In Brief
The Makerspace is a Suffolk based group of like-minded makers who get together to learn, build and experiment with a huge variety of technology – modern hardware, traditional craftworks, and everything in between.
We are based in Dove Street, and have set up shop in grand fashion. We have all the tools you could want for almost any project, spread through several work areas for various types of crafts; a few highlights include the comprehensive soldering stations, a laser cutting bay, and a fully equipped workshop. The workshop includes everything from a table saw and router table, to pillar drills and bench sanders. Our gadgetry includes a CNC machine, an array of 3D printers, the laser cutter, computers to drive them, and an almost-sentient security system to watch over it all.
Member interests encompass the usual suspects of programming, robotics, and electronics, but also range through classic woodworking, costumes and props, models and sculpture, chainmail, leatherwork, sewing, papercraft and even jewellery. If you want to make something, you’re in the right place.
We have regular meetings and new members are always welcome. Take a look at our Makerspace events to find out what’s coming up, our membership page for details of how to get more involved, or get in contact via Facebook or our website. More detailed information on our facilities can be found on our Wiki.
Less Brief
Our aim is to share knowledge, show off our skills and inspire each other to new heights of inventiveness. There’s never been a better time to be interested in technology due to the amazing array of tiny devices that can be hooked together to do amazing things. In fact, over the last few years a global movement of hackers, makers and fixers have sprung up doing extraordinary things with technology.
Everyone has heard of 3D printers by now, but modern makers also have access to low cost CNC machines and laser cutters. Machines that used to be for specialist industries only have found their way into garages, sheds and spare rooms all over the world. This comes at a time when there’s a drive to recycle, upcycle, repurpose, reuse and repair; anything to avoid landfill.
The final thread is the open source movement where not only software developers but hardware developers too have thrown open their efforts to be duplicated and modified in a continuous cycle of innovation and improvement. This is where makerspaces and hackspaces live, places to fix the unfixable and build the unlikely, a place to learn skills and share skills.
If you’re not in range of our makerspace, there’s bound to be one near you. Have a look at the Hackspace.org