Tech Shop!

[furtech]

My introduction to Tech Shop


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A friend dragged me to an event that sounded very, "Eh." It was the San Francisco opening of "Tech Shop". I had heard about this place: a membership operation where people could use a large, well-equipped work space. Sounded like a nice idea.

I was wrong: it's a GREAT IDEA! Having a space to work on projects is pretty cool...but Tech Shop has STUFF. Equipment that is far beyond the means of mortals such as you and I. I had been thinking that they had a few belt sanders, a lathe and your typical Home Depot fare. Nope. They have vacuum form machines (2'X2'), computer-controlled jigsaws, English wheels, planishing hammers, plastic injection molders, powder-coating areas and that's only the beginning!

They take it to a new level with 3-D scanners and (*trumpets*) 3-D PRINTERS!! Several types, actually-- including the ones that can output full 3-D, inside and out (so you could "print out" an engine, with all the tubes and holes and innards!). OMG. They also had a nice selection of laser etchers, vinyl cutters, a whole slew of sewing machines-- from a quilter to overlocks and embroidery machines.

We also visited the original Tech Shop in Menlo Park. Outside the shop I saw a gorgeous Ducati (well, they're -all- gorgeous, but still...). I thought the carbon-fiber accessories were just -cool-. I'm pretty sure he made them there, too: they had a huge roll of carbon fiber cloth at the SF shop (such riches!).

I think this is a fantastic concept. Not only can you prototype things here, you can also create finished projects and even do moderate levels of manufacturing.

If you're in the BArea, I highly encourage you to check 'em out! They're opening one in San Jose in the near future, too. Memberships are reasonable, considering the resources you get access to.

Comments

[vandringar.livejournal.com]

This is massively cool.

[furtech.livejournal.com]

Amazingly, this place is even more amazing in person! Such potential everywhere!

[oats-a-plenty.livejournal.com]

Could you PM me their info? I've been in need of a vaccuform (been too busy to make a home-made one recently) and dying to try out a 3-D scanner printer for a while now!

[furtech.livejournal.com]

For anyone else that's interested:

http://techshop.ws/

[okojosan.livejournal.com]

What a great idea! That is amazingly cool.

[c-eagle.livejournal.com]

Seems like Kinko's on steroids... wooot!! :D

[furtech.livejournal.com]

I'm on a total kick about institutions that enable people to overcome a lack of resources limiting their ambitions/dreams/projects. This is such a neat idea! I love that the price of these machines has come down to the point where it's possible for a company like Tech Shop to happen.

[tugrik.livejournal.com]

The tech-shop guys are pretty cool, hai. :) I tried out for a Discovery channel show at one of their events!

[furtech.livejournal.com]

Yeah-- they seem really cool. I like that they ones in charge are just as enthusiastic about new techniques and projects as their members.

[aeto.livejournal.com]

Gah! I wish there were one in Seattle!

Hmmm... But there IS one in Portland... Temptations, temptations, temptations.

[vulpesrex.livejournal.com]

So? See about whether or not Franchises are available!

The very idea that Seattle would NOT have something like this is nearly inconceivable! Talk to Bill Gates, or see if this is the sort of thing that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation might provide backing for.

[furtech.livejournal.com]

I think they're starting to spread out across the country. There's one starting out in Detroit: I think they got investment from the automakers or something (which is why it got started so soon).

I'm guessing that Seattle and Los Angeles are on their radar: it's a natural progression. Seattle is like Silicon Valley North: lots of tech companies and innovation up there. Steve Gallacci would be in heaven at this place. I may drag him to the Menlo Park Tech Shop while he's at FC.

[dogteam.livejournal.com]

Saw the first 3D printers about 7 or 8 years ago at the Offshore Show in Houston, and can't get them out of my head. I imagine the stuff available now is head and shoulders above what I saw....
Now I just have to wait for another 10 years for Tech Shop to come to Canada, and I'll be set.

[furtech.livejournal.com]

Me, too: I was surprised (but shouldn't have been) at how many different types there are now and what they can do. The one with the company-rep showing it off is a film-based 3d printer.

[suranfox.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a great place.
The Hacker-Spaces all around here don't even come near this sort of equipment.

[suranfox.livejournal.com]

PS: "Equipment that is far beyond the means of mortals such as you and I." Well, I do have a 3D-printer in my living room. Just not such a fancy one.

[furtech.livejournal.com]

That's very cool. If only I also had some cg/cad skilz to go along with these resources...

[hoshikaji.livejournal.com]

Oh my gawd...TAKE ME FOR A FIELD TRIP?!

[furtech.livejournal.com]

Sure! You would like the Menlo Park location, but you'd LOVE the San Francisco one: it's all new and shiney and they have better resources and machines. I've got a membership and I can drag you over the next time I'm in the BArea. Well, the next time after Further Confusion (just up for the con this time).