Join Your Local Makerspace!

Good morning Fish! Happy MLK day 2024!

Hackerspaces were invented in Berlin, Germany, for nerds who lived in cramped apartments and didn't have the space for an electronics fabrication bench. They have since made it to the USA as "makerspaces" and expanded in scope. There will usually be several 3d printers, a laser cutter, and an electronics bench.

Depending on the space available and member body, they may include
- Machining, metalworking
- Joinery, woodworking
- Soft arts, sewing
- A computer/gaming lab
- Ceramics, casting

But the building is just a place, and the equipment is just tools. To me, the most important thing about the makerspace is the people. There are always weird nerds. And I love nerds.

You can find a makerspace on one of the self hosted "makerspace directories" (they keep crashing or getting replaced every couple years). A lot of libraries have a makerspace program! (usually a couple 3d printers). Sometimes they have joint ventures with colleges.

They tend to be more rare in rural areas where people can just put a shed in their backyard.

Have you joined your makerspace? Are you having fun? Tell us about it!

I have been renting some space at the Ft Collins creator hub for the past 2 years. I have a corporate account for wetfish and my membership allows for up to 3 people to access the little cubicle that I have rented out. We've used the makerspace to experiment with 3D printing and woodworking to build the solar array we're using for power & internet up on the wetfish mountain project.

https://www.fortcollinscreatorhub.org/



Before moving to Ft Collins I was also involved with denhac, the Denver hackerspace. https://denhac.org/

I agree with the logic that a makerspace can be a great way to meet people who can help further your interests. Getting involved at the local makerspace has allowed me to meet lots of people who have advanced my technical interests, and now I am on my way to fulfilling my goal of building my own bikes. The people I have met have also taught me much wisdom on the ways of life and experience, of which I greatly appreciate.