The logical first question is “What is a Makerspace?”. It is kind of a complex question because it is a place and a community. Each Makerspace is different, as each community and the needs of that community are different.

First off, a Makerspace (sometimes called a Hackerspace https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hackerspace) is like a gym for people who like to make things of all sorts. Some Makerspaces have automotive garages, some have electronics workspaces, and many have high tech equipment like 3D Printers, CNC machines, and Lasers. Almost all host classes and other educational endeavors.

The one I’m a member of is a little unique as it is housed in my towns Middle School. It started nearly 8 years ago when the principal at the time noticed that his woodshop was falling into disrepair. The school hadn’t had a woodshop class in several years and now with the state of the shop couldn’t add one back without considerable costs. The idea come to him that if he let the community use the space, then we might just fix it up for him.

The principal and shop teacher decided to host a class at the new Makerspace, and 8 of us attended. Things went exactly as planned, we saw the state of the shop, agreed that it would be great to fix it and use it, and formed a team to do it.

We gathered donations from the local businesses. We fixed the tools, we purchased new equipment, and expanded the shop. We toiled for months creating an access system, training plans, sorting out how to charge for memberships, and working with the school and town recreation department, we got it all done and starting welcoming members.

The end result is a huge win for the school. The kids have access to a complete wood and metal shop, 3D printers, CNC woodworking, laser cutting/engraving, and welding classes. All the equipment is maintained by the Makerspace, which helps keep the costs down for the school. The shop space is filled with community members doing their projects in the evening after the kids go home.

You can learn more about our space here: https://amherstmakerspace.com/