Tools for network & systems admins
Network Ninja
Quick-reference guides for Linux and Windows networking, troubleshooting, security, automation, and the day-to-day tools that keep infrastructure running.
Maker tech hub · Relaunch 2026
Build real things with AI, 3D printers, Pi & ESP32
Practical, project-based guides for hobbyists, educators, and small-business makers — not just news links. Deep how-tos, books from the Network Ninja / AI / 3D series, a salvaged classic tech archive, and tools you can ship this weekend.
19New pieces
1,836Archive tips
3Featured book series
Free download
ESP32 Starter Kit: 5 beginner projects
Complete project plans — BOM, full sketches, wiring, expected output, and troubleshooting. Instant PDF download for the bench. Join the list for new builds.
What you’ll find here
AI Tools
Local AI, prompts, and workflows that actually help makers build faster.
3D Printing
Printer setups, design workflows, troubleshooting, and side-hustle basics.
Raspberry Pi
Pi projects from printer controllers to offline AI boxes.
ESP32
Sensors, relays, mesh networks, and first projects for beginners.
Free kits & paid packs
Books that go with the builds
From first print to reliable workflow
3D Printing Mastery
Practical 3D printing knowledge that pairs with the project guides on this site — design, slicing, materials, production habits, and turning prints into revenue.
AI that ships real work
AI Workflow Mastery
Workflow playbooks for using AI on design, sales, and operations without the hype — a natural companion to the AI maker guides here.
Featured projects & guides
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Tool Review: Digital Calipers — The Unsexy Essential
Why a $20–40 caliper beats another roll of filament for functional parts — and how to use it in an AI CAD loop.
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Tool Review: PlatformIO for ESP32 Makers (When It Beats Arduino IDE)
Versions under discussion: PlatformIO Core 6.x class + VS Code / Cursor extension; Arduino IDE 2.x for comparison. Pin exact versions in your project README when you publish. What we compare CriterionArduino IDE 2.x…
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Tool Review: OrcaSlicer for Functional Prints (Measured Comparison)
Functional printing is a loop: measure → model → slice profile → print → measure again. The slicer is not the whole loop. Review standard (this site): name the version class tested, the hardware under test, what…
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Tool Review: Mosquitto as a Workshop MQTT Broker
Why a boring Mosquitto install on a Pi beats cloud IoT dashboards for a home lab full of ESP32 nodes.
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Maker Guide: Choosing Between Pi, ESP32, or Arduino for Your Project
A decision tree for real projects: power, realtime needs, networking, cost, and how many times you’ll reflash at midnight.
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Building a Custom CNC with ESP32 and 3D Printed Parts
When 3D-printed structure is fine, when it isn’t, and how an ESP32/GRBL-class controller fits a small CNC/plotter build.