Has Anyone Heard Of Makerspace? (A Community Woodworking (and more) Workshop)

On Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 7:21:09 AM UTC-5, Bill wrote:
> J. Clarke wrote:
> > In article <5886ef2e$0$10671$c3e8da3
> > [email protected]>, Puckdropper
> > says...
> >> Ed Pawlowski <[email protected]> wrote in news:[email protected]:
> >>
> >>> The big difference, for $40 you get all the tools on day 1. I can see
> >>> it for people with no shop space or just to use some particular tool,
> >>> like wide belt sander that I cannot justify buying.
> >> As I understand how most of them are set up, you don't get access to
> >> everything on day 1. You first have to prove you know the safety rules,
> >> which is the way things should be done.
> >>
> >> The ones near me all seemed to be open at awful times. Why does everyone
> >> want to do things on Model Train Club night?
> > The one here will give you 24 hour access for an
> > extra charge.
> >
> >
> >> Puckdropper
>
> We have one that is a "fully-tooled garage" for working on your
> car/vehicle yourself, having daily/hourly fees. I suppose you could
> use their compressor for spraying! : )

We had one of those near where I grew up. We used it for exhaust system replacements,
brakes, etc.

It was out on Long Island. A lot of the rich kids (not us) used to bring their pick-ups
in and install huge lift-kits. Probably never went off road, but their trucks looked really
cool. ;-)

On Friday, January 27, 2017 at 1:11:33 PM UTC-6, DerbyDad03 wrote:
> On Friday, January 27, 2017 at 1:43:34 PM UTC-5, [email protected] wro=
te:
> > On Friday, January 27, 2017 at 9:28:48 AM UTC-6, DerbyDad03 wrote:
> > >=20
> > > The layout was cramped. Ripping a long board on the table saw might n=
ot be possible.=20
> >=20
> > Opposite of what I would think a community group shop would be. I envi=
sion a warehouse with tools in it. Every tool has 10 feet of empty space a=
round it. Working in a solo, one man shop that is cramped is one thing. S=
ince you are the only one there, its easy to keep track of everyone and the=
ir movement and where the tools are. But having several people at once in =
a cramped shop space does not sound safe. Kind of like having three cooks =
in a tight, narrow kitchen all trying to use the stove at the same time. D=
anger.
>=20
> I agree. They did mention that one of the founding members had recently p=
assed away=20
> and the family had donated his house to the organization. They are workin=
g on getting all=20
> the paperwork In order so that they can sell the house. He intimated that=
once the house=20
> is sold, there is a strong possibility that they may move to a larger spa=
ce. Earlier he had=20
> mentioned that the wood shop is probably their most popular activity, so =
maybe more=20
> space will be dedicated to it if they move.
>=20
> If you want to talk about "danger" I should mention the dust collection s=
ystem. The 4" PVC=20
> duct work for the table saw runs along the floor and cuts across one of =
the 2 aisles in the
> shop. It has the black and yellow hazard tape on it, but you have to step=
over it to get to the=20
> planer, jointer, table saw, etc. I'd consider it a trip hazard

I just imagine these type of operations in a Morton building. In my part o=
f the world these are the metal farm buildings with metal siding/walls and =
roofs. Farmers put them up for machinery storage. A big Morton building w=
ith lots of tools in it all spaced out. Your description of your shop oppo=
rtunity does not sound good. I'd recommend staying away. The desire, beli=
ef from the organizers is there. But the execution of it is wrong.

On Monday, January 23, 2017 at 9:33:01 PM UTC-5, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> On 1/23/2017 6:53 PM, John Grossbohlin wrote:
> > wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> >
> > On Monday, January 23, 2017 at 4:43:26 PM UTC-6, [email protected]
> > wrote:
> >
> >>> .. makes me wonder ..
> >>> My small-town seniors club charges about $ 100. per year.
> >>> John T.
> >
> >> You are comparing $40 per month, $480 per year, to $100 per year,
> >> $8.33 per month. Different services provided for each choice.
> >
> > At $480 per year I could have been a member for 50 years and ended up
> > spending about the same amount as I did to build my shop interior and
> > buy the tools, benches, etc.... On that basis it could be a viable
> > option for folks.
>
> The big difference, for $40 you get all the tools on day 1. I can see
> it for people with no shop space or just to use some particular tool,
> like wide belt sander that I cannot justify buying.

