Davis Makerspace

The Davis Makerspace is a planned hackerspace/makerspace (lab) in Davis. It grew out of the Davis Community Workshop organizing effort. It is part of the Davis Area Maker Network, a regional resource network of hobbiest fabricators. It will be an IRS 501(c) organization. Their email address is davis-community-workshop@googlegroups.com and their website is http://www.davismakerspace.org/.

Generally, the space would be an open community lab incorporating elements of a machine shop, workshop, and studio, where people can come together to share resources and knowledge to make things. It is an "omnishop/polyshop" or "mall of shops". Others have compared makerspaces with public libraries, as a place the public can go for knowledge and resources.

The plan is for it to be funded through memberships and classes. Sponsorship and grants too, if available.

A 2008 Davis attempt ("The Computer Orphanage") at creating a more limited hackerspace for electronics and computers flopped.

Part of the culture of this planned hackerspace is 0) Consensus decision making, 1) Prefer FOSS (free and open-source software), 2) Reuse recycled/discarded materials, 3) Building is better than buying.

As of 2012-08-22, a building has not been finalized, however work is ongoing. Planning meetings are the first and third Mondays of each month, 7:00PM, at Bike Forth.

Note: The terms "Hacker", "tinkerer", "maker", "builder", "fabricator", "inventor", "creator" can be used interchangeably here.

What differentiates the Davis Makerspace from other shops such as the Craft Center, Bike Forth, Davis Art Center, schools and companies?
1. Access to cutting-edge technology (CNC mill, 3-D printers,...) which other spaces do not have.
2. Access to expertise/a social network of fabricators. Build a culture of learning, experimentation, collaboration, helping others.
3. More accessible/less exclusive than schools or companies. Don't have to be a student or work at the company. (Though one gets access through membership). Newer, so less red tape and regulations. More affordable.

The world moves quickly now -people realize their youthful education no longer suffices and they need ongoing education/skill building.
The U.S. has lost its manufacturing base, thus people no longer have access to tools through their work.
Established places tend to move slowly and not have the latest tools -it's a CNC world now.
More tools exist now, and they are easier to use (a 3-D printer vs. making the part by hand).
People have knowledge now though places such as Instructables, YouTube, and see what others have done (Make Magazine/Maker Faire) and want to do it themselves.
People desire an integrated resource rather than having to go to different places and different organizations.
Other reasons?

Electronics shop: Oscilloscope, meter, signal generator, soldering iron, Arduino-type microcontroller boards, spectrum analyzer, component stock,...

Metal shop: CNC vertical bed mill, sheet metal sheer, brake (bender), grinding wheel, band saw, welder, plasma cutter, powder-coat paint hood,...

Wood shop: CNC gantry mill, CNC laser cutter, wood lathe, table saw, belt sander, glues, paints, stains,...

Plastic shop: 3-D printer, vacuum former, injection molder, plastic strip heater, wire cutter, Dremel-type rotary tool,...

Textile shop: CNC embroidery sewing machine, glue gun,...

Ceramics shop: Kiln, ceramic/rock/glass cutter, blast cabinet,...

Glass shop: Glass kiln, annealing lehr, torches,...

Optics shop: Microscope, optic table, lasers, mirrors,...

Computer shop: Internet access, wi-fi, servers, large monitors, Blu-ray burner, high-end applications (CAD, etc.), 3-D scanner, laser printer, color ink-jet printer,...

Art shop: CNC tools for painting, sculpting/modeling, paints, plaster, concrete,...

Cook/food shop (kitchen): Stove, oven, refrigerator, frozen yogurt/smoothie maker, blender, pots & pans, pantry...

Information shop (library): How-to books, service manuals, scanner,...

Casting shop (foundry): TBD

The next level up includes automobiles (i.e. auto-shop), bicycles, robotics, lighting, sound, etc.

In summary: Space, tools (machines, software), materials (scrap wood, metal, electronics), supplies (glue, paint, wire), expertise (people, manuals).

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