Makerspace has various dictionary definitions such as “a collaborative workshop that supplies equipment and technology, as 3D printers, soldering tools, industrial sewing machines, etc., for creative projects” according to dictionary.com, or my favourite “A makerspace is a room that contains tools and components, allowing people to enter with an idea and leave with a complete project. The best part is that makerspaces are communal. The goal is to work together to learn, collaborate, and share” from weareteachers.com. I asked some members “What does a Makerspace mean to you” and this is the first reply from John O.

Creating new things: Since joining Maindee Makers, I have created the following:

A radio-controlled hovercraft, made out of an inverted mushroom punnet and various other recycled items; this was shown at the 2019 Maindee Festival;

A 6ft tall sculpture of a sunflower, for last year’s Maindee Festival, which was largely a virtual affair. The sculpture was exhibited in Maindee Library window;

Two harmonica amplifiers, for use by a friend for pub gigs etc.

A Theremin; (that’s a musical instrument played by waving your hand near it!)

All these items had a fair amount of recycled elements, combined with some new parts.

Learning by repairing: I think this is an excellent entrée into the creation of new original items. You get to know how the commercial boys make things-what they focus on- and also what they deem unimportant. These factors are very different from those in learned theoretical text-books!

So, right now, I am repairing a Tascam 488 combined Analog mixing desk/8 track cassette recorder, for musician in Bristol. There is still a great deal of fondness for, and hence value in, such “obsolete” products by musicians. They can be saved from landfill by some fairly simple work.

Thanks John, what does everyone else think?