I agree, sort of. Is $40/month too much to have that sander available on as-needed basis?

I may contact the one I saw the ad for just to see if they allow "per-diem" membership. Can
you join for a month, quit, then 6 months later join for a month again, quit, etc.? I would think
that they would want a steady income stream, but if they already have enough members, maybe
they allow walk-ins, for a fee.

Ed Pawlowski <[email protected]> wrote in news:[email protected]:

>
> The big difference, for $40 you get all the tools on day 1. I can see
> it for people with no shop space or just to use some particular tool,
> like wide belt sander that I cannot justify buying.

As I understand how most of them are set up, you don't get access to
everything on day 1. You first have to prove you know the safety rules,
which is the way things should be done.

The ones near me all seemed to be open at awful times. Why does everyone
want to do things on Model Train Club night?

Puckdropper
--
http://www.puckdroppersplace.us/rec.woodworking
A mini archive of some of rec.woodworking's best and worst!

On Monday, January 23, 2017 at 8:42:57 PM UTC-5, notbob wrote:
> On 2017-01-23, DerbyDad03 <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > Just curious if anyone is familiar with Makerspace......
>
> "Makers" is now what the device vendors are calling what we usta call
> hobbyists or DIY'ers. It's jes a name change to get ppl to buy more
> of all that stuff we've been buying, all along. Young ppl think it's
> cool when someone calls 'em a "maker".
>
> Kinda like cell phone vendors. You don't really need one, but all the
> vendors will lead you to believe you cannot live without one. ;)
>
> nb

What the heck are you babbling about? Did you have any idea what this thread is related to?

Do you even know what is being "sold" at Makerspace?

On Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 3:06:23 PM UTC-5, MJ wrote:
> I had a two month membership with a local one here in the Bay Area (i.e. =
SF), probably the first one in the nation.=20
>=20
> The way it works is like a gym membership, you sign up for a time period =
(day, month, year). The local one has specific times for you to use a piece=
of equipment. If you want to use the tablesaw on Wednesday from 1-3, you h=
ave to check the calendar to see if it is open. You then reserve it and it'=
s yours for that time.
>=20
> Be aware, it is highly likely that the tools are not in "great" shape in =
that they might have nicked blades, or dull ones. If someone was cutting co=
nstruction lumber before you wanted to cut your precious walnut, don't expe=
ct a great cut.=20
>=20
> I used the CNC machines (all Shopbot) - which was great. Everyone used th=
eir own drill bits, which helped to make sure that you are cutting with a f=
resh tool. Also, prior to using the equipment, the Maker space makes you go=
through a safety class. They have no way of knowing if you are familiar wi=
th the equipment or not. My membership gave me one free class, but I had to=
take another to actually use the CNC, as the first was in learning how to =
make a file to drive the CNC.=20
>=20
> These are great spaces and if you need a specific tool, like a CNC, perha=
ps something you should look into. Many places have tours you can sign up f=
or and they will answer all the questions about use, etc. A member of our c=
lub, used the facility to make some great wall hangings and one an award at=
our annual show.=20
>=20
> Oh, if your local Maker space is like the one I joined, it has other tool=
s - like laser cutters, metal tools (drills, lathes, etc), water jets, pla=
sma cutters, etc. A million dollars goes into acquiring all the tools, etc.=
to open a space like the one I joined. Others might not be so "rich".
>=20
> Good luck
>=20
> MJ
>=20
> > Just curious if anyone is familiar with Makerspace, either as a learner=
, a teacher or just a user.
> >=20
> > I came across this ad the other day. It sounds interesting if the equip=
ment could be used on a=20
> > "every now and then" basis (for a fee, of course) as opposed to having =
to pay a monthly=20
> > fee. For example, I don't have a planer or jointer. I don't have room f=
or a planer or jointer. If
> > I could pay say $20 to use the equipment for an afternoon, that would b=
e helpful, every now=20
> > and then.

I attended the Open House last night.

Basically everything you said is exactly how it works, except for the $1MM =
seed money.
Everything that they have was either donated or built by the members/commun=
ity.

Last night happened to be both an open house and the night that the overall=
Safety=20
Orientation was being held, so I took that as an opportunity to get an in-d=
epth tour=20
of the space. I would still need to be "certified" to use the individual pi=
eces of equipment.

