Tech Shop!
Dec. 28th, 2010 01:48 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
furtechMy introduction to Tech Shop
Complete Flickr set
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.
Complete Flickr set
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.
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no subject
Date: 2010-12-29 09:43 pm (UTC)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.
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Date: 2011-01-02 04:58 am (UTC)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.