We tour Georgia Tech’s Invention Studio(opens in a new window) to find out the answer to everyone’s question: How big should your makerspace be? This is part of WorkbenchCon(opens in a new window) meetups we had in WorkbenchCon 2019(opens in a new window). Our first trip was to Highland Woodworking(opens in a new window) where we see one of the world’s premiere woodworking shops. Then we head over to Georgia Tech’s Invention Studio which is an amazing makerspace ran by employees and students.
0:00 Message from Jimmy DiResta(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp)
0:20 Visit Highland Woodworking(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp)
1:00 Visit Georgia Tech’s Flowers Innovation Studio(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp)
1:13 Safety Meeting & History(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp)
1:45 Veronica of Industrial Manufacturing discussing embroidery(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp)
2:33 Additive Manufacturing and Maker Community Discussion(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp)
3:32 Water Jet demonstration(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp)
4:25 Machinist Area Walkthrough(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp)
4:57 Review of Milling Machine(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp)
7:03 Jimmy DiResta showing us EDM wire(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp)
8:10 Jimmy explaining EDM to me, Derek from Malden & Chad from ManCrafting™️(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp)
10:18 WorkbenchCon Meetup Group Photo at Invention Studio(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp)
11:42 Bobby Duke, Caleb Kraft & Chad Grosklags juggling(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp)
Original source of the video is provided by U Do It, on YouTube channel U Do It(opens in a new window).
Chad Grosklags from ManCrafting™(opens in a new window) was gracious enough to drive us from location to location for these meetups. Chad was also instrumental in ensuring both Bernie Solo and I were included in all events. WorkbenchCon for me was already off an an amazing start. I want to give a special thanks to Chad and Bernie for helping to make WorkbenchCon an unforgettable experience.
Highland Woodworking
0:20 Visit Highland Woodworking(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp)
Highland Woodworking(opens in a new window) sits on the corner at 1045 North Highland Avenue Northeast and Los Angeles Avenue Northeast in Atlanta, Georga(opens in a new window). In the winter it stands out as the trees have no leaves. You can’t help but notice the amazing storefront with Highland Woodworking carved letters at the top of the facade. I’ve been to woodworking shops before but nothing like Highland Woodworking.
Original source of the photo is provided by U Do It, on YouTube channel U Do It(opens in a new window).
It was a Nostalgic Moment
Many of those in attendance have been to this store so I went on my journey around the store. I used my Panasonic G85(opens in a new window) camera to capture my point of view for you as I walked throughout the store. I had a rush of feelings and memories that hit me. Our father recently passed away and I couldn’t help but think how he would have felt walking around the store. It was nostalgic for me since I grew up in a house where our dad’s workshop was my favorite playground. Saying that my life was different from other children in my neighborhood was an understatement. I would still hang out with friends but this yearning of making something would consume me. I would rather stay indoors and build something instead of playing football or baseball.
So Many Tools
As you walk in you are presented with an open two floor showroom segmented into specialties. Books and periodicals in one section. Power tool stations, hand power tools, measuring tools, hand tools, hand planes, chisels, finishes were among the extensive list of tools available. It was a challenge to focus. No sooner do you find one item you’re attention is whisked away into the ADHD squirrel moment. We didn’t have much time to browse and I was about to grab an interview with Bobby Duke(opens in a new window) of Bobby Duke Arts(opens in a new window).
Original source of the photo is provided by U Do It, on YouTube channel U Do It(opens in a new window).
Georgia Tech Invention Studio Tour
After we finished at Highland Woodworking we headed over to Georgia Tech’s Flowers Invention Studio(opens in a new window). The Invention Studio sits in the campus at 801 Ferst Drive, in Atlanta, GA(opens in a new window). Prior to entering Tim, Andrew and Thomas gave held a safety meeting to review strict protocols. My experience gained while working at Mobil Refinery(opens in a new window) in Paulsboro, NJ during my co-ops for Drexel University(opens in a new window) helped me appreciate such meetings. We also learned about the history of the studio, who maintains it and how much is donated by alumni and corporations.