If I joined, I would get a key fob and could come and go as I please, 24-7.=
Apparently
there are some tools that you might need to reserve if you wanted to use th=
em at a popular
time.

The tools are certainly as you described: well used. e.g. If I fix the 15 Y=
O Delta miter saw that's
out in my shed and then donate it to them, it will be a significant upgrade=
over the POS=20
Craftsman they have. (Maybe I could use their 3D printer to make a new end =
cap for the motor.
That's all it needs.)

On the other hand, they have a 52" 3HP Saw Stop table saw that is technica=
lly "on-loan"
from the president of the chapter. (If you trigger the stop, you are respon=
sible for the=20
cost of a new one. They said it has been triggered 3 times in 4 years. Once=
was wet wood,
the others were fingers.)

The layout was cramped. Ripping a long board on the table saw might not be =
possible.=20
It would certainly require moving a huge wood storage rack (Eagle Scout pro=
ject) as well
as some other stuff. The same for the planer and jointer. My last project w=
as a bed frame.
Ripping, planing or jointing the rails would have been a problem, which is =
the reason I would
have used their shop. Another example is the vertical panel cutting saw don=
ated by a local
cabinet shop. The 10' (?) miter saw station would have to be moved out into=
the aisle before=20
the panel saw could be used.=20

I asked about daily usage, for a fee. The only option is to pay the $40 for=
a month, quit, join
again, etc. The next time a project comes along that might require the use =
of their planer, jointer
etc. I'll have to stop by, do a detailed evaluation of what it would take t=
o position them as needed
and then decide.

Another room contained a few 3D printers, a couple of milling machines incl=
uding a=20
huge Bridgeport, a laser engraver, stained glass work area, a Raspberry Pi =
station, ham
radio, etc.

At this point, I don't think I can justify a $40/month membership fee, alth=
ough it might be=20
worth looking at the schedule of training sessions for the 3D printers, the=
CNC router, laser
engraver, etc. Perhaps joining for a couple of months just to get exposure =
to those=20
technologies would be worth the cost. Maybe I really could make the part to=
repair my saw.

DerbyDad03 <[email protected]> wrote:

> Just curious if anyone is familiar with Makerspace, either as a learner, a teacher or just a user.
>
> I came across this ad the other day. It sounds interesting if the equipment could be used on a
> "every now and then" basis (for a fee, of course) as opposed to having to pay a monthly
> fee. For example, I don't have a planer or jointer. I don't have room for a planer or jointer. If
> I could pay say $20 to use the equipment for an afternoon, that would be helpful, every now
> and then.
>
> *** Begin Included Text ***
>
> (Insert City Name Here) Makerspace is a non profit workshop for people who want to make things. We have a beautiful 4000 square foot workshop including table saw , band saw , planer , jointer , chop saw , CNC router , belt sander , dust collection , scroll saw , drill press , 3D printer , oscilloscope , stereo microscope , audio oscillator , power supply , fluke meter , weller soldering station , Arduino and Raspberry pi , laser cutter , internet controlled telepresence robot , stained glass and sewing equipment , and lots more. We attract folks who want to learn and others who want to share their skills and $40 per month gets you your own key to the place.
>
> *** End Included Text ***

Rumor has it the Timmy brothers got their start at some NY Makerspace.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/XUv7NQelex0?autoplay=1

On Friday, January 27, 2017 at 9:28:48 AM UTC-6, DerbyDad03 wrote:
>=20
> The layout was cramped. Ripping a long board on the table saw might not b=
e possible.=20

Opposite of what I would think a community group shop would be. I envision=
a warehouse with tools in it. Every tool has 10 feet of empty space aroun=
d it. Working in a solo, one man shop that is cramped is one thing. Since=
you are the only one there, its easy to keep track of everyone and their m=
ovement and where the tools are. But having several people at once in a cr=
amped shop space does not sound safe. Kind of like having three cooks in a=
tight, narrow kitchen all trying to use the stove at the same time. Dange=
r.

