MakerspaceinSlocan

ReporttoCommunity

PreparedforW.E.GrahambyTysonCormackandRosaMcGreal

AllovertheworldpeopleworkinginArts,Music,Technology,andFabricationarecomingtogetherto
createsharedworkshops.Thereisagrowingethosaroundcommunityaccessandeconomic
developmentintheseareas.

Itiseasyforpeopletocreate,produce,andprofitwhentoolsandspacearereadilyavailable.Thatisas
truefortheonceidleteenagernowengagedintrainingorartisticexpressionasitisfortheentrepreneur
whosebusinessbenefitsfromloweroverhead,andthenetworkingthatisinherentinacoworking
environment.

TheSlocanValley,foralongtime,hasbeenacommunitythathasfosteredcreativity,arts,and
fabrication.Partofbuildinganewsustainablefutureforthevalleycouldbecreatingcoworkingspaces
andtools.Therearemanyexampleslocally,nationally,andinternationallythathavebeensuccessful.We
canlooktotheseprojectsasawayforwardforourcommunities.

WhatIsaMakerspace/Hackerspace?

Makerspacesarecommunityorientedphysicalplaces,wherepeoplewithsimilarinterestscanmeetto
socialize,collaborate,share,andworkonprojects.Theyoftenincludeelementsofmachineshops,
woodworkingshops,andartstudioswherecreativemindscangettogethertoshareresources,tools,
andknowledgetobuildnewthings.MembersusuallyembodyaspectsoftheDIYethicandthespaces
andmemberstogetherarepartofthelargerDIYMovement.Wikipedia'sdefinition:"Amakerspaceor
hackerspace(alsoreferredtoasahacklab,fablaborcreativespace)isalocationwherepeoplewith
commoninterests,oftenincomputers,technology,science,ordigitalorelectronicart(butalsoinmany
otherrealms)canmeet,socializeand/orcollaborate.Hackerspacescanbeviewedasopencommunity
labsincorporatingelementsofmachineshops,workshopsand/orstudioswherehackerscancome
togethertoshareresourcesandknowledgetobuildandmakethings.
(Source:Whatisamakerspaceanyway?SouthCoastInnovatorLabsFebruary12,2011.Web.July
15,2014)

Amakerspaceconsistsofcommunitybasedresourcesinarts,music,tech,andfabricationallowingfor
trainingtooccur,aswellasenablinghobbyists,entrepreneurs,andprofessionalstopracticetheircraft.

NOTE:Muchofthefollowinginformationhasbeencopied,orbuiltuponfromtheofficialMakerspace
PlaybookSchoolEdition2013,byMakerMediaunderanAttributionNoncommercialShareAlike
CreativeCommonslicense(CCBYNCSA.)

Hackerspacescanbeviewedasopencommunitylabsincorporatingelementsofmachineshops,
workshopsand/orstudioswherehackerscancometogethertoshareresourcesandknowledgetobuild
andmakethings.
[2]

ManyhackerspacessupportfreesoftwareManyhackerspacesparticipateintheuseanddevelopmentof
freesoftware,openhardware,andalternativemedia.Theyareoftenphysicallylocatedininfoshops,
socialcenters,adulteducationcenters,publicschools,oronuniversitycampuses,butmayrelocateto
industrialorwarehousespacewhentheyneedmoreroom.Hackerspaceswithopenmembership
becamecommoninGermanyinthe90sintheorbitoftheGermanChaosComputerClub,withthe
Cbasebeingprobablythemostimpressiveexample.Theconcept,however,waslimitedtolessthana
dozenspaceswithinGermany,anddidnotspreadbeyondbordersatfirst.Mostlikelythiswasbecause
initialfoundingcostswereprohibitiveforsmallgroupswithoutthesupportofalargeorganizationlikethe
CCC.

In2006,PaulBohmcameupwithafundraisingstrategybasedontheStreetPerformerProtocoltobuild
MetalabinVienna,Austria,andbecameitsfoundingdirector.Heandothersstartedthe
Hackerspaces.orgcommunityin2007whichmaintainsalistofmanyhackerspaces,anddocuments
patternsonhowtostartandrunthem.Asof2012,thereareanestimated700to1,100active
hackerspacesallovertheworldandthenumbersaregrowing.
MostrecentlytheadventofcrowdfundingandKickstarterhaveputthetoolsrequiredtobuild
hackerspaceswithinreachofanevenwideraudience.Rightnowthosetoolsareforexampleusedby
BilalGhalib,whohadpreviouslyworkedonaHackerspacedocumentary,andotherstobringthe
hackerspaceconcepttotheMiddleEast.
[3]

Functions
Thespecificactivitiesthattakeplaceathackerspacesvaryfromplacetoplace.Ingeneral,
hackerspacesfunctionascentersforpeerlearningandknowledgesharing,intheformofworkshops,
presentations,andlectures.Theyusuallyalsooffersocialactivitiesfortheirmembers,suchasgame
nightsandparties.Theytypicallyprovidespaceformemberstoworkontheirindividualprojects,orto
collaborateongroupprojectswithothermembers.Hackerspacesmayalsooperatecomputertool
lendinglibraries,
[4]
orphysicaltoollendinglibraries.

Thebuildingorfacilitythehackerspaceoccupiesisimportant,becauseitprovidesphysicalinfrastructure
thatmembersneedtocompletetheirprojects.Inadditiontospace,mosthackerspacesprovide
electricalpower,computerserversandnetworkingwithInternetconnectivity.Wellequipped
hackerspacesmayprovidemachinetools,audioequipment,videoprojectors,gameconsoles,electronic
instrumentation(suchasoscilloscopesandsignalgenerators),electroniccomponentsandrawmaterials
forhacking,andvariousothertoolsforelectronicsfabricationandbuildingthings.
[5]
Somehackerspaces
providefoodstorageandfoodpreparationequipment,andmayteachcoursesinbasicoradvanced
cooking.Toolsandmaterialforsewing,craft,andartarealsoimportantatmanyhackerspaces.

MostrecentstudiesofhackerspaceinChinawhereinternetisheavilycensoredsuggestthatnew
businessesandorganizedtechconferencesthereservetointerveneinthestatusquo"fromwithin".The
firsthackerspaceopenedinShanghaiin2010.Thereafter,anetworkofhackerspacesemerged,
nourishinganemergingmakerculture.Bydesigningopentechnologiesanddevelopingnewbusinesses,

3
Chinesemakersmakeuseofthesystem,makefunofit,alteringitandprovokingit.DIYmakersoften
bringandaligncontradictoryideastogether,suchascopycatandopensource,manufacturingandDIY,
individualempowermentandcollectivechange.Indoingso,theycraftasubjectpositionbeyondthe
commonrhetoricthatChinesecitizenslackcreativity.Asasiteofindividualempowerment,hackerspace
andDIYmakingenablepeopletoremaketheverysocietal
normsandmaterialinfrastructuresthatundergirdtheirworkandlivelihood.
[6]

Organization
Theindividualcharacterofahackerspaceisdeterminedbyitsmembers.Manyhackerspacesare
governedbyelectedboardsselectedbyactivemembersingoodstanding.Electedofficersmayserve
predeterminedterms,andhelpdirectdecisionmakingwithregardstopurchasingnewequipment,
recruitingnewmembers,formulatingpolicy,conformingtosafetyrequirements,andotheradministrative
issues.
Membershipfeesareusuallythemainincomeofahackerspace,butsomealsoacceptexternal
sponsors.SomehackerspacesintheUShave501(c)3status(ortheequivalentintheirjurisdiction),
whileothershavechosentoforgotaxexemptstatus.
[7]
Universityaffiliatedhackerspacesoftendonot
chargeanexplicitfee,butaregenerallylimitedtostudents,staff,oralumni,althoughguestsfromother
hackerspacesareusuallywelcometovisit.Somehackerspacesacceptvolunteerlaborinlieuof
membershipfees,especiallyfromfinanciallylimitedparticipants.Inaddition,somehackerspacesearn
incomefromsponsoringandstaffinghightechfleamarkets,wheremembersofthegeneralpublicmay
buyandsellnewandusedequipmentandsupplies.
Thereisaloose,informaltraditionatmanyhackerspacesofwelcomingvisitorsfromothersimilar
organizations,whetheracrosstownorinternationally.Freeexchangeofideas,skills,andknowledgeare
encouraged,especiallyatperiodicgatheringssometimescalledbuildnightsoropenhousedays.
Ethics
Hackerspacesarewidelydefinedonhackerspaces.orgascommunityoperatedphysicalplaces,where
peoplecanmeetandworkontheirprojects.Theexactfunctioningofthespacevariesfromplaceto
placeandisdeterminedbyitsmembersandwhilethereisnoblueprintorsetofguidelinestocreatea
hackerspace,theygenerallyfollowahackerethic,
[8]
whichincludefreedom,inthesenseofautonomy
aswellasoffreeaccessandcirculationofinformationdistrustofauthority,thatis,opposingthe
traditional,industrialtopdownstyleoforganizationembracingtheconceptoflearningbydoingand
peertopeerlearningprocessesasopposedtoformalmodesoflearningsharing,solidarityand
cooperation.
[9]

Difficulties
In2009therewasadebateaboutinclusionismandexclusionismwithinthehackerspacescommunity,
JohannesGrenzfurthnerandFrankApunktSchneiderreleasedacriticalpamphletaboutthisstruggle.
[10]

Thediscussionisstillongoing.

Hackerspacescanrunintodifficultieswithbuildingcodesorotherplanningregulations,whichmaynotbe
designedtohandletheirscopeofactivities.AnewhackerspaceinNashua,NewHampshire,for
example,wasshutdownbythecityforafteraninspectionin2011.Themainissueswereventingofheat
andfumes.Itreopenedafterworkwasdonetothebuilding.
[11]
ThedifficultieswithopeningHackerSpacesandMakerSpaceswithinnonprofitorganizations,suchas
schoolsandpubliclibrariesincludecost,space,liability,andavailabilityofpersonnel.
[12]
NotableHackerspaces
Adirectoryismaintainedatthehackerspaces.org
[13]
wiki.Forsomeothernotableexamples,see
Category:Hackerspace.
Overtheyearsmanyhackerspaceshavegrownsignificantlyinmembership,operationalbudgets,and
localmediaattention.Manyhavealsohelpedestablishotherhackerspacesinnearbylocations.
cbase(1995)fromBerlinisrecognizedasoneofthefirstindependent,standalone
hackerspacesintheworld,notaffiliatedwithaschool,university,orcompany.Wiredwritesthat
"Europeangroups,particularlyinGermany,havealongtraditionofthiskindofactivity".
[14]
Another
knownGermanhackerspaceisRaumZeitLabor,organizerofTrollcon.
[15]
Metalab,foundedin2006,isgenerallyconsideredtohavepioneeredthefundingprinciplesthat
enabledrapidspreadoftheconcept.
[16]
TechShopisthefirstchainofcommercialhackerspaces.ItwaslaunchedinOctober2006.Asof
October2012,thereweresixTechShoplocationsintheUS:threeinCaliforniaandoneeachin
NorthCarolina,Michigan,andTexas,thelastapartnershipwiththeLowe'shomeimprovement
chain.
Men'sShedsnowhasovera1000activespacesinAustralia,Scotland,England,Ireland,Finland
andGreece.
[17]
Insteadofseeingthemselvesas"Hackers"theydescribethemselvesas
"sheders"and"sheding".TheMen'sShedsmovementismanywaysparallel"Hackerspaces"in
theiraims,albeitwhilstopentoanyoneregardlessofageorgender,theytendtoadvertise
themselvesas"Meninsheds".InsomewaystheycanbeseenastheflipsideofWorkingmen's
club'sastheytheircommunityisdrawnfromasimilaragegroupandtheiroriginalaimsare
similar:providerecreationandeducationforworkingclassmenandtheirfamilies.
InAugust2007,agroupofNorthAmericanhackersvisitedEurope"togetasenseforthe
potentialofEuropean'hackerspaces'",andupontheirreturn,thegroupsNYCResistorand
HacDCweresetupinlate2007,withNoisebridgefollowinginfall2008.
[14][18]

