Have you ever wanted to expand your technological horizons beyond the computer into a more hands-on skill or trade such as 3D printing or wood working?
While we offer computer courses on Tuesday and Thursday, Wednesdays are devoted to our workshop program called the MakerSpace, where you can learn different ways to create, model, form or carve out your projects with our staff’s help.
Since 2012, Jules Marcu has helped establish the MakerSpace as a location to learn, experiment and design projects.
“I hope for people to come in [to Oak Hill Collaborative’s MakerSpace],” Marcu said. “Most of my experiences have been in the CNC world — and that involves 3D printing, the CNC machine, laser cutters and all that type of stuff, so I try to help everybody out who’s having difficulties with those things.”
The MakerSpace houses four 3D printers, including one resin printer. The machines are used to design and create objects that students, or instructors like Marcu, might want or need.
Marcu and other Makers who come in to aid on Wednesday’s have taken up a variety of different projects over the years ranging from lithophanes, dragons and vases, to structural parts needed to complete projects at home that might not be available for purchase.
“As far as my 3D printing goes, 99.9% of the stuff that I print are parts,” Marcu said. “My wife, she dropped [her hair dryer] on the floor one day and when she showed it to me, she said ‘I don’t know what happened, but it sure is making a lot of noise.’ I took it apart and found the motor module was broken. There was enough material for me to measure things out and I modeled two new motor mounts and 3D printed them and 45 minutes later, I added it back together … she’s been using it ever since.”
Lithophanes however have been a popular commodity amongst students and staff recently. The thin plastic-like portraits can be held up to any light source to reveal a picture.
One student has been 3D printing old photos of friends and pets to have as keepsakes, while another popular design to come from our MakerSpace has been lighthouses.
“The same reason I come every week is because I want to learn these things, I want to pursue 3D printing,” one of our students said. “But, I need to know how to use the equipment so I don’t throw away money buying the wrong equipment, and so I know how to maintain [the printers].”
The MakerSpace also offers a CNC machine for woodworking with precision. Similar to 3D printers, the motorized machine is maneuverable through computer inputs.
Directions and commands are inputted into the computer hooked up to the machine and it will begin carving out designs as directed by the computer per each project into a variety of materials, commonly wood.
Marcu has previously used the CNC device to crave out large Christmas ornaments to be placed on doors for the holidays.
The MakerSpace opens at 5 p.m. every Wednesday, and for updates make sure to visit our website at oakhillcollaborative.org for schedule changes.