On Friday, January 27, 2017 at 1:43:34 PM UTC-5, [email protected] wrote=
:
> On Friday, January 27, 2017 at 9:28:48 AM UTC-6, DerbyDad03 wrote:
> >=20
> > The layout was cramped. Ripping a long board on the table saw might not=
be possible.=20
>=20
> Opposite of what I would think a community group shop would be. I envisi=
on a warehouse with tools in it. Every tool has 10 feet of empty space aro=
und it. Working in a solo, one man shop that is cramped is one thing. Sin=
ce you are the only one there, its easy to keep track of everyone and their=
movement and where the tools are. But having several people at once in a =
cramped shop space does not sound safe. Kind of like having three cooks in=
a tight, narrow kitchen all trying to use the stove at the same time. Dan=
ger.

I agree. They did mention that one of the founding members had recently pas=
sed away=20
and the family had donated his house to the organization. They are working =
on getting all=20
the paperwork In order so that they can sell the house. He intimated that o=
nce the house=20
is sold, there is a strong possibility that they may move to a larger space=
. Earlier he had=20
mentioned that the wood shop is probably their most popular activity, so ma=
ybe more=20
space will be dedicated to it if they move.

If you want to talk about "danger" I should mention the dust collection sys=
tem. The 4" PVC=20
duct work for the table saw runs along the floor and cuts across one of th=
e 2 aisles in the
shop. It has the black and yellow hazard tape on it, but you have to step o=
ver it to get to the=20
planer, jointer, table saw, etc. I'd consider it a trip hazard and plan to =
let them know my=20
feelings. They indicated numerous times that they want feedback from their =
members
and that all feedback goes before the board for discussion. I hope they'll =
accept feedback
from a non-member.

In article <3fcd20cb-6679-4747-913d-
[email protected]>,
[email protected] says...
>
> On Monday, January 23, 2017 at 9:33:01 PM UTC-5, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> > On 1/23/2017 6:53 PM, John Grossbohlin wrote:
> > > wrote in message
> > > news:[email protected]...
> > >
> > > On Monday, January 23, 2017 at 4:43:26 PM UTC-6, [email protected]
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > >>> .. makes me wonder ..
> > >>> My small-town seniors club charges about $ 100. per year.
> > >>> John T.
> > >
> > >> You are comparing $40 per month, $480 per year, to $100 per year,
> > >> $8.33 per month. Different services provided for each choice.
> > >
> > > At $480 per year I could have been a member for 50 years and ended up
> > > spending about the same amount as I did to build my shop interior and
> > > buy the tools, benches, etc.... On that basis it could be a viable
> > > option for folks.
> >
> > The big difference, for $40 you get all the tools on day 1. I can see
> > it for people with no shop space or just to use some particular tool,
> > like wide belt sander that I cannot justify buying.
>
> I agree, sort of. Is $40/month too much to have that sander available on as-needed basis?
>
> I may contact the one I saw the ad for just to see if they allow "per-diem" membership. Can
> you join for a month, quit, then 6 months later join for a month again, quit, etc.? I would think
> that they would want a steady income stream, but if they already have enough members, maybe
> they allow walk-ins, for a fee.

The one here has a one-day membership for 20
bucks.

In article <5886ef2e$0$10671$c3e8da3
[email protected]>, Puckdropper
says...
>
> Ed Pawlowski <[email protected]> wrote in news:[email protected]:
>
> >
> > The big difference, for $40 you get all the tools on day 1. I can see
> > it for people with no shop space or just to use some particular tool,
> > like wide belt sander that I cannot justify buying.
>
> As I understand how most of them are set up, you don't get access to
> everything on day 1. You first have to prove you know the safety rules,
> which is the way things should be done.
>
> The ones near me all seemed to be open at awful times. Why does everyone
> want to do things on Model Train Club night?

The one here will give you 24 hour access for an
extra charge.


> Puckdropper

On 1/23/2017 2:19 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
> Just curious if anyone is familiar with Makerspace, either as a learner, a teacher or just a user.
>
> I came across this ad the other day. It sounds interesting if the equipment could be used on a
> "every now and then" basis (for a fee, of course) as opposed to having to pay a monthly
> fee. For example, I don't have a planer or jointer. I don't have room for a planer or jointer. If
> I could pay say $20 to use the equipment for an afternoon, that would be helpful, every now
> and then.
>
> *** Begin Included Text ***
>
> (Insert City Name Here) Makerspace is a non profit workshop for people who want to make things. We have a beautiful 4000 square foot workshop including table saw , band saw , planer , jointer , chop saw , CNC router , belt sander , dust collection , scroll saw , drill press , 3D printer , oscilloscope , stereo microscope , audio oscillator , power supply , fluke meter , weller soldering station , Arduino and Raspberry pi , laser cutter , internet controlled telepresence robot , stained glass and sewing equipment , and lots more. We attract folks who want to learn and others who want to share their skills and $40 per month gets you your own key to the place.
>
> *** End Included Text ***
>



IIRC I heard about this some years back, IIRC I saw it on a home
improvement channel.
You might check YouTube to see if there are any comments.