5
TokyoHackerSpacewasinitiatedin2009.
[19]
Safecast.org(aglobalopendatanetworkfor
ionizingradiationmonitoring)wasformedaroundprototypingeffortstherefollowingthe
FukushimaDaiichinucleardisaster.
[20]
ThefirsthackerspaceXinchejianwasestablishedinShanghaiinthefallof2010.Thereafter
hackerspaceshavegrowninnumerouscitiesincludingBeijing,Shenzhen,Ningbo,Hangzhouand
Guangzhou.ChinesemakersbecameinternationallyvisiblewhenthefirstMakerCarnivalwas
hostedinBeijingin2012.
[21]
MakerSpaceshavealsobeguntoenterintopublicschoolsintheUS.Thefirsthighschooltoopen
atrueMakerSpacewasinSebastopol,California,
[citationneeded]
andnowevenmiddleschoolsare
startingtofollowthetrend.WhiteHillMiddleschoolinFairfax,Californiahasnowopeneduptheir
ownMakerSpacewithaclasscalled"MakersandHackers".
[22]
Thefirstpubliclibrarytoopena
MakerSpaceistheFayettevilleFreeLibraryandislocatedinNewYorkState.
[23]

(Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HackerspaceWeb.Aug13,2014)

Coworking

FromWikipedia,thefreeencyclopedia

CoworkingspaceinBerlin
Coworkingisastyleofworkthatinvolvesasharedworkingenvironment,oftenanoffice,and
independentactivity.Unlikeinatypicalofficeenvironment,thosecoworkingareusuallynotemployedby
thesameorganization.
[1]
Typicallyitisattractivetoworkathomeprofessionals,independentcontractors,
orpeoplewhotravelfrequentlywhoendupworkinginrelativeisolation.
[2]
Coworkingisalsothesocial
gatheringofagroupofpeoplewhoarestillworkingindependently,butwhosharevalues,
[3]
andwhoare
interestedinthesynergythatcanhappenfromworkingwithlikemindedtalentedpeopleinthesame
space.
[4][5]

6
Coworkingoffersasolutiontotheproblemofisolationthatmanyfreelancersexperiencewhileworkingat
home,whileatthesametimelettingthemescapethedistractionsofhome.
[6][7]
Coworkingisnotonlyaboutthephysicalspace,butaboutestablishingthecoworkingcommunityfirst.Its
benefitscanalreadybeexperiencedoutsideofitsspaces,anditisrecommendedtostartwithbuildinga
coworkingcommunityfirstbeforeconsideringopeningaCoworkingspace.
[8]
However,somecoworking
spacesdon'tbuildacommunity:theyjustgetapartofanexistingonebycombiningtheiropeningwithan
eventwhichattractstheirtargetgroup.
[9]
Alotofcoworkingcommunitiesareformedbyorganizingcasualcoworkingevents(e.g."Jellies"
[10][11]
)
thatcantakeplaceinprivatelivingroomsorinpublicplacessuchassuitablecafs,galleriesor
multifunctionalspaces.DuringtheseeventsCoworkerscanexperiencethebenefitsofCoworkingand
gettoknoweachother,whichlowersthebarrierstojoinaspacelater.
[12]

(Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CoworkingWeb.Aug15,2014)

ThetermsMakerandHackerspacesareusedbysomeinterchangeably,whileothersseeadistinction
betweenthetwobasedmostlyonthefocus,thatbeingcomputerandtechbasedormorefabrication
focused.VeryoftenwhatiscalledacoworkingspacewillhaveaspectsofbothHackerandMaker
spaces.ForthepurposesofthisdocumentwewilluseMakerspace,referringtoanycoworkingspace
wherepeoplecreate.

WhyCreateaMakerspace?

TherearemanyreasonsthatacommunitywouldwanttostartamakerspaceorspacesaroundArts,
Music,Tech,andFabrication:youthengagement,retraining,businessincubation,andbroader
communityeconomicdevelopment.Astheworkworldcontinuestobecomemorecollaborative,
decentralized,anddemocratized,itisincumbentuponcommunitiestocreatethekindofcoworking
spacesthatallowforthesechangestotakeeffectintheirtown,city,orregion.TheVillageofSlocan,with
therecentshutdownofthemill,andtheSlocanValleywritlarge,muststaycurrentwiththetimesinorder
toensureaprosperousfutureforcitizens,business,andcommunity.MakerSpaces,andprojectssimilar
toit,provideamultitudeofopportunitiesforgrowthandresiliency.

Whenlookingatspacelikethisintheframeofyouthandeducation,thereasonswhyareverycompelling.
Teachingyoungpeopleawiderangeofappliedtechnology,fabrication,arts,andmusicwillprovidethem
withthetransferableskillstheyneedtobeactiveparticipantsinamoderntechnologicallydriven
economy.

Averyimportantaspectofmakerspaces,sharedstudios,andcoworkingspaces,isthechancetomeet
andnetworkwithothersinyourfield,relatedfields,orareasofinterest.Whenentrepreneurs,contract

7
workers,hobbyists,artists,andmakerscanworkinacommonspaceinsteadofinhomeofficesor
coffeeshops,theyoftenfindthattheirworkisimprovedthroughthenaturalnetworkinganddevelopment
thatisofferedinsharedspace.Themakerspaceorthecoworkingstudioispartofthefutureofwork.

TheVillageofSlocanandallofthecommunitiesinthevalleywishtobeaplacethatattractspeopleto
liveandstay.Creatingstrongsocialtoolsforbusinessandindividualsuccessiskeyinretainingand
attractingpeoplethatcancontributetothesustaineddevelopmentoftheeconomicandsocialsuccess
oftheregion.

HowtoCreateAMakerspace
Howonecreatesamakerspaceisalmostinfinitelyflexible,howevertherearesomefundamentalbasics
toconsiderwhencreatingasuccessfulspace.

1)ChoosingaSpace
Repurposinganexistingbutunderusedorforgottenspaceinyourcommunityisanexcellentwaytoutilize
whatisalreadyavailable.Buildingconnectionswithlocalgroupssuchasschoolsororganizations
operatingwithinthecitycanbeasimplealternativetocreatingabuildingorspacefromscratch.Some
examplesofprimepreexistinglocationsinclude:
Withinschoolsthecomputerlab,thelibrary,underusedclassrooms
Elsewhereinthecommunitycommunitycentres,artgalleries,museums,nationallyorganizedgroups
withlocalchapters(GirlGuides,BoyScouts,4H,etc)

2)EnsuringTheChosenSpaceisaSafeEnvironment
Thelargeraspace,themorepeopleittakestoruniteffectivelyandsafely.Veryquicklyitbecomes
necessarytohavesomeorganizingprinciplestohelpkeepthespaceasafeandpositiveplacetowork
andlearn(8)
Organizationiskey!
Organizethespacesothatitallowsforclearpathwaystoexitsandsafetyequipment
Organizeworkspacesandstationssothattheyarealwaystidyandclearofanydebris
Organizeworkspacesandstationssothattheyarespaciousandmakerscanmovefreelywithout
endangeringthemselvesorothers

PromoteaCultureofSafety
Beforeanymakeroperatesinthespace,thebuildingshouldbeinspectedtoensurethateverythingis
uptocode
Createorborrowalistofmakerspacerulestobestrictlyenforced

8
Makeitmandatorythateveryoneistrainedtouseeachpieceofequipment,aswellasbeingclearly
awareofsafetyprecautionsandrisksassociatedwithusingeachpieceofequipment
Makeitmandatorythateveryonewhoisinthespaceiseducatedonthelocationoffirstaidequipment,
eyewashstations,exits,andisfamiliarwithemergencyprotocolandallsafetyplans
InHillelPosnerswoodshopinPittsburg,California,hehasamultistepprocessforbeingcertifiedona
machinebeforethestudentisabletouseitindependently.Thenhealsopostsasignoneachmachineto
explainitsidealapplicationandsomekeysafetyguidelines(13)
Enforceastrictcleanuppolicy
Provideregularmaintenanceforalltools.Inaddition,considerinvestingintoolsthathaveadvanced
safetyfeatures
Alwaysmakesureallfirstaidkitsarewellstocked,andclearlyvisible
Provideallnecessarysafetyequipment(ie.earprotection,safetyglasses,gloves,etc)ensuringthat
thereisenoughsafetyequipmentforeveryonetoutilize

3)Tools,Materials,andObtainingThem
Themajorityofthefollowinginformationinsection3hasbeendirectlyquotedfromHigh
SchoolMakerspaceToolsandMaterialsSpring2012byMakerMedia.
ItwouldbeimpossibletomakeaonesizefitsalltemplatefordevelopingaMakerspace.Insteadthis
(section)isanoutlineprovidinganlacarteapproachtoselectingequipment,tools,andmaterialsfora
newMakerspace,allowingittobestservetheneedsofitsmakers.Itcoversoutfittingaspacefromthe
floorupandthewallsinincludingspacerequirements,workbenches,storage,andmaintenance
materials.Wechosetoolsandmaterialstobeeasytouseandusefulonabroadrangeofprojects.The
amountswe5454suggestyoupurchasearetosupporttheworkofupto25makersatonceinaspace,
forasemester'sworthofprojects.Thequantitiesshouldbeadjustedtomatchthenumberofmakersand
lengthofprojectsforyourparticularspace.

9
Pleasenote:thisisjustaroughoutlinedesignedtosuithighschoolagepeopleforthepurposeof
providingageneralideaofwhatthematerialandtoollistwouldlooklike,andthatif/whenaMakerspace
istocometolifeinSlocanitwouldbeutilizedbypeopleofallages.Asthereisanabundanceof
informationreadilyavailableforthoselookingtocreateaMakerspace,wehavenoneedtotryand
compilealistoftoolsandmaterialsourselvesfromscratch.Duetothelayoutofthestandardpagesize,
mosttablesinthisreportspanoveranumberofpages.

Therearetengeneralsubtopics/modulesthatwewillbecoveringunderthetopicofToolsand
Materials:Workspace,General,Woodworking,Metalworking,Electronics,Textiles,Computers,3D
Printing,LaserCutting,andCNCCutting.Intermsofcost,wearenotaccountingforinfrastructurecosts
suchasutilitiesorstaffing.

10

11
Workspace Theworkingenvironmentofthespacecreatingthefoundationforasafe,
comfortableandcleanworkingenvironment
Createasafe,comfortableandcreativespaceformakingbyindividualsandteams

Somebasicconsiderations:Largeworkbenchesallowmakerstoworkcomfortablywhileallowingthemtobuild
cooperatively,keepittidy:shelvesgiveparticipantsaplacetokeeptheirprojectswhentheyrenotinthespace,
andtherearesuppliesforcleaningupwhendonewerecommendasealedconcretefloor.
Basic:1000squarefeetormore.(For25makers),Intermediate:1200squarefeetormore.(For25makers).A
sinkispreferredbutnotrequired.
Seefollowingpageforcosttable.

12

13
General Toolsandmaterialscommonamongandacrossmodulesthatareusefulonawide
rangeofprojects
Outfitaworkshopwithtoolsforcutting,fastening,shaping,marking,measuring,takingapart,andputting
togetheralargevarietyofmakerprojects.

Somebasicconsiderationsregardingtools:Thefollowingtoolstakefromafewsecondstoafewminutesto
learntouse,thesetoolssupportthecapabilitiesofothermodules,thematerialsarenonspecializedandcanbe
workedeasilywiththetoolsinthismodule,andseveralfeetofopenwall(oratoolmagazineorfoldout
organizer(picturedabove)areneededtostoretools.

Seefollowingfivepagesforremainderofcosttable.

14

15

16

17

18

Woodworking Workingprimarilywithwood
Woodisafantasticmaterialcheap,durable,attractive,renewable,andreadilyavailableinmanystandard
sizes.ThismodulebuildsontheGeneralmodulesmostbasictoolstocutandshapewoodallowinghigher
precision,greatercomplexity,andlargerprojects.

19

Somebasicconsiderations:BasicWoodworkingrecommendationsincludethehandtools,bothpoweredand
unpowered,tohandlemanyprojectsincludingbuildingworkbenches,shelvingandotherworkspaceequipment,
IntermediateWoodworkingrecommendationsaddmorepowerandspecialtytoolstotacklemoreambitious
projectswithmoreprecision,stationarypowertoolssuchasthedrillpressandscrollsawshouldhavetheir
owndedicatedspace.
Seefollowingpageforcosttable.

20

21
Metalworking Workingprimarilywithmetal
Makeeverythingfromdelicatejewelrytodurable,heavydutyprojects.Thesetoolscancreatestableplatforms
forrobotsorthefinestchainmail.Theycanbeusedtomakeattractivemetalprojectcasesortobuild
replacementpartsforcars,bicyclesandothermachines

Somebasicconsiderations:TheBasiclevelfocusesmostlyonhandtoolsandsmallerprojectswhilethe
Intermediateleveladdsmorepowertoolsandawelder,dramaticallyincreasingthescaleandcapability,most
toolstakeafewminutestolearntousewelding,brazingandsolderingeachtakeatleasthalfanhourtolearn
safetyandbasicfundamentals,ventilationforworkingwithtorchesorwelders,Intermediate:120+squarefeet
withconcretefloor.

Seefollowingthreepagesforcosttable.

22

23

24

25
Electronics Usingelectricityfromthebasicsofcircuitdesignthroughmoreadvanced
microcontrollers,roboticsand/orotherelectromechanicalcreations
Learnaboutelectricity,electronics,integratedcircuitsandmicroelectronics.Readandcreateschematic
diagramsandtroubleshootcircuits

Somebasicconsiderations:Solderlessbreadboardsallowmakerstoquicklyandnondestructivelyexplore
circuitswhilesolderingallowsmakerstoassemblecircuitsmorepermanently,eitherfromkitsororiginal
designs,theequipmentherecanbequicklysetupwhenneededandeasilystoredwhennotinuse,compared
totheBasiclevel,theIntermediatelevelhashigherqualityandeasiertousesolderingirons,encouragesmore
complexprojectsincludingroboticsandsuggestsmoreadvancedtoolsfortroubleshootingandproblem
solving,providegroundedoutletsforeachpowerstrip.

26

Seefollowingpageforremainderofcosttable.

27
Textiles WorkingwithFlexiblematerialssuchascloth,vinyl,leather,rope,andstring,
includingsoftcircuitsandwearableelectronics
Workwithcloth,vinyl,leather,yarnandotherflexiblematerials.Quilt,knit,crochet,andknot.Sew,repair,and
alterclothes.Createhomedecor,utility(aprons,gloves,toolbelts,etc),jewelry.Withadditionaltools,create
furniture,fiberglass,softcircuitsandotherprojects

Somebasicconsiderations:TheBasiclevelequipmentcouldbequicklysetupandputawaywhennotneeded
whiletheIntermediatelevelwouldhaveadedicatedworktableforlargerprojects,theIntermediatelevelwould
allowmakerstoworkwithawiderrangeofmaterialsandaddsasergerwhichcutsandsewsatthesametime
easilycreatingprofessionalseamsaswellasdecoration,Basicrequirestwogroundedoutletswhile
intermediateneedsthree,fortheIntermediatelevela6x3areaforasewingtableisrecommended.

28

Seefollowingpageforremainderofcosttable.

Computers Thehardwareandsoftwarenecessaryformodernplanning,designand
fabrication

29
Accessinformationaswellasdigitaltoolstodesign,create,andcollaborateonprojects.Programrobotsand
useotherprogrammingtools.Addaprintertoproducepatterns,designs,decorations,andexplanatory
materials

Somebasicconsiderations:Ingeneralanyoperatingsystem(Windows,OSX,Linux)isacceptable.Ifthe
sameisassociatedwithanotherorganizationwithcomputers,suchasaschoolorlibrary,itisrecommended
youusewhattheorganizationsupports,computersareabsolutelynecessaryforworkingwithdigitalfabrication
toolssuchas3Dprinters,lasercuttersorCNCmachines,InternetaccessandWirelessInternetispreferred
butnotnecessary,provide6groundedoutlets.
Seefollowingpageforcosttable.

30

3DPrinting Additivemanufacturingabilityknownas3Dprintingwhichallowsmakersto
createdetailed,complexobjects
Createcomplex3Dshapesfromplasticorothermaterials.Extrusionbased3Dprintersbuildobjectsby
squeezingoutthinlayersofplastic,oneontopoftheother.Manydifferentkindsandcolorsofplasticscanbe
used,includingABS(thesameplasticusedbyLEGO)andPLA(abiodegradableplastic).Thereiseven
glowinthedarkmaterial!Addotheritemssuchaswindupmotorstocreatemotionorotherinteresting
capabilities

31

Somebasicconsiderations:Youneedaminimum24x24ofdedicatedtableordeskspace,ifbuyingakit,
youllneed1216hoursandskillsinassemblyandsoldering,3Dprintingspeedalmostentirelydependsonthe
volumeofplasticneededfortheproject.whileacomputerisnotrequiredtoprint,makerswillneedaccessto
onetocreateordownloadthefilesforprinting,ittakes13hourstolearntouseandmaintaina3Dprinter,initial
setupandcalibrationtakesseveralhours.

