Anybody utilize a Maker Space?

Just checking in to see how many of you have ever utilized a maker space. We've had access to our vocational center's machine shop for the past two years during their evening courses for apprentices.

It's against school policy to make "salable" items at the center, but we do a lot of R&D projects and make a lot of our own specialty tools and gadgets that aren't available in any of the supplier catalogs (I'm presently considering at least one patent submission in the near future).

Some projects rarely see the light of day, while others have had significant impact on our business direction and competitive advantage.

It's a fun way to get beyond our own four walls and create.


JB

 

It's better! Think of it as Disneyland and Wonka's Factory all rolled into one entity, yet fueled by your own creativity. Originally appealing to "nerds", they've come into their own by offering the hands-on creative experiences that most of us over 50 years old remember getting from shop, art and handicraft classes in school.

Over the past thirty years, schools have literally disemboweled themselves of traditional trades programs in favor of the high-tech glitz and glamour that attracts kids (along with plenty of tax-payer dollars).

There definitely a seems to be a void in our American society today for people who actually create things. Here's something that just started a while ago near me that gets kids excited at a fairly early age:



https://www.shoprat.org/








And when you get the time: