Anybody visit one of these "makerspace concept" stores?

[OldEastRR]

I was reading about one and they have 3D printers, laser cutters, industrial sewing machine --- not sure if they've got one of those craft cutters you guys use to cut cardstock. A place where you can go get a 3D item printed out? Laser-cut wood kits? There is a membership fee but for use of a 3D printer and a laser-cutter that's a great deal for the scratchbuilder who can't afford a full-service miniature machine shop. Have any of you guys seen or been to one of these things, and how much trouble is it to make up a file for a 3D printer?

[GimpLizard]

I've never been to one of these places. But it sounds interesting. I'll have to see if there's one around here.

As for 3D print files, all you need is 3D CAD software. (There are some decent free to low-cost programs out there; Sketchup, TurboCAD, DesignCAD 3D, to name just a few). Create a CAD model of the part(s) you want, then convert it into an STL file. That's what the printers use. (So make sure the CAD software you use can export STL.)

[sizemore]

Maker Spaces are cool. We have one at the lab here, with all the toys and even some high end stuff. The problem is now that I have access to it, I dont have the time!

The S.

[railnerd]

TechShop (http://techshop.ws) here in Norcal (and elsewhere) is pretty neat…  downside is that the equipment often booked and/or has limited time windows— and it isn't cheap.

Having to book 2 hour chunks of time, spaced days apart to get at a well worn laser cutter really slows down the experimentation/learning.

-Dave

[RRRover]

There are several in Wisconsin and each have a variety of tools. The one I'm contemplating has several lasers, 3-d printers, full wood, metal, jewelry and electronics shops. Here's a link to WI makerspaces:

http://rasterweb.net/raster/2011/11/04/wisconsin-hackerspaces-makerspaces/

[OldEastRR]

So these places are pretty neat, then. One is opening up in my rather small town so I should go check it out. I'm interested in making wooden structures mostly houses from the mid-19th century New england and doing it with a laser-cutter would be great. Maybe see if anybody wants kits of these.

[railnerd]

and in Munich, a model railroad club became a hackerspace:

http://hackaday.com/2014/11/17/because-you-cant-go-to-germany-without-seeing-model-trains/

[Chris333]

With access to many different places online I don't see how the machines being local really helps much.

[peteski]

With access to many different places online I don't see how the machines being local really helps much.

Just like owning an Alps printer allows me to print decals right in my workshop, having a way to 3D print or laser-cut parts locally would be very convenient. No shipping charges, no waiting.

[railnerd]

With access to many different places online I don't see how the machines being local really helps much.

I can see how having my own small laser cutter sitting at home would be preferable. My personal experience with using the laser cutter at TechShop is that you really hit your stride on figuring ***** out just as you have to give up the machine to the next person in line.

Once you have the CAD dialed in, sending a job off for fabrication is good, and checking into a hacker space for short production runs is awesome.

-Dave

[Chris333]

Well having my own laser would be different than driving 10 miles to use one 

[GimpLizard]

Well having my own laser would be different than driving 10 miles to use one 

There's a 40 watt machine, with a 300mm x 200mm (roughly 11" x 8") work area, at the 'bay for $500. http://www.ebay.com/itm/High-Precise-40W-CO2-Laser-Engraving-Cutting-Machine-Engraver-Cutter-USB-Port-CE-/151438439679?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23426f34ff

[Chris333]

There's a 40 watt machine, with a 300mm x 200mm (roughly 11" x 8") work area, at the 'bay for $500. http://www.ebay.com/itm/High-Precise-40W-CO2-Laser-Engraving-Cutting-Machine-Engraver-Cutter-USB-Port-CE-/151438439679?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23426f34ff

Is that one of them you have to cool with a bucket of ice water?