LaserCutting Therequirementsforalasercutter,whichwouldprovidetheability
tocutandetchmaterialsquicklyandwithhighprecision
Quicklyandaccuratelycutcomplexshapesfromflatmaterialssuchaspaper,wood,acrylic,cardboard,and
felt.Thenassembletheseflatcutoutstocreate3Dstructuresifyoudlike.Oretchdesignsintothesurfaceof
materials

32

Somebasicconsiderations:Thereareanumberofapplications(CorelDraw,Inkscape,123DMake)thatcan
createtwodimensionalfilesforlasercutting,theminimumspacerequiredforalasercutteris60x60,learning
tocullymaintainalasercutterwilltakeseveralhours.Trainingtousealasercutterincludesselectingmaterial
thatcanbesafelyandeffectivelycut,creatingpatternsonthecomputer,choosingthecorrectsettingstocut
effectively,aswellascare,maintenanceandcalibrationofthelasercutter.

Seefollowingpageforremainderofcosttable.

33

CNCCutting TherequirementsforComputerNumericalControlled(CNC)machines,
whichaccuratelycutandsculptvariousmaterials
ComputerNumericalControl(CNC)routersallowprecisecontrolofrotatingcuttersthatcancut,carveand
shapeawidevarietyofmaterialsinthreedimensions.Thisdiffersfromalasercuttingintwoways:itcarves
twoorthreedimensionally,anditcutsawiderrangeofmaterialsandthickermaterials

34
Somebasicconsiderations:CNCroutersarestillrouters,somanysafetyprecautionswillapplymostCNC
routershaveanopenframe,makingitpossibleforfingers,looseclothing,longhair,etc.togetcaughtinthe
gantry,CNCroutersrequireaminimumof60x60desktoporbenchtopspace,forcasualuse,awetdry
vacuumcanbeusedtocollectdust.Installadedicateddustcollectionsystemifyouexpectheavyuse.

4)EstablishingyourMakerspacePublicly
1)Visitmakerspace.comtolistyourspaceofficiallyasarecognizedaffiliateundertheMakerspace
Directory.Then,jointheMakerspacelisttoreceiverelevantinformationandannouncements,andjoin
MakerspacediscussiongroupstobeintouchwithotherMakerspacesaroundtheplanet
2)Identifyhowmanystudent/novicemakerswillbemembersofyourMakerspacecommunity,aswellas
howmanyexperiencedadultmakerswillbepresent
3)SetupablogorwebpagefortheMakerspace,keepituptodate,anduseitasatooltodocument
activityinthespace
4)Comeupwithanidentityforthespace,bycreatingalogo,makingshirts,orcomingupwithanofficial
nameforyourgroupofmakersandthespacetheyshare
5)Findfundingandsponsors:contactlocalbusinesses,useonlineresourcessuchaskickstarter.comor
gofundme.com,applyforgrants

LinkstoAdditionalInformation

Makerspacesandevolutionofworkexploredateconomicdevelopmentconference
MakerspaceIsaNewEconomicDevelopmentIdeatoTry
http://makerspace.ca/

http://makerspace.com/

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/6strategiesfundingmakerspacepalomagarcialopez

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http://makezine.com/2013/05/23/makingmakerspacesacquiringinsurance/

http://artisansasylum.com/site/archiveclasses/makeamakerspace/

http://www.makerstate.com/#!programs/c8f4

http://makezine.com/2013/06/04/makingmakerspacescreatingabusinessmodel/

http://lifehacker.com/5912598/howtofindandgetinvolvedwithahackerspaceinyourcomm
unity

https://learn.adafruit.com/howtostartahackerspacethelist/thelist

http://www.themakereffect.org/tag/makerspace/

http://www.scottconverse.com/2013/10/startinghackerspaceormakerspacesome.html

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1acsWzU7nS13KLffwxbE4lkPewPcPS1FWvEfXljhsHQ/e
dit

http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2013/10/k12/lowtechhighgainsknittingartsandcraftsbikere
pairanyingallaremakeractivities/

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RecommendationsforSlocan:HowToDoItHere

Asdemonstratedintheinformationdetailedpreviouslyinthisreport,therearemany
communitiesthathavesuccessfullystartedandmaintainedcoworkingmakerspaces.These
comeinavarietyofforms,basedontheneedsofthecommunitythatcomestogethertocreate
it.

Thereismuchpotentialforaspaceorspaceslikethis,hereinthevalley.Dependingonthe
pathwaychosen,theseprojectscouldleadtoamuchlargeroutcome.Itispossiblethatwhatis
createdin2014inasmallandhumblewaycouldbepartofanew,modern,fullysustainable
centreforcoworkinginarts,music,media,techandfabricationinthefuture.

Stepone

Createclubs,similartothetechclubinNelson,whichissupportedinpartbySelkirkCollege.
Theseclubscouldberuninpartbyvolunteers,andbystaffpaidtorunandmanage
afterschoolprograms,orotheryouthengagement.Thevolunteerswouldverylikelybepeople
interestedincreatingamoreadultfocusedpermanentspace.

Theseclubscouldruninexistingcommunityspacessuchas:
TheIndustrialArtsspaceatWEGrahamCommunitySchoolfortheMakerClub
TheMusicRoomatWEGrahamCommunitySchoolfortheMusicMakerClub
TheLearningCentreatWEGrahamCommunityServicesfortheTechClub
TheLearningCentreatWEGrahamCommunityServicesfortheVideoMakerClub

Activitiesthatcouldhappenintheseclubscouldinclude:

WoodworkingMakerClub
buildingskateboards
buildingskateandbmxjumps,learninghowtooptimizejumpsbasedonthemathand
physicsofitall
Tables,chairs,etc.

