Makerspaces: Tool, Equipment & Knowledge Sharing

At some point in your car hobby experience, you will want to modify or personalize your car.  I’ve shared a number of articles about painting and vinyl graphics to get your juices flowing.  Many of you have shared your own stories, yet many have also told me they do not have the confidence, facility or tools to carry out those ideas. Fear not: help is in your backyard.

Community Support

Count yourself lucky if you have a friend or family member with the talent and time to teach you how to act on your creative ideas.  My dad was my trusted advisor and a great teacher. He had a way of immersing me in a project that not only taught me new skills, but forced my brain to find new solutions to problems. 

Not everyone is so lucky.  What can you do when your normal support network can’t help?  Seek expertise within your community.

Local Makerspaces

A number of cities have recreation and art centers that offer classes on everything from exercise, computer skills to craft creation.  I was at a craft show this past weekend at our newest community center, The Hawk, in Farmington Hills, MI.  The Hawk is located in the former Harrison High School, which closed in 2019. Sports fans in Michigan knew the Harrison High School Hawks football team, regular state champs.

The Hawk Makerspace is a shared studio designed to empower makers of any skill-level or age, access to a high-quality technical and artistic space, including highly skilled instructors. Think of it as an incubator for creators.

They offer one-day workshops, giving creators a sample of the full experience, as well as six and 12-week classes that allow makers to fully immerse themselves in a new skill or solidify an old hobby. 

I found several other makerspace workshops throughout southeastern Michigan by searching “makerspaces near me.” My friend, Kelly,  from high school works out of Makerworks in Ann Arbor, MI.  Since retiring, she has honed her metalworking skills at Makerworks.  Her work is shown at many art fairs and events throughout Michigan. Check out her work at Fusion Of Iron And Earth.

Starting Out

I was so impressed with the facility tour, that I enrolled in the 3D Printing checkout course.  This is a two hour session designed to train me on the use of the printers and to make sure I understand the safety requirements of the Makerspace.  This is a common practice at other makerspaces, so I am glad to participate.

My plan is to learn how to operate the 3D printers so that I can make small parts and other auto accessories.  If you want to see some possibilities, I covered the benefits of automotive 3D printing in the article 3D Printing Parts & Accessories in December 2022.  This will be a critical skill for future car restorers, as small parts become hard to find.

Final Thoughts & Questions

I’m looking forward to my upcoming 3D class, and can’t wait to try my skills at the Hawk Makerspace.  If you have a skill you want to learn or need access to tools, equipment and expertise to help you, seek out a makerspace in your area. 

I’ll be sure to report back with the results of my class.  In the meantime, please let me know if you have any thoughts or questions in the comments below.

Want to learn more about me? Go to Meet The Vehicle Nanny.