DerbyDad03 <[email protected]> was heard to mutter:

>Just curious if anyone is familiar with Makerspace, either as a learner, a teacher or just a user.
>
>I came across this ad the other day. It sounds interesting if the equipment could be used on a
>"every now and then" basis (for a fee, of course) as opposed to having to pay a monthly
>fee. For example, I don't have a planer or jointer. I don't have room for a planer or jointer. If
>I could pay say $20 to use the equipment for an afternoon, that would be helpful, every now
>and then.
>
>*** Begin Included Text ***
>
>(Insert City Name Here) Makerspace is a non profit workshop for people who want to make things. We have a beautiful 4000 square foot workshop including table saw , band saw , planer , jointer , chop saw , CNC router , belt sander , dust collection , scroll saw , drill press , 3D printer , oscilloscope , stereo microscope , audio oscillator , power supply , fluke meter , weller soldering station , Arduino and Raspberry pi , laser cutter , internet controlled telepresence robot , stained glass and sewing equipment , and lots more. We attract folks who want to learn and others who want to share their skills and $40 per month gets you your own key to the place.
>
>*** End Included Text ***


Been there done that a few times. Makerspace has been around for a
long time. We have a few Makerspace locations in our area. Great idea.
"Train your mind to test every thought, ideology, train of reasoning, and claim to truth."

On Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 12:03:18 AM UTC-5, Trenbidia wrote:
> On Mon, 23 Jan 2017 19:44:02 -0800, DerbyDad03 wrote:
>
> > On Monday, January 23, 2017 at 8:42:57 PM UTC-5, notbob wrote:
> >> On 2017-01-23, DerbyDad03 <[email protected]> wrote:
> >>
> >> > Just curious if anyone is familiar with Makerspace......
> >>
> >> "Makers" is now what the device vendors are calling what we usta call
> >> hobbyists or DIY'ers.
> >>
> >
> > What the heck are you babbling about?
> >
>
> He's telling you where the name came from. And he's correct. What's
> your problem?
>

He is not correct. The Maker Movement has nothing to do with vendors, sales tactics,
or age groups.

DIY stands for Do It Yourself. The Maker Movement is focused on Do It Together.
Collaboration and sharing of ideas is their mantra.

On Monday, January 23, 2017 at 4:43:26 PM UTC-6, [email protected] wrote:
> On Mon, 23 Jan 2017 12:19:17 -0800 (PST), DerbyDad03
> <[email protected]> wrote:
> >We attract folks who want to learn and others who want to share their skills
> >and $40 per month gets you your own key to the place.
>
> .. makes me wonder ..
> My small-town seniors club charges about $ 100. per year.
> John T.

You are comparing $40 per month, $480 per year, to $100 per year, $8.33 per month. Different services provided for each choice.

"Ed Pawlowski" wrote in message news:[email protected]...

>On 1/23/2017 6:53 PM, John Grossbohlin wrote:

>> At $480 per year I could have been a member for 50 years and ended up
>> spending about the same amount as I did to build my shop interior and
>> buy the tools, benches, etc.... On that basis it could be a viable
>> option for folks.

>The big difference, for $40 you get all the tools on day 1. I can see it
>for people with no shop space or just to use some particular tool, like
>wide belt sander that I cannot justify buying.

For those of us with experience and skill having all those tools on day 1
would be great. On the other hand, I can see it being overwhelming and
frustrating for those with little experience or skill... hopefully
management would keep it from being dangerous!

For the record, I cannot justify a wide belt sander either but having access
to one occasionally would be nice. ;~)

On 2017-01-23, DerbyDad03 <[email protected]> wrote:

> Just curious if anyone is familiar with Makerspace......