MusicMakerClub
DJing
Band
MusicLessons
ElectronicMusicProductionandRecording
PATechSkills,howtorunasoundsystem

TechClub
usingArduino

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buildinglegorobots
buildingcomputersfromspareparts
repairingcomputersandotherelectronics
soldering
writingcode
buildingwebsites

VideoClub
MakingandProducingVideoandFilm
BasicandProfessionallevel
Usingpersonaldeviceslikeiphoneorprofessionalgradeequipment

Step2

Buildacommunityofpeoplethatareinterestedincreatingaprofessionalcoworkingspace
aroundart,music,tech,fabrication,andtechnology.

Buildfinancialresources,whilebuildingthehumaninfrastructure.Lookintodifferentspaces
thatcouldhostsuchaproject.Thisgroupwouldusethisreportandtheplethoraofonline
guidesfromothermakerspacesforguidanceondevelopingaspacethatworksforthose
involved.

Steptwoisindeedalargeundertaking.Thekeytothesuccessofaprojectlikethisandthe
sustainabilityofitispredicatedonlargenumbersofcommittedcommunitymembers,
organizations,andbusinessescomingonboardtomakethisconceptareality.Thefollowing
stepbystepinstartupwastakenfromawebsitelinkedbelow.Theyofferagreatpathwayin
startingupaproperadultrunspace.Eachcommunitywillhaveitsowntake.
(http://www.scottconverse.com/2013/10/startinghackerspaceormakerspacesome.html)

Howtostartahackerspace/makerspace:

It'ssubstantiallysimplerthanyoumightbelieve.Don'toverthinkit,justdoit.

1)Gotomeetup.comandcreateanaccount.Setupyourfirstmeetupandcallit[nameof
city/town]HackerspaceMeetup(orifyoupreferMakerspaceMeetup).Meetupisatruly
wonderfulserviceandwortheverycenttheychargeforit'suse.

2)Seehowmanypeopleshowupforthemeetup.Itit's4ormore,youhaveenoughinterestin
yourtowntocreateahackerspace/makerspace.

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3)Haveweeklyplanningmeetings.Leadersandtrulyinterestedfolkswillemerge.Thisisyour
initialleadershipteam(andlikely,thebulkofyourfirstBoardofDirectors).Oncetheleaders
emerge,you'rereadytostartcollectingmoney(membershipdues)topayforrent/utilitiesona
space.

4)Setuptherules.You'llneedbylaws(keepitsimple)andyou'llneedpaperworkthatcovers
thevariouslegalandliabilityissuesofsettingupahackerspace.Don'tdothisfromscratch,
it'salreadybeendone:Copyotherhackerspaceswork.WhenwecreatedTinkerMill,we
copiedseveraldifferenthackerspacesdocuments.Thebasicsyou'llneedare:

a)ByLaws.Thesearetherulesbywhichthegroupoperates.(Genericexample:
http://goo.gl/NG2rgq)
b)MemberServicesAgreement(genericexample:http://goo.gl/ETDYN9)
c)Asimplebutcompleteliabilitywaiver(genericexample:http://goo.gl/QY08Qh)
d)Asetofpoliciesandprocedures(genericexample:http://goo.gl/OXNrR3)
e)Aservicesaddendum(whatyouoffer/whatitcosts)(genericexample:http://goo.gl/SIB7nK)

That'sallthepaperworkyouneedtorunyouroperation,tostart.

5)Figureoutthemoney.You'llneedtwokindsofmoneyinitially,startupmoneytopayfortwo
things:Ongoingcosts(Rent&Utilities,tostart)andStartupCosts(depost,liabilityinsurance,
1stmonthsrent,somechairs,maybe).That'sreallyallyouneedtostart.Mostofthetoolsand
otherequipmentinthefirst6monthorsowillcomefromyourmembership.Thewaytoraise
thismoney,initially,issimple:FounderdonationsandMembershipDues.

a)Founderdonations.Askforasignificant,butdoableamount,tobeanamedFounder(say
$300).Payablewhenevertheycandoit($50moover6months,$25mooverayear,whatever
theycando).Havethemsignapledgetodoit(genericexample:http://goo.gl/CQw9lw).This
givesyoucapitaltopaytheupfrontexpensesoffindingandoccupyingahackerspace.
b)Memberdues.Pickanumberthatfitsyourlocation.TinkerMillinLongmont,CO.hasthree
levels:Student/starvinghacker($25mo)RegularMembership($50mo)andFamily
Membership($75mo)..Yourmilagemayvary.NYCResister,forinstance,hasa$115mo
Regularmembershipfee.Ifyourrentsarehigh,yourmembershipfeesgoup(andviceversa).

There'smoreyoucandohere,suchaschargea'deskfee'foradedicateddeskthatmembers
canusetostartupacompany,orasaplacetheycansetupandlongertermdedicatedproject
space.Don'tworrytoomuchaboutthatatthebeginningthough.It'saproblemyou'llbe
happytohavedowntheroad.

6)Findaspace.Goforlightindustrial,lowcost.Tryforcementfloorsandaspacefora
classroom/meetingroom.Wefound2000SFisagoodstartingsize,althoughmoreisbetter
andlesscanbedoable,especiallyinhighercostmarkets(NYCResisterinNYstartedwith800
SF).

Onceyou'vegottenenoughpeopletothrowinFounderdonationsandMembershipduesto
rentthespaceandgetyourstartupcostsinorder,younowhaveahackerspace/makerspace.

7)Fillitwithchairs,tablestechnology,artandtools.Yourmembershipwilldonateprettymuch
everythingyouneed.Justaskthem.You'dbeamazedwhatpeoplehavesittingaround
unusedintheirbasements/garages/storageunits.Youwillfind,within3months,you'returning

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awaydonationsduetospacelimitations.Alltherestofitwillcometogetherfromyour
members(websites,blogs,etc.).

