The thread where we look at other maker/hacker spaces and what they do

[uglyknees]

So I’ve been going a bit nuts investigating some of the maker/hacker spaces. In this thread I felt it would be interesting to post some of the things other places are doing. What’s going on with the “Maker-movement”. Places will be presented as is.

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First on the list - Nimby http://nimbyspace.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nimbyspace
This seems to be a burning man haven. They have collective workspaces AND a gallery (holla) but they also have shipping containers they rent out to individuals for personal workspace. It’s one part Mad Max one part organized randomness. I think it’s amazing. I’m not saying it would work here…I’m just presenting cool ideas. If I have time I will go stop by to check it out. How they pay for that footprint in Cali I have no idea. I don’t really care either. I just like what I see.

Things I see: Seems to be artist driven, scrappy and resourceful. Lots of beards, I see lots and lots of beards :). Industrial “why the hell not” space. Fundraising is on point. Probably lots of funded artists for specific projects aka the burning man stream of income for some. I like the vibe big time because everyone seems just a bit sweaty. Like a May-pole and an engine had a baby…this would be the result…

They have something called Rally bowl (how fun would this be for open house - each committee making a different inspired area? @Team_PR) https://backher.com/fun/bringing-rallybowl-to-the-masses-1
They do a maker-masquerade ball http://nimbyspace.org/2016-steampunk-masquerade-at-nimby/
Tiny home workshop for the homeless
http://nimbyspace.org/tiny-homes-for-the-homeless-work-shop/
Containers and Studios: http://nimbyspace.org/containers/ Yas son! That ISSSS a WONDERFUL idea (if you don’t live in Texas where it gets to 400*) in my head we will eventually buy a defunded mall and a space like this will be born.

[uglyknees]

LA makerspace
Website: http://lamakerspace.org

I chose this one because it has a few twists in it. First, it has no true physical space?? They are working inside the LA library (sorta kinda) - it’s geared towards the little makers in the area. By the website they are doing pretty standard intro and flashy STEM/STEAM stuff. They have a board and partners. I’m curious about the partnerships and how they work — PBS?? It’s easy(ish) to write grants for after school care/activities and I’m wondering if they are pulling on that wire for funds. They have an open source educational curriculum http://lamakerspace.org/program/open-source-curriculum/ they are working on developing and they are offering makerspace consultations for a fee. http://lamakerspace.org/services/makerspace-consulting/ and check this out they are doing training for maker - educators http://lamakerspace.org/services/maker-education-trainings/ (@themitch22 I think you could start something like this for teachers)

So not nearly as glitzy and beard-sweaty as the Nimby.
I just felt it would be interesting to throw this into the mix to show how very different each can be based on mission, “members”, and focus.

[HankCowdog]

Note: I thought I’d write this Makerspace up for DMS since I am a part-time member of FCCH as well as being a member of DMS - Mike C

Fort Collins Creator Hub - Fort Collins, CO
http://www.fortcollinscreatorhub.org/

The FCCH launched in the Spring of 2014, received 501©3 status in 2015, and is currently a modest 1,600 sq ft physical space in north Fort Collins. They have a suprising mix of equipment for such a small/young Makerspace:

• two table saws
• bench press
• 8" and 6" jointer
• 12" planer
• benchtop band saw
• sliding compound miter saw
• CNC Router (homegrown)
• welder
• two full-size knee mills
• metalworking lathe
• Taz 5 3D Printer
• Taz Mini 3D Printer
• wide format vinyl cutter
• 40 watt smallbed laser/engraver
• electronics workbench with oscilliscope, soldering station, and more
• various hand and power tools

Pallet Jacks are used to maximize usable space, with fixed tools being installed underneath higher storage.

Getting Help
Thanks to a grant from a local business (Intel), the FCCH has an on-site assistant for 12 hours/week. In addition, the 'space offers membership discounts for members who volunteer for 4 hours/week to act as assistants for others who come in to the space and want to use/learn to use tools, get advice on projects, etc. This is currently (early May 2017) allowing for a total of 28 hours/week of staffed access time - typically 4 hours mid-day M-F, and an additional 4 hours in the evening on Wed and Fri.

FCCH holds a weekly open house from 4-8pm on Wednesdays.

The FCCH has a strong focus on community outreach and education. This is reflected in a variety of ways in their organization, including:

• All classes are open to the public
• Holding MakerCamps in the Summer for kids
• Scholorship memberships for disadvantaged and at-risk youth
• The recent addition of co-creator memberships (paid by the sq ft) allowing for dedicated co-working spaces within the FCCH for artists, sculptors, et al.

