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While through-hole technology (THT) - larger-size components with legs that literally poke through holes in the circuit board - is the norm for electronics beginners, surface-mount technology (SMT) has a number of advantages. The components are typically cheaper, take up less room, and traces only take up one layer of the board. The idea of soldering teeny-tiny devices can put some off, though, but the lovely Matt Venn has handily demonstrated how easy it can be. Using a £30 vinyl cutter, Matt created his own stencils through which he could spread solder paste accurately and quickly onto his PCBs. Combined...

The growing popularity of making as a hobby is great news for everyone, as is the increasing number of events around the world dedicated to the subject. As the numbers grow, though, keeping track can be tricky, which is why we're pleased as punch that our friend and fellow UK Maker Belt Association member Gee Bartlett has gone to the effort to set up the Maker Calendar UK. As the name suggests, the Maker Calendar UK is a resource for anyone who wants to become more heavily involved in 'the scene.' Gee has attempted to find something for everyone, from...

Here at oomlout we're big believers in reducing the cost of prototyping and custom manufacturing. Many of our in-house tools are produced from low-cost, sustainable laser-cut MDF, and we've even dabbled in using card stock to create project boxes for Arduino boards. Earlier this year, we mentioned Jude Pullen's excellent card rabbet tool for constructing objects from corrugated cardboard, while for complete cardboard-manufacturing beginners Making Society's Mathilde Berchon has recently completed the third part of an introduction into using card in design and even production - as demonstrated by the pictured Google Cardboard virtual reality headset - for ultra low-cost projects....

Everyone involved in the maker movement today once started off as a complete beginner, and it's both fascinating and rewarding when you can watch the progression from neophyte to accomplished maker - as with Alex Weber, software engineer and self-described 'hardware tinkerer.' In his Halfbug project, Alex documents the eleven-month process of building his own robot - not from a kit, but from parts manufactured himself using a lathe, a manual mill and his newly-purchased ShapeOko 2 computer-controlled CNC mill. It's Arduino powered, naturally, and uses an ultrasonic sensor on a clever moveable head to sense its surroundings and modify...

Here at oomlout we believe that the best tool is the one you design and build yourself, and it's a theme we see recurring again and again in the maker community. Ben Pirt is currently completing fulfilment of his Kickstarter-funded educational robot, Mirobot, and has shared some of the custom tools - made from laser-cut wood and low-cost electronics - which have made that process easier. From a bulk programmer which can upload code to five Arduino Pro Minis to a bag-packing stand, each cost very little to build but makes Ben's job so much easier. The robot itself is...