Trustyourmembership.They'llfigureoutquicklywhatitisthespaceshouldbeusedforand
they'llmakeithappen.

Wehostedacommunitymeetingtointroducetheconcepttopeople.

OutcomesofCommunityMeeting

CreationoftheKootenayMakerAlliance
https://www.facebook.com/groups/koontenaymakeralliance/?fref=ts
http://kootenaymakeralliance.blogspot.ca/

KootenayMakerAllianceisanewlyformedgroupcreatedtofacilitatecommunicationsand
connectionsbetweenindividuals,organizations,andbusinessthatareinterestedincreating
coworkingspacesinArts,Music,TechandFabrication.Themandateandmissionofthis
alliancehaveyettobecreated.Theroleoftheallianceistobedeterminedbyparticipating
people.Joinwithusnow,andcontinuetoexploreanddevelopthisburgeoningconceptand
project.

Thisalliancecouldtakemanyformsgoingforward.Currently,itisanavenueforcommunity
membersindifferentpartsoftheregiontostayintouchandshareresourcesastheydevelop
similarprojects.Itcouldbecomeanentitythatoversees(incomanagement)allofthe

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makerspaces,cooperatingandcollaboratingonworkshopsandeducation.Itcouldmanage
thesharingofsometoolsbetweendifferentspacesintheKootenays.

MakerWhat?CommunityMeetingNotesJuly30th2014
MakerWhat?CommunityMeeting
Attendance:9(11withTysonandRosa)
ParticipantsincludedJessicaLunn,oneofthecounselorsofSlocansmunicipalgovernment,andtwomenand
awomanwhoareKasloresidentstherestwereresidentsofSlocan.

Introductions

Thomas,Willoartistswillingtohelp
Rickperformingarts

Latestart,lastpeoplecameinaround6:45

TysonbeginsMakerspacepresentation

710:Finishwatchingthemovie,snackbreak

DustinhascousinthatisinterestedinbuyingtheBigWaybuilding,creatingaspacethere.

Korihasadiplomainwoodworkingandwouldliketobeabletoteachinthevalley,andhaswoodworkingtools
thattheywouldliketobeabletoshare.AlsohasexperiencevolunteeringatGalleryGachetinEastVan(Note:
GalleryGachetisacollaborativeartgalleryforresidentsofthedowntowneastside,primarilypatronizedby
thosewithmentalhealthissues)

FEEDBACK
Whohasexperiencewithprojectslikethis?
Willo
Dustin
Christine
Ben
Charlotte
Kori
Rick

HowdowedoitinSlocan?
KorimeetingaboutwhathappensinSlocan,usingunderutilizedspacedinschoolforclubs,maybesomeday
somethingthatcouldexistisacomboofmakerspace,recycle/reusearea.
DustinNorthValleyconnection,makerspacerideshareorganization,differentresourcesavailablethrunorth
valley,hostingamakerspacemeetinginKaslo.RedMountaininternetcompanywithbroadband.
TysonMakerspacemembershipthroughallvalleycommunities,withdifferentflavoursofmakerspace.
Charlottegathervolunteersforallclubs,forsafetymeasuresandteachingothershowtouseinfo.
Jessicamusicroomcamereallyclosetohostingrecording,plansandfunds.Separateentranceandkeys
fromtheotherpartofschool.Veryappropriatespace.Lovesregionalcollaboration.Researchprojectlinkto
teleworkers,andcreatinghubsofindependentworkers.

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TysonDevonscommunicationstechKootenayOpenNetworkAlliance.
RickBaseneedofNorthValleycommunities.Workingtowardscommongoalwithcommoninterest.Not
lettingthingsfizzleout,needscontinuity.BringingbroadbandtoSlocan.

Wherearepotentialspaces?Brainstorm
School
StoreinSilverton
MarkSeptavairplanefactory
arenaloungeofcurlingclub,withcommercialkitchen
Churchduringtheweek
Legion
Afterschoolprogramminginvolvingmusic/tech,etc.
Winlawhall
Appledalehall
allhallsinvalley
FirehallinSlocan

Brainstormonresourcesavailable:
CBT
Membership
IndustryCanada
BasinCrowdfundingCBT
KAS
Yodel
Legion
gofundme,indiegogo,etc.
InteriorHealth
CommunityDevelopmentFunds
MinistryofSocialDevelopmentResearchandInnovationfundusuallyaroundinnovativewaystobringwork
opportunitiestoanarea.Potentialtospinoffmakerspacesasemployment.
MunicipalitiesinNorthernValley
CommunityServicesorganization
SelkirkCollege
Privatefunding
Specificfundersei.forthecoopradio

Upsides
Gatheringpeopleforcommoncause
employment
lesscommuting
retentionofyouth
funtogether
creativitysustainability
Poweringroupsasartistsandpeople
abilitytoshareresources,physicalskillsandsocialstuff
shareknowledgeintergenerational,
communitybuilding

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Challenges
sustainabilitynotfizzlingout
funding
knowledgeandskillexchangemakingsurethereisenoughvarietyinpeople
enthusiasm/moraleproblemsnotdoingtoomuchtoofast
marketingandadvertising,notgettingenoughpeopleonboard
notknowingforsurewhatworks/beingoverwhelmed
resilience
personalpoliticswithinthegroup
sharingandorganization,decisionmakingissues
Timeandcommitmentforimplementationsharedvision
Findingthewords/activitiesofbreakingdownbarriersofpreconceivednotions
inclusionaryspace

Thisreporthasbroughttogethermanyofthesourcesofinformationthathavebeensharedwidelyby
thosethathavehadthebenefitofexperiencewiththesespacesandprojects.ItisuptoSlocantotake
thisinformationandcreateawayforwardthatworksforourcommunities.Thisdocumentismeanttobe
alivingresource,tobeeditedandrevisedasinformationandideaschangeandgrow.Thisreportwillbe
widelyshared,postedtotheKootenayMakerAlliancepages.

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