In addition to an Events Calendar on their site, they use Meetup to coordinate events and Facebook, Instagram, Google+, etc. to interact with the community.

[MellissaRhodes]

This is my favorite other makerspace I’ve ever visited. (We’re still the best, duh.)

Open Works in Baltimore.

@AlexRhodes made a Talk post back in November here: Open Works in Baltimore and here’s a link to his photo album: https://goo.gl/photos/eNr2wJHh4pSQS7Av7

They’re pretty new, just opened last year so it’ll be interesting to see how they work out. They are also a nonprofit and were able to get a ton of funding beforehand so one of the plus sides is they were able to plan much of their space. You could tell they did a bunch of research and were very excited for us to be there and asked a ton of questions. Alex took our member handbook to the White House Nation of Makers meeting last year and they loved it so much they’re using it as an example for their own member handbooks. (http://makezine.com/2016/09/19/made-baltimore-member-onboarding-makerspace/)

I loved that they partnered with other local organizations for getting really knowledgeable teachers. (Station North Tool Library, Baltimore Jewelry Center, SewLab, Baltimore Print Studios and the Community College of Baltimore County) I think we could do a better job of reaching out to other orgs like this. But there would have to be some thought about how that would work with our current class system.

Downside: MUCH more expensive than us and they’re only open 9-9 M-F and 9-5 weekends. Which will make for an entirely different community. They have a couple of pricing options for interest level but for the access to everything package it’s $125 per month, +$75 each family member. They also offer a floor that’s a coworking space for people to work full or part time. (different payment options.) They have a “pay what you can” program that’s certain classes on the weekend and an after school program for kids. Classes also have a cost attached that ranges from reasonable to crazy expensive. They have 6 full time staff, 2 part time, and 1 Americorps volunteer. They’re really aware of how expensive they are and are very actively trying to have programming for people that can’t afford the other options.

[MellissaRhodes]

Mike, I just love that you’re a part of two makerspaces in different states. I know we have a number of members that are also a part of the lab up in Plano. The lab is worth its own reply so I’ll let one of them do it. I’ve only ever visited and worked with them during Slingfest last year. @Bill

[uglyknees]

Awesome space! So organized- makes me feel all funny just looking at it.

[uglyknees]

One of the most confusing and exciting places I will ever go Meow Wolf which is linked to MAKE in Santa Fe, New Mexico
https://meowwolf.com
https://makesantafe.org/the-makerspace-has-a-home/

Now your saying “this doesn’t look like a makerspace” and it’s actually mixed space. Outside of the art experience they have a small makerspace available. When I visited this summer it was small but seemed to have some steam behind it. We talked about me gathering up a group to go visit from Dallas and them gathering a group and visiting from Santa Fe (I’m still down to do this). Mostly artists who are linked into Meow Wolf. It seems (based on the website) the tools that they have are growing. Santa Fe is a great place to start one - tons and tons of community support.

If anyone would like to plan a trip to Meow Wolf I’m willing. But only if we can stay in a yurt.

Limited hours (not bad mind you)
$65 a month or $650 a year
Cost per “certificate” to use a machine
Frequent “intro” to makerspace meetings
Rental cubes for artists/members

[Webdevel]

Seeing these other spaces is making me appreciate what ours has available.

[uglyknees]

Have you seen Meow Wolf? You should go. I think you would very much enjoy it. I put away my camera when I went so I could just experience it - I also didn’t want to ruin it for others. It was good times - my time was limited when I went but it can be taken on in sooooo many ways. It has puzzles, computer things, a storyline, all sorts of stuff.
I’m still left with lots of questions about the place.

[TBJK]

Alright meow

[Cairenn_Day]

Can we find out how many of these are also 501c 3s?
It seems that several have some way for folks to rent
a space or even a desk, Thinking that when we expand
that might be a way to help fund it, Short term,

It would be interesting to learn how they handle
project storage

[Raymond]

When I was at Hacker Dojo, they had stuff sitting in corners of rooms (eek!) and had some lockers that had padlocks on them. During the whirlwind, not-very-interactive tour there was no mention of them, but they were clearly visible down a back hall.

[uglyknees]

Go for it kiddo - report back to us on your findings.

[uglyknees]

That’s one of the maker places we will be meeting up with in California. We’re trying to plan a little after makerfaire bar meetup.