"Makers" is now what the device vendors are calling what we usta call
hobbyists or DIY'ers. It's jes a name change to get ppl to buy more
of all that stuff we've been buying, all along. Young ppl think it's
cool when someone calls 'em a "maker".

Kinda like cell phone vendors. You don't really need one, but all the
vendors will lead you to believe you cannot live without one. ;)

nb

On 2017-01-24, DerbyDad03 <[email protected]> wrote:

> Do you even know what is being "sold" at Makerspace?

Yes.

Basically, the same thing I still get fer free. I generally call them
"friends". They usually include tools AND experience. Since I doubt
you have many friends, I can understand why you may be ignorant of the
concept. ;)

nb

I had a two month membership with a local one here in the Bay Area (i.e. SF=
), probably the first one in the nation.=20

The way it works is like a gym membership, you sign up for a time period (d=
ay, month, year). The local one has specific times for you to use a piece o=
f equipment. If you want to use the tablesaw on Wednesday from 1-3, you hav=
e to check the calendar to see if it is open. You then reserve it and it's =
yours for that time.

Be aware, it is highly likely that the tools are not in "great" shape in th=
at they might have nicked blades, or dull ones. If someone was cutting cons=
truction lumber before you wanted to cut your precious walnut, don't expect=
a great cut.=20

I used the CNC machines (all Shopbot) - which was great. Everyone used thei=
r own drill bits, which helped to make sure that you are cutting with a fre=
sh tool. Also, prior to using the equipment, the Maker space makes you go t=
hrough a safety class. They have no way of knowing if you are familiar with=
the equipment or not. My membership gave me one free class, but I had to t=
ake another to actually use the CNC, as the first was in learning how to ma=
ke a file to drive the CNC.=20

These are great spaces and if you need a specific tool, like a CNC, perhaps=
something you should look into. Many places have tours you can sign up for=
and they will answer all the questions about use, etc. A member of our clu=
b, used the facility to make some great wall hangings and one an award at o=
ur annual show.=20

Oh, if your local Maker space is like the one I joined, it has other tools =
- like laser cutters, metal tools (drills, lathes, etc), water jets, plasm=
a cutters, etc. A million dollars goes into acquiring all the tools, etc. t=
o open a space like the one I joined. Others might not be so "rich".

Good luck

MJ

> Just curious if anyone is familiar with Makerspace, either as a learner, =
a teacher or just a user.
>=20
> I came across this ad the other day. It sounds interesting if the equipme=
nt could be used on a=20
> "every now and then" basis (for a fee, of course) as opposed to having to=
pay a monthly=20
> fee. For example, I don't have a planer or jointer. I don't have room for=
a planer or jointer. If
> I could pay say $20 to use the equipment for an afternoon, that would be =
helpful, every now=20
> and then.

On 1/23/2017 2:19 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
> Just curious if anyone is familiar with Makerspace, either as a learner, a teacher or just a user.

Checked into a local one here in Houston a couple of years back when I
was intrigued with the idea, and possibilities, of 3D printing for home
modeling/remodeling.

Reminded me, painfully, of the early days of homebrew computer clubs
back in the 70's ...

Good idea - mainly for access to hard to come by HARDWARE - but
frustrating in that they almost always end up being run by those with a
liberal, condescending mentality, typical of the urban, crowded rat
syndrome, environment in which they reside.

Good luck in finding a better one in your area ... IME, these things
generally end up frustrating/stifling for any talented, creative self
starter.

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://www.google.com/+eWoodShop
https://plus.google.com/+KarlCaillouet/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
https://www.facebook.com/eWoodShop-206166666122228
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

On Mon, 23 Jan 2017 19:49:49 -0800 (PST), DerbyDad03
<[email protected]> wrote:

