There is a Maker movement afoot and a few weeks ago I visited my first Maker Faire, which was in Atlanta. A few weeks prior I signed up for a MOOC (online course) on 3D printing and I was deciding which 3D printer I should buy – the large one in the photo above costs around $30k, I was thinking of $300. Makers enjoy tinkering and making things most often using new technologies. I think this is different from DIY where the focus is on repairing or installing things, which would usually be done by a contractor.
I enjoy understanding how things work – both natural and fabricated. So therefore my organic growing activities where I interact with a complex changing natural force. When I was 16, just for the heck of it, I separated the rear engine of my Mom’s Renault Dauphine car from the rest of the body. And hastily re-assembled it when confronted by my irate Dad. During my London years (1978-1986) I did a lot of work on an old, neglected house including installing 17 hot water radiators – see my write up referenced on “self reliance & projects list.” So I suppose I have a Maker’s instincts.
The Faire was absorbing – there were a number of 3D printer vendors who were happy to engage in discussion. I chatted to the folks at Freeside Atlanta who describe themselves as ” a community of makers, tinkerers, engineers, programmers, artists, teachers, and lunatics”. Lincoln Electric had a welding simulator which charitably graded my wobbly bead at 47%.
Fun was watching the drone racing competition as these screaming fast moving airborne objects chased around the course and then dived through rectangular frames at different heights.
It was fun, I learned some and a week later after more research I purchased a HICTOP self assembly 3D printer for $316. I will write separately of the assembly, calibration and first print experience. If you are curious you can read my review today on Amazon.
And now I have the opportunity to become a Maker.