Tools

Messing Around With the PolyCast5 Hacker Multitool

I’ve never had to pause a tool test on account of creepiness before. PolyCast5 is an open source multitool for controlling wireless devices. Created by Justin Atkins of RoboticWorx and powered by an ESP32-C5, it packs in five different types of control: WiFi, Bluetooth, LoRa, ESP-NOW, and IR. There’s also an optional AC relay that can be used to switch mains-powered devices on/off. If those aren’t enough controls, the I2C pins are accessible for adding DIY addon boards....

June 3, 2026Uncategorized, , , , , , 0 Comments
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xTool’s New M2 Color Craft Laser is a Production Powerhouse

Desktop laser cutters have been a boon to craft sellers. Such a boon, in fact, that most laser-cut plywood products tend to camouflage with all the other laser-cut plywood products. You can stand out with post-processing, but that’s another operation. And switching to colorful materials means using something either more expensive or smellier than plywood. Today xTool expands the aesthetic scope by launching the M2 Color Craft Laser, which combines a diode laser cutter and a CMYK inkjet printhead for...

May 27, 2026Uncategorized, , , , , , 0 Comments
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Break Free from Material Limits: Gweike MCore Laser Hits Kickstarter

For makers and independent studios, processing heavy-duty metal in-house has long been an insurmountable challenge. On May 26th, Gweike — a veteran manufacturer with 22 years of industrial laser R&D and manufacturing experience — is set to shatter this limitation with its latest masterpiece: the MCore. A 400W fiber & 80W CO₂ laser cutter for metal and non-metal, the MCore will officially launch its Kickstarter campaign on May 26th, offering early-bird backers exclusive discounts of up to $2,300.

May 25, 2026Uncategorized, , , 0 Comments
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Betta Wire Is Finally Moving Towards Shipping After Most of the Company Quit

Rack Robotics ought to have some relieved backers in the coming weeks, as they finally move towards shipping their Betta Wire 4-axis WEDM machine. We mentioned Rack Robotics Powercore 3D printer conversion kit in Upcycle a 3D Printer in Make: Volume 92. It was an impressive feat for desktop manufacturing, and they successfully delivered units to backers. The Betta Wire, announced in 2024, is a kit purpose-designed for far more accurate EDM cuts, and made to...

May 19, 2026news, , , , , 0 Comments
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Review: xTool F2 Laser Engraver

Manufacturer: xTool Price as tested: $1,499 Link: https://www.makershed.com/products/xtool-f2-5w-ir-15w-diode-portable-dual-laser-engraver When I first got my hands on the tiny F1 laser from xTool, I was amazed at how useful the little galvo laser was. The F1 is small and enclosed for portability, it has a removable bottom plate making it easy to place it on larger objects or create jig inserts, and the dual laser allows for cuts on a wide range of materials; all this combined to make...

May 15, 2026Uncategorized, , , , , , , 0 Comments
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Build a Wa-Style Knife Handle

Making a Japanese wa-style octagonal handle as a replacement for an old or worn-out handle, or for a new blade, is a fun project that can change the look and feel of your knife. This tutorial will show you how to make a three-piece handle with two different woods, but you can use this same construction method and vary the materials and layout for a completely unique result. I’ve made over a thousand handles this way, some for Japanese blades...

May 1, 2026Uncategorized, , , , 0 Comments
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Cool Crowdfunding: Bits, Bots, and Bananas

We receive so many pitches for crowdfunding projects. Since crowdfunding is a bit of a gamble, it is always hard to determine just how to write about these projects, considering that many of them may not ever deliver. Cool Crowdfunding is our way of sharing some of the ones that catch our eye and that we think readers should know about.

PolyCast5 – Multitool Everything Remote

PolyCast5 is a compact, open source multitool for controlling wireless...

April 17, 2026Uncategorized, , , , , 0 Comments
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Flashforge AD5X Is a Best-Selling Printer for a Reason

Manufacturer: Flashforge Price: $550 Link: flashforge.com/products/flashforge-ad5x-3d-printer “Multicolor Is Hot!” proclaimed the cover of Make: Volume 88, highlighting the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon AMS system that finally broke multi-material printing through to the masses. But with its original price of almost $1,500, a large swath of the maker audience was excluded from the multi-material mania by cost. That’s why I was excited to learn about the Flashforge AD5X at RAPID + TCT 2025 in Detroit (you...

March 23, 2026Uncategorized, , , , , 0 Comments
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Review: Liene PixCut S1 Sticker Printer

Manufacturer: Liene Price as tested: $299 Link: liene-life.com/products/pixcut-s1-photo-sticker-printer-and-cutter At a previous Maker Faire, I shared a booth with someone who brought a thermal label printer. They churned out designs during the event as inspiration struck, and sold a bunch of stickers that hadn’t existed before the show. It worked out great, and that was just printing in black and white. The PixCut S1 is perfect for that scenario. It’s a portable sticker maker that prints and cuts out 4″×7″ sheets (or 4″×6″...

March 20, 2026Uncategorized, , , 0 Comments
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Review: xTool F2 Ultra Laser Engraver

Manufacturer: xTool Price as tested: $4,699 Link: https://www.xtool.com/products/xtool-f2-ultra-60w-mopa-40w-diode-dual-laser-engraver xTool hasn’t taken their foot off the gas this year as they continue to release new models with incredible features. The F2 Ultra ups the power available to desktop laser users and brings new tricks to the table. Have you ever wanted to cut through up to 2mm of steel or engrave it with color engravings? If the answer is yes, keep reading, it’s about to get fun. The F line from...

March 18, 2026Uncategorized, , , , , , 0 Comments
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