>On Monday, January 23, 2017 at 9:33:01 PM UTC-5, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>> On 1/23/2017 6:53 PM, John Grossbohlin wrote:
>> > wrote in message
>> > news:[email protected]...
>> >
>> > On Monday, January 23, 2017 at 4:43:26 PM UTC-6, [email protected]
>> > wrote:
>> >
>> >>> .. makes me wonder ..
>> >>> My small-town seniors club charges about $ 100. per year.
>> >>> John T.
>> >
>> >> You are comparing $40 per month, $480 per year, to $100 per year,
>> >> $8.33 per month. Different services provided for each choice.
>> >
>> > At $480 per year I could have been a member for 50 years and ended up
>> > spending about the same amount as I did to build my shop interior and
>> > buy the tools, benches, etc.... On that basis it could be a viable
>> > option for folks.
>>
>> The big difference, for $40 you get all the tools on day 1. I can see
>> it for people with no shop space or just to use some particular tool,
>> like wide belt sander that I cannot justify buying.
>
>I agree, sort of. Is $40/month too much to have that sander available on as-needed basis?
>
>I may contact the one I saw the ad for just to see if they allow "per-diem" membership. Can
>you join for a month, quit, then 6 months later join for a month again, quit, etc.? I would think
>that they would want a steady income stream, but if they already have enough members, maybe
>they allow walk-ins, for a fee.

Does it include consumables? I'm sure the belts are rather expensive.
Who takes the nicks out of planer blades after someone who doesn't
know better (or care) shaves nails?

On Mon, 23 Jan 2017 12:19:17 -0800 (PST), DerbyDad03
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Just curious if anyone is familiar with Makerspace, either as a learner, a teacher or just a user.
>
>I came across this ad the other day. It sounds interesting if the equipment could be used on a
>"every now and then" basis (for a fee, of course) as opposed to having to pay a monthly
>fee. For example, I don't have a planer or jointer. I don't have room for a planer or jointer. If
>I could pay say $20 to use the equipment for an afternoon, that would be helpful, every now
>and then.
>
>*** Begin Included Text ***
>Makerspace is a non profit workshop for people who want to make things.
>We have a beautiful 4000 square foot workshop including table saw , band saw , planer , jointer ,
>chop saw , CNC router , belt sander , dust collection , scroll saw , drill press , 3D printer ,
>oscilloscope , stereo microscope , audio oscillator , power supply , fluke meter , weller soldering station
> Arduino and Raspberry pi , laser cutter , internet controlled telepresence robot ,
>stained glass and sewing equipment , and lots more.
>We attract folks who want to learn and others who want to share their skills
>and $40 per month gets you your own key to the place.
>*** End Included Text ***



.. makes me wonder ..
My small-town seniors club charges about $ 100. per year.
: no 3D printer < yet >
: no laser cutters < yet >
: no robots < unless cousin Earl is off his meds >
: no audio oscillators or stereo microscopes
:
I might be getting ripped-off !
How far do I have to drive to join the MaskerSpace people ?
... I'm in Punkydoodles Corners Ontario Canada.
John T.

wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

On Monday, January 23, 2017 at 4:43:26 PM UTC-6, [email protected] wrote:

>> .. makes me wonder ..
>> My small-town seniors club charges about $ 100. per year.
>> John T.

>You are comparing $40 per month, $480 per year, to $100 per year, $8.33 per
>month. Different services provided for each choice.

At $480 per year I could have been a member for 50 years and ended up
spending about the same amount as I did to build my shop interior and buy
the tools, benches, etc.... On that basis it could be a viable option for
folks.

On Mon, 23 Jan 2017 19:44:02 -0800, DerbyDad03 wrote:

> On Monday, January 23, 2017 at 8:42:57 PM UTC-5, notbob wrote:
>> On 2017-01-23, DerbyDad03 <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> > Just curious if anyone is familiar with Makerspace......
>>
>> "Makers" is now what the device vendors are calling what we usta call
>> hobbyists or DIY'ers.
>>
>
> What the heck are you babbling about?
>

He's telling you where the name came from. And he's correct. What's
your problem?


--
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

DerbyDad03 <[email protected]> wrote:
> Just curious if anyone is familiar with Makerspace, either as a learner, a teacher or just a user.
>
> I came across this ad the other day. It sounds interesting if the equipment could be used on a
> "every now and then" basis (for a fee, of course) as opposed to having to pay a monthly
> fee. For example, I don't have a planer or jointer. I don't have room for a planer or jointer. If
> I could pay say $20 to use the equipment for an afternoon, that would be helpful, every now
> and then.


