Make Santa Fe

07/05/2026

How to make a Powertool racer! This one is built using only a couple of parts! 1) a circular saw, any kind will do. 2) roller blade bottoms, and 3) a piece of plywood.

06/25/2026

Drill-Powered Torpedoes
Race Style: Smooth acceleration, often the most stable and consistent in drag races.
Build Style: A drill mounted to spin one or more wheels—a gear or friction drive—is simple and effective.
Mods: Adjustable speed gearing for better traction and control.
Vibe: Stealthy and technical. Doesn’t look flashy, but it is often the most consistent.

https://makesantafe.org/ptr

06/24/2026

Circular Saw Speed Demons
Race Style: Unleash-the-beast-style drag sprints. Built for brute speed.
Build Style: The blade acts as the main drive. Add roller blade wheels or sleds for stability.
Mods: Add guides and side wheels to keep it on the track—weight in the front or a wheelie bar.
Vibe: Raw power. Known to shake, swerve, and sometimes fly—a wild ride from start to finish.

https://makesantafe.org/events/powertool-racing-v4-maker-olympics/

06/23/2026

Angle Grinder Rockets
Race Style: Lightweight drag class. Zips down the track with surprising torque.
Build Style: Small frame with wheels driven by the grinder’s motor. Often mounted sideways.
Mods: Guide wheels and wheelie bars
Vibe: Quick, twitchy, and unpredictable. A favorite for modders and thrill-seekers.

https://makesantafe.org/events/powertool-racing-v4-maker-olympics/

06/22/2026

It’s time to race! Sign up now to reserve your spot in this year’s power tool drag race! This benefit event for Make Santa Fe brings together makers from across Santa Fe to compete head to head in the maker Olympics. The headlining event is The Powertool Race!

Sign up here: makesantafe.org/ptr

06/22/2026

Belt Sander Dragsters
Race Style: Classic belt-on-the-track sprints. Point it straight and pray.
Build Style: Minimal mods needed. Clamp the trigger, plug it in, and watch it scoot.
Mods: Add rails for tracking or side skids for stability. Zip-tie a rider for flair.
Vibe: The go-to starter racer. Loud, gritty, and hilarious. Sometimes they veer, sometimes they wheelie. Always a crowd favorite.

https://makesantafe.org/events/powertool-racing-v4-maker-olympics/

06/19/2026

https://makesantafe.org/this-week-two-electronics-meetups-for-the-price-of-one/

Written by our very own electronics instructor, Paul! This week felt like two meetups for the price of one, featuring some of the most amazing projects we’ve seen so far. First was Española GloveWorks, an incredible organization that not only... View Article

06/17/2026

How do I Make a Powertool Racer?!
Are you looking to build a power tool racer? Well, look no further. Here are some basic designs and plans to help get you started!

Are you looking to build a power tool racer? Well, look no further. Here are some basic designs and plans to help get you started! Each racer has advantages and disadvantages. Components and techniques can be mixed and matched, and each can be modified to make it your own!