Episode 1020 maker workshops

[Kreindl]

Here in Denver we have a shop called the club workshop.  It includes most of what was described: wood shop, metal shop, 3d modeler, engraver and an auto section which includes a lift, tire machine and tire balancer.

You can also store tools and even project cars there for a fee.

It is near I25 and 8th avenue.  http://www.clubworkshop.com/

[rikkrack]

Anyone know of anything in or around the Indianapolis area? I googled and looks but only found a smaller electrical workshop about 50 miles away.

[ChrisFox]

The one in Houston. May have to drive up and check it out.

http://www.txrxlabs.org/

[Special K]

Anyone know of anything in or around the Indianapolis area? I googled and looks but only found a smaller electrical workshop about 50 miles away.

http://clubcyberia.org/index.php/Main_Page

[rikkrack]

Google fu failed me, need more training. Awsome! +1 Special K

[Special K]

Google fu failed me, need more training. Awsome! +1 Special K

http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/List_of_Hacker_Spaces

[Saint-TyR]

That was easy... Went to http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/Hackerspaces... Then typed in Portsmouth, NH and bingo=http://www.seacoastmakers.com, which then linked to the Maker Shop (http://portcitymakerspace.com).

Thanks for the resource... Now time to check it out and build something.

Stay Safe!

[Nicodemus]

I guess that when I moved out to the BOL I placed myself in a "geographical oddity" in that all of the hackerspaces are equidistant from my place by several hours. 

[zokolo]

Several years ago (I believe I was living in Atlanta at the time), someone opened a similar concept using a garage.  The guy closed out his gas pumping side and started charging out the use of his bays, lifts, and tools to individuals who wanted to do their own work on their cars.  He had to close after a few months because he could not afford his liability insurance, even though he made the users sign an extensive disclaimer.

I'm wondering how the maker communities discussed in the episode have dealt with the liability issue.  Shop accidents are not uncommon, and even very experienced professionals saw off a fingertip from time to time.  Hopefully, they have found an ironclad disclaimer document for the users to sign that provide sufficient protection.  It would be worth putting the question to someone who has successfully worked to set up one of these organizations.

Jim/Boston

[flippydidit]

I found one an hour away in Orlando.  Also one an hour away in Tampa.  Unfortunately when the guest stated it had a machine shop, I was mislead.  It has the COMPUTER controlled machines <groans>.  So I'll still have to buy my MANUAL mill and lathe to do my prototype work.  Then when I'm ready I guess I can head over to one and use their machines to "pump out widgets".  Otherwise it's a great find!  Thanks TSP!

[backwoods_engineer]

I found one an hour away in Orlando.  Also one an hour away in Tampa.  Unfortunately when the guest stated it had a machine shop, I was mislead.  It has the COMPUTER controlled machines <groans>.  So I'll still have to buy my MANUAL mill and lathe to do my prototype work.  Then when I'm ready I guess I can head over to one and use their machines to "pump out widgets".  Otherwise it's a great find!  Thanks TSP!

Flippy, what is wrong with CNC machines for doing one-off prototypes?  I have found them faster than manual machines.  I have access to several manual Bridgeport-type mills at our local TechShop, and I find myself instead using the Tormach CNC instead, because the process is faster.  I don't have to think about how to make complicated cuts; the software just does it.

[Nicodemus]

I wish I had access to either manual or CNC machines! 

[flippydidit]

I don't have any CNC experience.  Not saying I don't want to learn, because I do.  Just that when I "prototype" my work there tends to be a lot of tweaking and modifying to get the angles and tolerances I want.  Things that look great on paper or in software aren't always the best option with real parts (my opinion/experience).  I'm not saying you couldn't do it with the software.  I'm just a "hands on" machinist.