[Raymond]

Hopefully they are more friendly with you.

[uglyknees]

Chimera
Sebastopol, CA

Chimera

Lots of links:
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/chimeraartspace/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/chimera.art.space/
Virtual tour: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=A1RV2AnmkDQ if you look you will see a Shapiro table I met him at Makerfaire and if anyone has a cool 5K sitting around please buy me one (http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2016/09/new-kinetic-sand-tables-by-bruce-shapiro/)
Membership agreement: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HLFmj0rFuK1uI5WViTvqVvMNKwryNCidUBK0wHjH_g8/edit

Seems to have a staff I believe
7,000 sqfoot (ohhhhhhhwhaaaaa)
ETSY shop (say what) https://www.etsy.com/shop/chimeraarts note 0 sales but still I like the idea.

Check this nugget out headphone policy (Sound familiar)12. “Headphone” Policy. Chimera is a shared facility and some members do not want to be disturbed while working. To facilitate this, please do not bother members who are wearing headphones or who are obviously in the middle of their work. Please ask members if you can talk with them before entering into a conversation to make sure that they are ready and willing to talk.

Non-profit
$35-125 per month access to the space dependent on your level

What I really like about this is all the graphics and pre-planning are on point. Fonts are sexy and it presents itself as an identity. Some graphic designer made this his/her pet project and/or got paid well to create this package.

They don’t seem to have many classes on the calendar. Amazon smile account is loaded on the website so people are auto-enrolled to the account to help fundraise. (https://smile.amazon.com/?ie=UTF8&ein=46-1426443&ref_=smi_chpf_redirect&ref_=smi_ext_ch_46-1426443_cl&ref_=smi_ext_ch_46-1426443_dl) not sure I got the right link

Nice organized space. Seems to be more meeting/communal space and tools to the side. Just look at that appropriate amount of chair per table length…impressive.
Tools: 3D printers – Lulzbot TAZ 3 and 4 (1’x1’ bed), 4 Ultimaker v1, 2 Printrbot Simple Metals
Laser cutter – 100 watts, cuts up to 4’x3’ and up to 1/2" plastic/wood/leather/paper
Metalworking – MIG welder, angle grinder, portable bandsaw, horizontal bandsaw, metal brake
Woodworking – table saw, chop saw, wood lathe, bandsaw, jointer, planer, routers, sanders, shaper, drill press, chisels, other hand tools
Design software – the full Autodesk Suite including AutoCAD and Fusion 360 and the full Adobe suite including Photoshop and Illustrator and multiple computer work stations
Jewelry studio – Soldering and brazing station, rolling mill, flex shafts, ring/bracelet mandrills, dapping and forming tools, pickle pots, many hand tools (hand saws, files, pliers, etc) and a lot more!
Electronics lab – Oscilloscope, soldering iron, power supplies, breadboards, test equipment, lots of components
Textiles – sewing machines, knitting and sewing supplies
Other craft supplies and tools – stained glass, paint brushes and paint, color pencils and pens, etc
Open work tables – Computer monitors, keyboards, mice
Machining – metal lathe (coming soon: Bridgeport mill)
Benchtop CNC mill – With approx 12" square cutting area (currently out of commission, stay tuned!)
Fast wifi, laser printer, office supplies, kitchenette and more…
Hand tools, project supplies and more…

[Cairenn_Day]

The lack of Etsy sales is not surprising, since to make etsy wourd you have to put
up new items, at least a couple of times a week, Blog or otherwise promote your
store, it is one reason I have never opened mine, since if you don t, you just waste
money listing things

[HankCowdog]

FCCH does have its 501©3 non-profit status.

[Mcnewt]

So, I have talked several of my friends into joining the space. Most of us live in Fort Worth. There has been a lot of serious conversation between us about why Tarrant county doesn’t have a space and more importantly what we “think” it would take to get one off the ground. I know a tarrant county one started but then “imploded”, does anybody know the story there? And then most important for this topic, would a tarrant county makerspace take away from what is happening in Dallas? (In other words -what are the demographics of our group? Are most people from Dallas county or do we have a large contingent coming in from Tarrant county. Just thought I would start the conversation.

[LisaSelk]

Tim and all:

I created a new thread for members to have an ongoing discussion about history and future possibilities for a makerspace in Fort Worth / Tarrant County:

Makerspace in Fort Worth / Tarrant County?

Continuing the discussion from The thread where we look at other maker/hacker spaces and what they do: