Make: Volume 72

As devices get smarter, they — and the companies that created them — gather more and more data about you, the user: what you like, where you go, even listening to and recording conversations around the house. It’s easy to gloss over how much data is getting stored in “the cloud” everyday without you knowing, but with a little effort, you don’t have to trade privacy for functionality.

In this issue of Make:, we address this head-on. We'll show you how to set up your own DIY voice assistants using free and private tools that keep your data local while performing your favorite tasks. You can even run one on a Raspberry Pi! Then, configure a WebThings gateway from Mozilla to keep your IoT gadgets connected but private. And if you still can’t give up Alexa’s bells and whistles, at least consider assembling the Alias Privacy Parasite, which lets you decide when Alexa gets to listen in.

The issue also continues our Fix the Planet series with a set of guidelines on effective ways to electrify your cars and homes to slash your carbon output (and save you money along the way).

Plus, 17 exciting projects, including:

• Convert any bike to electric with a front wheel motor kit
• Make your needlework come alive with embroidery animation
• Tips on converting a metal lathe to CNC with free software
• Grow vegan leather for projects and cosplay
• And much more!