The hottest DIY Projects Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Weekend projects: Sketchy Sketch

lcamtuf’s thing • 3060 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Electronics Hardware Programming DIY Projects Software
  1. A new version of the Etch-A-Sketch toy, called Sketchy Sketch, was created to be more user-friendly and modern. It uses digital controls for drawing and animating, unlike the old mechanical version.
  2. The Sketchy Sketch is built using a microcontroller and a display, allowing kids to create pixel art easily. It has a simple menu system and saves multiple images.
  3. The project shows that it's fun and rewarding to build something from scratch. The creator shares the parts and code online, encouraging others to try similar projects.

Custom KiCad Silk Screen

atomic14 • 173 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Electronics PCB Design DIY Projects Software Development
  1. You can easily add custom designs to the silk screen of your PCB in KiCad. It’s a simple process to import images, opening up creative possibilities for your designs.
  2. Remember that KiCad only supports black and white for silk screen designs, so any colors or shades will need to be converted. This can affect how your graphics look when you import them.
  3. To get the best results, it's helpful to turn off anti-aliasing in your graphics software. This way, what you see is what you get in KiCad, making it easier to control the final look.

Maker News - May 2025 Round Up

Maker News • 7 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🕹 Technology Hardware Open Source DIY Projects Electronics Innovation
  1. There are innovative DIY projects that show how creativity can lead to amazing results, like a cheap instant camera made with basic parts and clever wiring.
  2. Some makers are pushing the boundaries of technology, like transmitting data over long distances or programming DIY CPUs to run games in unique ways.
  3. Community projects, such as open-source hardware and hackable devices, encourage sharing knowledge and tools, making it easier for anyone to get involved in building cool stuff.

Easy Robotics with a 3D Printer and Raspberry Pi

Messy Progress • 59 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Robotics 3D Printing Programming DIY Projects Electronics
  1. Making a robot with a 3D printer and a Raspberry Pi is fun and can be done on a budget. You can create many different designs without limits.
  2. A modular design is helpful because it allows for easy changes and quick fixes. This makes it easier for kids to participate and experiment.
  3. Using a Raspberry Pi for controlling your robot opens up many possibilities, like adding cameras or other fun components. You can even use simple coding to operate it.

Back to the Forger

Doc Hammer's Anvil • 275 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Woodworking Crafting DIY Projects
  1. The author shared about making tiny Christmas hammers for their children using spring steel and oak wood handles.
  2. They also worked on creating an ax from a circular saw blade and steel strap, giving it to their dad as a display piece.
  3. Lastly, the author moved to a new place and engaged in projects like crafting door latches and long squirrel cookers with the help of their daughter.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

November 2024 Update

Maker News • 22 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology DIY Projects Gadgets Engineering Electronics Software Development
  1. There are many fun DIY projects you can try, like making a cheap ultrasonic humidifier or upgrading old tools with USB-C. It's a great way to learn and create something useful.
  2. A variety of innovative gadgets are available to buy, like a ZX Spectrum recreation that brings back nostalgic 8-bit computing. It can be a fun treat for anyone who loves tech.
  3. Exploring new technologies, like vocoders, can be exciting. Understanding how they work may inspire new projects and creative ideas in sound and music.

[EVENT] Receipt Printer meetup TOMORROW!! 🧾

vrk loves paper • 39 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Gadgets DIY Projects Meetups Hobbies
  1. There is a Receipt Printer Meetup happening tomorrow in Brooklyn, NY, where people can learn about thermal printers. It's a casual event for those curious about printers, whether they know much about them or not.
  2. The meetup will feature a show-and-tell of various receipt printer projects, plus a chance to hang out with others who share this interest. Attendees can also see and try out different printers, including cat printers.
  3. Even though there won’t be snacks or drinks, it’s a fun, relaxed setting where people can connect. If anyone can't make it, there will be a recap in the next newsletter.

October 2024 Update

Maker News • 7 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Electronics DIY Projects Gadgets Engineering Software
  1. This October update includes fun Halloween-themed projects like a DIY smart pumpkin and an anti-social pumpkin.
  2. There are interesting articles to read about reverse engineering tech like a fighter plane's indicator and headphones.
  3. The update encourages sharing the newsletter with friends and highlights various tech projects to explore.

December 2024 Round up - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Maker News • 0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing Electronics 3D Printing Programming DIY Projects
  1. The newsletter has grown to 660 subscribers since it started in 2022, showing a positive response from readers.
  2. There are many creative projects shared, like 3D printing PCBs and building custom operating systems, that highlight innovation in the maker community.
  3. Overall, 2024 was a great year for makers, with lots of exciting projects and a hopeful outlook for even more in 2025.