The Maker's Field Guide: The Art & Science of Making Anything Imaginable

by Christopher Armstrong, Joey Zeledón, Joe Smith (Narrator)

This condensed guide covers almost all of the major tools and materials available for making things — in a non-formulaic, overly technical, or jargon-filled textbook. Instead, 'THE MAKER'S FIELD GUIDE' has been written as the practical reference guide revealing some of the close-guarded secrets of professional designers and model makers, covering traditional “old school” techniques along with the most cutting-edge tools like 3D printing and advanced CNC machining.


RUNNING TIME ➜ 2hrs. and 9mins.

©2018 Christopher Armstrong (P)2019 Christopher Armstrong

Genres: Nonfiction, Design, Art, Science

Audible Audio

First published May 15, 2019

About the author

Christopher Armstrong is a designer, creator, and passionate problem-solver who believes that anyone—whether you're a student, teacher, parent, or curious tinkerer—should be able to bring their ideas to life. After years spent working on real-world projects with brands like Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, Hot Wheels, and the NFL, he’s learned that innovation isn’t about fancy degrees or access to endless resources; it’s about the willingness to experiment, learn, and build.

Chris’s journey started with a desire to make things, not just think about them. After studying at The Art Center College of Design, he worked with clients across the globe, from small startups to major companies, to create products that solve real problems. But what really drives him is empowering others—like you—to do the same. Whether you’re a student looking for a hands-on way to learn, a teacher wanting fresh ideas for the classroom, or a parent hoping to spark curiosity in your kids, Chris’s goal is simple: to make the process of creating accessible, fun, and rewarding.

He’s also spent years teaching and mentoring, sharing his experiences with students at schools like Art Center and Concept Design Academy. He knows firsthand what it feels like to be stuck in a system that doesn’t always give you the tools to think outside the box, and he’s here to change that. This book is his way of offering you the shortcut he never had—so you can jump into the world of creation without the pressure or the high costs.

Chris is originally from Texas and now calls Austin home, where he continues to work on projects that push boundaries and encourage others to do the same. You can find his work and creative updates on Behance www.behance.net/christopherarmstrong, Instagram (@christopher_armstrong_) and X (@MrCarmstrong), or simply dive into this guide to start building the future, one idea at a time.

If you’re ready to get hands-on, experiment, and make something amazing, you’re in the right place. Chris is here to show you how.

Reviews

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERYTHING YOU WANT OR NEED TO KNOW FOR THE AUTODIDACT

What an AMAZING book this is. My husband brought in the mail and was standing there when I opened the package and he got excited. This book is right up his ally of reading--yes, the man loves tools, the science behind them--and he will be enjoying this one. You should have seen the look on his face--he thought I got it for him for Father's Day and said, "Oh, I will pretend I didn't see it until tomorrow."

The man is not a novice, he has worked on vehicles, rebuilding motors, transmissions, etc since he was 7-8 years old, worked in food plants, on equipment, welding and does commercial refrigeration and electrical. So, for him to look forward to immersing himself in this book, says so much. The man reads technical books, cover to cover.

Thank you, Christopher Armstrong, for compiling the book. The pictures and information is priceless.

I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. I am paying it forward by passing this book along to a my husband, who I know will enjoy it too--because he is a self-taught person who loves learning more!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I backed this project on Kickstarter (pre-release), and am sure glad that I did. Awesome! Just awesome!!

[Len · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received my copy via a Goodreads giveaway.

WOW! I'm beyond impressed at how this author sets up a prototype builder to win. He offers VERY helpful advice in using the appropriate equipment for creating impressive models/protos/samples - in so many fields, using so many materials. My clever, college-student, engineering-oriented nephew will be getting my copy as a gift - after I look through it another time or two...

[Scott Froemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for DIYers, industrial designers, mechanical engineers and makers. This book provides an excellent source of reference for almost any kind of small scale manufacturing, along with helpful tips on how to design and orientate your workshop. If you are looking to establish your own makerspace, or are interested in DIY, this is the book for you.

[Tom Donaghey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Maker’s Field Guide (2020) by Christopher Armstrong. The subtitle of this guide is The Art & Science Of Making Anything Imaginable. That is quite a big undertaking but I think Mr. Armstrong just might have accomplished his goal. This is the new and expanded GOLD edition of the original book. Many of the chapters have been expanded upon and other new material has been added.
This is not a book on actually doing the projects you have imagined. This is not a “How-to-do” type of book, Rather it is a guide to the tools that are out there that will help you with your dream.
The first chapters cover shops, their layout and concepts, then the machines and later hand tools. Most of the tools you will be familiar with but there might be a few you haven’t used before. As far as the machines are concerned, they run from the run of the mill (table, band and scroll saws) through various sanders and drill presses and on into what I would consider the more exotic realm.
I haven’t worked with vacuum formers, 3d printers or injection molders, but they are covered with good details and informative photos like everything else in the book. Each tool has a list of basic ideas for its use including suppliers and assorted other details as well as all important safety tips.
The chapters on materials and application I am still reading as each time I dip in, I discover something new.
A handy reference for the “creative” in all of us, The Maker’s Field Guide will become your go to reference for anything creative you have in mind. This is a Must Have for your workshop.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, concise overview of tools and equipment and their potential applications. Its strongest points were definitely the photographs, the writing itself not being exceptional and the primarily gray text on off-white background at times being a little hard to read. But most of the photos were good and clearly illustrated what the text was trying to convey. A couple of the photos were confusing, mainly when they took a close up of a piece of equipment from the opposite side of the wide shot, leaving you floundering a bit trying to find where on the object that piece was. I also would've liked a bit more on the chapter about the application of these tools and materials. But the book was overall very good for my purposes, both as someone utterly clueless about making things and as a writer looking for some good visual references and brief explanations of what goes into a shop, and it was organized in a way that allowed me to read it in several short sessions and feel like I'd come away with a usable piece of knowledge each time. This is definitely going on my reference materials shelf. I do feel like I came away with a much better idea of how shops need to be organized and what tools go into what projects.

[Natalie]

Full disclosure, I received this book for free via a Goodreads giveaway. That said, this is still an honest review. Positives - the book is stunning. Beautiful photo work, well laid out. It really covers a variety of tools and processes (like 3-d printing, vacuum forming) that aren't in traditional diy/tool books. It's a great overview of what tools are out there and gives you an idea of what they can do. Constructive feedback (I don't like negatives), Would be helpful to have a chart or clip at the beginning of each tool going over what it can/can't do, cost, requirements, that sort of thing. I'd actually appreciate a little more text and information to go along with the photos (and maybe that info is in there and I'm just missing it amid the photos). Overall, great book for makers, I'd especially recommend it as gift for anyone into cosplay, miniature/modeling work, mixed media, or any artist or creative person.

[Sabs Feigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edited Review : After the author reached out to me explaining to me that the free copy of his book I received was in fact a draft and that he was unhappy with the European printing of the book, as well as very generously sending me an American copy that he personally vetted and kindly wrote a note in the inside cover, I can confidently recommend this book to others. While I will maintain that saying it is the definitive reference or professional level guide for all the professions listed is a bit presumptuous, I do think that this book is very good for someone just getting into making things and may not know all the possibilities of how something can be made, without getting preachy or dumbing things down.

