Maker spaces popping up around Tarrant County

[Bob Of Burleson]

[b]The maker culture is a contemporary culture or subculture representing a technology-based extension of DIY culture. Typical interests enjoyed by the maker culture include engineering-oriented pursuits such as electronics, robotics, 3-D printing, and the use of CNC tools, as well as more traditional activities such as metalworking, woodworking, and traditional arts and crafts. The subculture stresses new and unique applications of technologies, and encourages invention and prototyping. There is a strong focus on using and learning practical skills and applying them creatively. — Wikipedia

By Sandra Baker
sabaker@star-telegram.com

When Heather Mason read an item in a Benbrook newsletter about the new maker space at the public library, she raced over to see what it was all about.

Mason, active in the PTA, had been wanting to create a Benbrook Bulldogs school logo to put on a wooden pen holder for the teachers lounge at the Benbrook Middle School. The newsletter item mentioned that the maker space has a laser cutter.

“That’s exactly what I need,” she said. In the end, it cost 90 cents to have the machine cut two round bulldogs emblems.

“That is impressive,” Mason said after taking the small wood piece from the cutter.

The Benbrook Library is among a growing number of places in Tarrant County putting in maker spaces. Maker spaces are growing in community awareness and popularity not only here, but also across the nation and around the world.

Maker spaces are described as places where people gather to create and collaborate. The movement is being spurred by new technologies and a nation of tinkerers who take things apart and put them back together — only better. Now business and government are looking at the movement as a way to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

Maker spaces make available such things as laser cutters, 3D printers and other electronics and materials.

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[crackertoes]

Also known as Kinko's.

[Benbrook Susie]

I see that thing every time I go to the Benbrook Library, but have no idea what kind of stuff it can do.

And I'm pretty sure Benbrook Elementary's mascot is a Bulldog ---- didn't know the newish Middle School had the same one.

[GFB]

Never heard of "Makers"..but I think I get it now...cheap people!

[Red Oak]

Or people with useful skills.

[grouchy]

Or people with useful skills.

Who like to do things for themselves.