>
> (Insert City Name Here) Makerspace is a non profit workshop for people who want to make things. We have a beautiful 4000 square foot workshop including table saw , band saw , planer , jointer , chop saw , CNC router , belt sander , dust collection , scroll saw , drill press , 3D printer , oscilloscope , stereo microscope , audio oscillator , power supply , fluke meter , weller soldering station , Arduino and Raspberry pi , laser cutter , internet controlled telepresence robot , stained glass and sewing equipment , and lots more. We attract folks who want to learn and others who want to share their skills and $40 per month gets you your own key to the place.
>


there's several of these around.... some open only to invitees, some have open nights....

Ed Pawlowski <[email protected]> wrote:
> On 1/23/2017 6:53 PM, John Grossbohlin wrote:
>> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>
>> On Monday, January 23, 2017 at 4:43:26 PM UTC-6, [email protected]
>> wrote:

> The big difference, for $40 you get all the tools on day 1. I can see
> it for people with no shop space or just to use some particular tool,
> like wide belt sander that I cannot justify buying.


exactly

J. Clarke wrote:
> In article <5886ef2e$0$10671$c3e8da3
> [email protected]>, Puckdropper
> says...
>> Ed Pawlowski <[email protected]> wrote in news:[email protected]:
>>
>>> The big difference, for $40 you get all the tools on day 1. I can see
>>> it for people with no shop space or just to use some particular tool,
>>> like wide belt sander that I cannot justify buying.
>> As I understand how most of them are set up, you don't get access to
>> everything on day 1. You first have to prove you know the safety rules,
>> which is the way things should be done.
>>
>> The ones near me all seemed to be open at awful times. Why does everyone
>> want to do things on Model Train Club night?
> The one here will give you 24 hour access for an
> extra charge.
>
>
>> Puckdropper

We have one that is a "fully-tooled garage" for working on your
car/vehicle yourself, having daily/hourly fees. I suppose you could
use their compressor for spraying! : )

On 1/23/2017 2:19 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
> Just curious if anyone is familiar with Makerspace, either as a learner, a teacher or just a user.
>
> I came across this ad the other day. It sounds interesting if the equipment could be used on a
> "every now and then" basis (for a fee, of course) as opposed to having to pay a monthly
> fee. For example, I don't have a planer or jointer. I don't have room for a planer or jointer. If
> I could pay say $20 to use the equipment for an afternoon, that would be helpful, every now
> and then.
>
> *** Begin Included Text ***
>
> (Insert City Name Here) Makerspace is a non profit workshop for people who want to make things. We have a beautiful 4000 square foot workshop including table saw , band saw , planer , jointer , chop saw , CNC router , belt sander , dust collection , scroll saw , drill press , 3D printer , oscilloscope , stereo microscope , audio oscillator , power supply , fluke meter , weller soldering station , Arduino and Raspberry pi , laser cutter , internet controlled telepresence robot , stained glass and sewing equipment , and lots more. We attract folks who want to learn and others who want to share their skills and $40 per month gets you your own key to the place.
>
> *** End Included Text ***

We have one here in Tulsa. It seems to be well supplied with
equipment that a lot of people don't have at home. It is
good for DIY projects. The one here in Tulsa also has a
Mini-Maker Faire every year. Any DIYer who wants to can
appear there and show off what they are doing. I showed my
DIY Book Scanner last year. The basic thing is that they
are encouraging people to learn how to design and build
what they would like to have, instead of waiting for
somebody else to do it for them.

Since I was showing I really didn't have time to look
around at what other people were showing, but they had
all kinds of things. Robotics, drones, wool spinning
(one man had a home made spinning wheel, that was a neat
wood working project), art cars, I don't know what all.
The public library had a booth showing off the fact that
they are providing support for DIYers. The main library
here even has an audio mixing suite.

Bill

On 1/23/2017 6:53 PM, John Grossbohlin wrote:
> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
> On Monday, January 23, 2017 at 4:43:26 PM UTC-6, [email protected]
> wrote:
>
>>> .. makes me wonder ..
>>> My small-town seniors club charges about $ 100. per year.
>>> John T.
>
>> You are comparing $40 per month, $480 per year, to $100 per year,
>> $8.33 per month. Different services provided for each choice.
>
> At $480 per year I could have been a member for 50 years and ended up
> spending about the same amount as I did to build my shop interior and
> buy the tools, benches, etc.... On that basis it could be a viable
> option for folks.

The big difference, for $40 you get all the tools on day 1. I can see
it for people with no shop space or just to use some particular tool,
like wide belt sander that I cannot justify buying.