIY
  1. The main goal is to create a magazine called Pouch, but the bigger dream is to develop software called Pouch Studio for paper lovers. This software will help people easily make both paper and digital crafts.
  2. Marketing Pouch is challenging, and the author is trying different methods like Instagram, featuring creators, and attending fairs to spread the word and build a community around paper crafting.
  3. The author wants to make a fun, engaging magazine to support paper enthusiasts while learning more about design and marketing. Feedback from readers is important to know if Pouch is succeeding.

Payback time

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 119 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture DIY
  1. A connection with nature, like watching sea turtles, can have unexpected and rewarding impacts on our lives. It can lead to personal growth and new adventures.
  2. DIY projects can quickly become overwhelming, especially when unexpected issues arise, like discovering a poorly done floor. Planning can change, and flexibility is key.
  3. Learning to fix things yourself can be a valuable experience, but it often comes with challenges and surprises that test your skills and patience.

More fun and games with high voltage...

atomic14 • 173 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. High voltage projects can be tricky but also fun. You can get some wild voltages and sparks, which makes experimenting exciting.
  2. Sometimes, your equipment might not work as expected. Issues like voltage ripple can affect how things like LEDs operate.
  3. Finding the right tools is important. Some boards are better for driving specific loads, like nixie tubes, and can work smoothly with other components.

The DIY Guitar Pedal Culture Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎶 Music DIY
  1. DIY pedal builders are making their own guitar effects pedals for a fraction of the cost of retail ones.
  2. Some manufacturers 'goop' their pedals to protect their designs, which DIY enthusiasts see as a lack of consumer transparency.
  3. The DIY pedal community has influenced big-name manufacturers, with popular pedals like the Klon Centaur being reverse-cloned for wider accessibility.

2/25/23 - Don't make fun of China or Chinese-style parenting based off of limited stereotypes.

Moly’s Substack • 137 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture DIY
  1. Avoid making fun of China or Chinese-style parenting based on limited stereotypes.
  2. In rural China, land ownership and inheritance differ for men and women, impacting their sense of belonging and security.
  3. Real estate ownership in cities and villages in China have different implications, especially concerning inheritance and rights.

And Gifts from the Flames

Doc Hammer's Anvil • 137 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration DIY
  1. The author made a bottle opener karambit from old wrenches, practicing his skills.
  2. A Mother's Day dinner bell was crafted to round up kids for dinner, with various tones when struck.
  3. Current projects include making a spear socket jig and working on crafting pila.

Building a PC #1: Why bother?

The Rectangle • 56 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. Building your own PC can be very rewarding and is often seen as a personal challenge for tech enthusiasts. It allows you to create a computer that fits your specific needs.
  2. Nostalgia can play a big role in the desire to build a PC, reminding you of your childhood passions and interests in technology.
  3. Investing in a PC can also be about rekindling old hobbies and interests, creating a sense of joy and satisfaction.

Why Are All the Frogs Dying?

Off-Topic • 593 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture DIY
  1. The author is starting a new zine called (Off) Off-Topic.
  2. Zines are self-published works of minority interest.
  3. The zine will feature stories that don't fit into the usual content format.

Reviving Chromebooks with Ubuntu: Autonomous Servers, Planned Obsolescence, and Permacomputing

Sunshine and Seedlings: A Newsletter by HydroponicTrash • 98 HN points • 24 Mar 23
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. Chromebooks are often discarded and become obsolete due to planned obsolescence by companies like Google.
  2. Reviving old Chromebooks with Ubuntu can turn them into useful autonomous servers, reducing waste.
  3. Permacomputing offers a sustainable approach to technology, focusing on reuse, modular design, and stewardship of resources.

How To Grow $30 Worth of Tomatoes Yourself For Just $300

Shades of Greaves • 78 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🍲 Food & Drink DIY
  1. Growing tomatoes yourself can be a fun and rewarding summer hobby.
  2. Starting with cheap tomato seeds in March and gradually investing in pots and other supplies can lead to a bountiful harvest.
  3. Despite the costs and challenges, growing your own tomatoes can bring satisfaction, better-tasting produce, and a way to one-up your bragging neighbors.

Space and the case for a few shelves

J ROBERT CLARK - MAKES • 58 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🪑 Design DIY
  1. Consider utilizing the full volume of space around you, not just the floor area.
  2. Adding shelves can significantly increase the usable space in a small area.
  3. Simple solutions like installing shelves can make a big difference in organizing and maximizing space.

DIY Professional

Dada Drummer Almanach • 202 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🎶 Music DIY
  1. Professionalism is important even in DIY music scenes.
  2. Respecting fellow artists and crew is a key aspect of professionalism.
  3. Adapting and problem-solving on the spot showcases true professionalism.

Maker News - July 2025 Update

Maker News • 15 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. Using hotkeys in KiCad can make designing faster and more efficient. Small changes can save a lot of time when working on circuits.
  2. Crowdfunding hardware projects involves a lot of hidden costs and calculations. It's important to understand these details to avoid losing money.
  3. New technologies like AI and ESP-NOW are changing how we build hardware. They help make projects easier and more connected without traditional setups.

​​DIY Photo frame

Rahul’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. Built a DIY photo frame using Raspberry Pi and a portable monitor for better image control.
  2. Software setup is not easy for beginners, but allows for customizing photo display and adding features like clock and metadata.
  3. Advantages include control over displayed images, support for multiple galleries, and advanced features for automation.

20230927

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 8 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. Consultants using AI finished 12.2% more tasks, completed tasks 25.1% more quickly, and produced 40% higher quality results than those without AI
  2. Security concerns include nonprofits being hacked, FlipperZeros spamming iPhones with Bluetooth, and AutoGPT escaping its container
  3. AI is impacting business models like the billable hour and creating new contracts for artists

20230723

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 8 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. UK defense perspective on a volatile world and US job loss due to technology
  2. Engage in bets for market intelligence and museum offers tattoos
  3. Explore neural networks in astronomy, AI causing social unrest, and importance of original hardware hacking manual

March 2023

Maker News • 7 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. Spring is bringing a fresh sense of inspiration and renewal
  2. Explore interesting projects like MEMS, VGA upgrades, and 3D printing
  3. Read about human augmentation with robotic body parts and DIY tech projects

Debugging my daughter’s broken e-reader

The Technically Challenged Newsletter • 4 HN points • 07 Oct 23
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. Initial troubleshooting steps included charging the e-reader, performing soft and full resets, and checking the charging port and battery.
  2. Hardware debugging involved attempting to fix the charging port and then replacing the battery when the issue persisted.
  3. The repair process required creative solutions like using a different battery and making adjustments to ensure the e-reader was functional.

20230616

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 4 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. AI development may not lead to mass joblessness, but could reduce demand for workers and lower wages
  2. Interesting information on books, metals from seawater, and bio-acoustics
  3. Tech updates include NVidia's red team, old water channels in Spain, and reaching maximum overhangs

20230604

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 4 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. Networked counterculture explores new ways of presenting online content
  2. Business highlights include NVIDIA's growth, Ghana's loan trouble, and UK crackdown on greenwashing
  3. Tech developments range from using magnetic powder for water disinfection to AI's impact on rewriting history

20230521

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 4 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. The post covers various topics from reading to AI to technology.
  2. AI is discussed in terms of niches, Palantir, and licenses for building AI.
  3. There is information on DIY projects such as embeddings and LangChain agents.

20230505

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 4 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🕹 Technology DIY
  1. Saving time can mean collecting it or rescuing it.
  2. ChatGPT shows promise in providing empathetic answers.
  3. Business strategies like reverse sales and living labs are being explored.