Any Experiences with "Hacker Spaces"

[Iplayfarmer]

I just read an article on MSN about Hacker spaces. Apparently these are clubs of tinkerers and builders that get together regularly to help each other on projects and share resources. I figured if I know anyone who would have experience with this kind of thing it would be through TBN. The concept intrigues me; but I'd like to get some real, first hand feedback from some who have done it.

Here's a link to the article... Socket to Me - 1 - MSN Local Edition

 

[Scrumpy]

Do not know of any but I live within 30 minutes of the one near Boston. Anyone know of a site like this in Southern NH or Northeastern Mass?

Scrumpy

 

[DavidVT]

Never tried it but really like the idea.
Recently I have been reading about this one in Vancouver for "micro-hydro power bucket"
micro-hydro power bucket - Vancouver Hack Space

 

[Danno1]

.

Speaking of outreach, HacDC, the hacker place to go in Washington, D.C., is launching a series of probes called Spaceblimps to plumb the depths (shallows, actually) of space above the beltway region. In November, HacDC launches Spaceblimp 3, which will rise tens of thousands of feet into thin air and take pictures.

These guys are gonna run afoul of the FAA, TSA, HSA, FBI, CIA, USAF, DOD, ETC, ETC !!!


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[stowester]

I figured out all the acronyms except ETC

 

[eepete]

There's a new Tech Shop in Raleigh, NC. Looks like a way people who want to "do stuff with stuff" can get a start.

TechShop RDU Community Website | Build your dreams HERE

Pete

 

[teg]

There's a new Tech Shop in Raleigh, NC. Looks like a way people who want to "do stuff with stuff" can get a start.

TechShop RDU Community Website | Build your dreams HERE

Pete

I saw that place this summer (very near a new brewery, 2 doors down) and thought that it would be a pretty cool place... never look into it Thanks for posting the link... when this thread first started, I tried to find the name of it. :confused2:

 

[ustmd]

There is a discussion of them in current special issue of Make Magazine: Ultimate Workshop and tool guide"

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I looked around in my area, and there's nothing close. It makes me think about maybe starting something. I had thought once before about a similar concept. My model was based on a gym membership concept... lots of people want to use large expensive equipment, but don't want to afford the space or the money. A renewable membership to a place that has the equipment and space solves the problem.

Where this hacker space concept differs is that instead of an owner/customer relationship it's a club with shared ownership and hopefully shared liability.

 

[gwjd]

bunch of engeenering guys were trying to start one in rolla MO they had a shop and house air some tools including light metal fab and welding stuff it was kinda pricey per month so i dint join and they had a hierarchic and rules ... the only rule in a shop should be dont hurt your self or any one else, dont hurt the tools, and clean up ...... o and be polite