Safety First
As we toured the studio we were overwhelmed with not only the amount of tools but also how much thought was put into its organization and flow. Safety is a big concern when working with powered tools and even hand tools. Table saws are one such tool that can change someone’s life instantly. So it is of no surprise that the Invention Studio has a Saw Stop(opens in a new window) table saw. The Saw Stop table saw has a brake cartridge(opens in a new window) built into it. This brake cartridge will trigger when it detects a finger or hand come in contact with the blade. When it triggers a pack explodes and launches the aluminum brake into the blade which stops the blade immediately. Caleb Kraft(opens in a new window) is holding a triggered Saw Stop Brake Cartridge(opens in a new window) with a saw blade embedded within it.
It’s a Technology I’ve Never Seen Before
7:03(opens in a new window) Jimmy DiResta showing us EDM wire
8:10(opens in a new window) Jimmy explaining EDM to me, Derek from Malden & Chad from ManCrafting™️
Jimmy DiResta and Chris Zeppieri are admiring the results of the part created with the wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining)(opens in a new window). It’s the first time I’ve seen such a machine and I was impressed. I’m already familiar with CNC and 3D Printing but this is a first for me. The EDM uses a wire filament that is electrically charged that cuts through the material.
Group Photo
10:18(opens in a new window) WorkbenchCon Meetup Group Photo at Invention Studio
We wanted a group photo so I setup my camera and got video of us organizing the photo. Bobby Duke(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp) is not capable of smiling for a photo in the presence of Derek Forestier(opens in a new window).
Original source of the photo is provided by U Do It, on YouTube channel U Do It(opens in a new window).
If you are a woodworker, maker, or lifestyle enthusiast you will want to attend WorkbenchCon(opens in a new window). It is an amazing show to bring brands and content creators together to network and learn how to work with one another!
Credits
Highland Woodworking(opens in a new window)
George Tech Invention Studio(opens in a new window)
WorkbenchCon(opens in a new window)
Andrew Morris(opens in a new window) title: Georgia Tech’s Invention Studio(opens in a new window)
Tim Felbinger(opens in a new window) title: Georgia Tech’s Invention Studio(opens in a new window)
Thomas Watkins(opens in a new window) title: Georgia Tech’s Invention Studio(opens in a new window)
Caleb Kraft(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp) title: Make Magazine(opens in a new window)
Bernie Solo(opens in a new window) title: Content Creator at Works by Solo(opens in a new window)
Jimmy DiResta(opens in a new window) title: Content Creator at Jimmy DiResta(opens in a new window)
Derek Forestier(opens in a new window) title: Content Creator at Derek from Malden(opens in a new window)
Chad Grosklags(opens in a new window) title: Content Creator at Man Crafting™️(opens in a new window)
Chris Zeppieri(opens in a new window) title: Content Creator at Make Everything Shop(opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)
Giaco(opens video in a new window at specified timestamp) title: Content Creator at (opens in a new window)Giaco Whatever(opens in a new window)
Bobby Duke(opens in a new window) title: Content Creator at Bobby Duke Arts(opens in a new window)
Quinn(opens in a new window) title: Content Creator at Blondihacks(opens in a new window)
Paul Pinto Jr.(opens in a new window) title: Content Creator at Paul Pinto(opens in a new window)
Joe Nazaretta(opens in a new window) title: Owner Da Kine Designs
Music by: Disteff
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Picked out for you
My Pressure Washer Won’t Start – By U Do It
DIY Acoustic Panels for Better Sound Treatment – By U Do It
Replacing an Edger Blade is Easy with the Right Tools Video – By U Do It
Making DIY tile coasters is super easy with cork – By U Do It
Save money by rebuilding your grill burners – By U Do It
How to paint two tone colors with a laser level – By U Do It
How to install a GFI outlet in basement from start to finish – By U Do It
Repair a Leaky Gutter with Flex Seal – By U Do It
Replace your air filter as part of your regular maintenance – By U Do It
How to Remove Car Pinstripes using an Eraser Wheel – By U Do It
Restore your Headlights in your Driveway – By U Do It
Design of the Day
Savvy Turtle – Afterlife(opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)
Follow U Do It on Social Media
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What’s next? Check out About U Do It, History of U Do It, and Mrs U Do It to learn even more about U Do It.
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