I look forward to a follow up book that may go into advanced techniques, with interviews/tips from old school model making pros where they reveal all their secrets.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this incredible book in a goodreads Giveaway. The Maker's Field Guide: Updated & Expanded GOLD Edition is an awesome collection of overviews and instructions on how to use machines, tools and materials to make dozens of things. There are early chapters on using machines from table saws to industrial type machines, but I'm most comfortable with the chapter on hand tools. I'm also enthralled with the chapter on materials. On the first cover page Chris wrote a note: "MAKE SOMETHING GREAT!" I have a collection of small rusted metal pieces of junk that I want to turn into some sort of an artistic piece, but even though there are some tips on welding, I'll be soliciting the help of a friend who has the equipment to do the welding.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for me, never will be. There are maybe two or three tools covered that I will ever use. However, I cannot give this a low ranking due to my lack of skills. This is not for the casual DIY person. This is for the general handyman or entry level carpenter. It explains common tools and products, as well as what they are used for, and how to properly and safely use them. The only area of improvement I can see is the lack of clarification on the pictures. Instead of “starting in the left,” just put numbers with the pictures and use that as a means to identify the tool or product.
#GoodreadsGiveaway

[Sari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is packed with basic information about many tools and how to use them. The extensive photographs are very helpful. I think the use of the term “Man Cave” in one section, while cute, is unnecessary - as many makers are women. I was also hoping for more of a how-to book with project instructions. This is not that book. Nonetheless, I learned a lot and enjoyed paging through it with my young grandchildren, in the hopes that it will educate and inspire them.

I am grateful to the publisher and the Goodreads Giveaway program for a free copy of this book to review.

[Anonymous · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well done book for the beginner. It has lots of clear pictures with easy to read text to go with the pictures. It doesn't go into detail, so those with more advanced knowledge probably wouldn't learn much from the book. For the beginner interested in STEM fields or making or fixing things, this would be a great primer. It's fun to just flip through the pages. The reason why I didn't give the book 5 stars was because while the book looks great and is fun to flip through, there isn't a lot of information to be gleaned if you have a bit of knowledge about the subject already.

[Rivi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as part of a giveaway, and I am INCREDIBLY impressed. The photos are extremely high quality, and the tutorials are laid out in an intuitive way. If you’re a hands on or visual learner like myself, it will teach you well. My only note would be if you prefer written directions, the photo spreads extend over multiple pages so you’ll be flipping around a lot. But all in all, incredibly well done, well made, and unique

[Huong · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book offers a rich vocabulary and options for ones who want to make lots of stuff. The photos are clear and informative.
I assume pros already know what they are doing, so this book might be of savory collection value. The book could have been more helpful if the author provided some more detailed demo on making stuff from the latest tools, such as 3D printers or materials.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well illustrated, detailed book designed to educate. This would be a great textbook for those going to technical schools. It is a great book to have in your workshop.

It might be a little advanced for those with little experience and are trying to DIY projects.


PS: I received this as a part of a Goodreads giveaway.

[Marian Bron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Field Maker’s Guide is not a book to be read from cover to cover, but instead is a valuable resource that any do-it-yourselfer should have on their reference shelf. It describes all sorts of tools, power and manual; how to set up a work shop; and plenty of tips. The pictures are clear and the text easy to follow.
Thank you Goodreads Giveaways for this advanced copy. It’s a keeper.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this E-book free through Goodreads First Read.

This book is interesting and has good information on materials and Application.

My only issue was you can tell this was not meant for an e-reader. Pictures would run over multiple pages which may cause you to flip back and forth multiple times. The small, light grey text on the white background becomes difficult to read.

[Maggies Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wealth of information at your fingertips. So well made with stunning images...have used it several times so far in understanding the differences between glues for different materials. My husband even likes it.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a female I seen this on Facebook as others had bought it and I learned some new things I want to try to make. Especially the plaster with the hands that the author did in the book.

[Adaept LB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got my issue in the mail! Super dope, thanks for bringing your experience out for the rest of us.

[A. Dia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done, very useful handbook unveiling some of the mysteries involving 'making stuff'.

[Tabbie Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and great learning experience

[Jasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for all the DIYs enthusiasts, covers all the details on tools, machinery, and mini projects.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Helper extreme.

[Patti P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won on Goodreads, this was a great book to get you started.

[Abby Epplett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Intro to Maker Spaces

Easy to follow guide to DIY tools, from clay molding to paint to CAD. My one complaint was that the font was extremely small.