The Clock is Counting Down

So, you may ask, "What is final?"  Could it be the building? Our signature on the bank's bottom line?The floor plan? The first tool purchase?  Our first scheduled class in our new, awesome membership software?  YES!

Us celebrating at Torchy's Tacos the day we signed!

So, to the most impt:  So many thanks to Mike Beard and all those at First National Bank McGregor (Misti is our new best friend).  They have put their trust in us, and our business plan, and have given us the loan needed to move forward.  With their help, and much prayer, we are happy to official say we can now get to Opening Day!  So, send them a thank you on Twitter or Facebook so they can receive a fair share of the love.

Second most impt (though, Rick might say it's a close second):  The honor of being our first tool purchase goes to the Shapeoko 2!  It is sitting on my front porch as I type, but I'll get there before you.  Maybe we will do an unboxing tomorrow, as our first tool purchase it deserves a special showcasing.  I am more excited about our second purchase, which we get tomorrow.  It's an Industrial Sawstop, because we believe in only the best for your perfectly attached appendages :)  I tell ya, it's more exciting than Christmas.

Thirdly, we have finalized everything with the landlord, have finished plans in hand and wait only for the MEP to give us a lovely copy to take to the city planners for approval.  The floor plan is only minimally changed from the one posted a few weeks ago.  A few sizes have changed and we've taken out the stove.  We are opting instead for inset, stow-able induction burners for craft needs.  There will still be an oven (yea) but taking the stove out solved some issues.

Fourthly, and maybe the most pressing, is we are calling all able-bodied makers to send in a list of classes that they would love to teach in the space.  From beginner to intermediate, we have the tools and space to teach them all.  So if you like to make soap, teach leather crafting, build a birdhouse or weld a sign (and you like to teach :), send us an email.  We have matched the most competitive standard in the industry for pay.  And, we really want this place to be for Waco.  Maker's Edge was created so those who have a desire to teach can find those who are thirsty to learn.  We would love to get your class ideas in our system, start advertising, and give plenty of lead time for students to sign up.  We hope to start offering safety tool tests October 1 (even if doors are not officially open).  But, opening day is really dependent on construction times and the city giving us a Cert of Occupancy.

And for you organizational tool nerds, look up MindBody, our new membership system.  I'm nerding out all the time about it...though, that could be due to the many hours a week I am working on it to get it set up and running by Sep 15.  I will let you all know when it goes live, which will allow you to join, sign up for classes and ask for a one-on-one mentor session with a specific tool expert.

Lastly, if you made it this far, you deserve a prize.  It's been a doozy.  Now that the ball is rolling, these should come faster, and with a little more brevity.

THE space

So I don't know if you've picked up on it, but we've located THE perfect space. 

Basically, a 70 x 86 ft space begging for us to come and make inside it. I thought I would give you the general layout of the space as is, if you have any grand ideas, shoot me an attachment. But, here is our first go of it:

As you can see,it's laid out with plenty of room for the wood shop, metal works, conference area and workspace. However, I wasn't satisfied with the convoluted entrance area. And, not enough general workshop floor for larger projects.  Next came a shift of the electronics to the front, a separated conference room and lounge and more floor space. However, the large front desk has caused some discussion. I do like the transitional area, dropped down kitchen and large floor space. So it's definitely workable. 

As we discussed that central work area, another thought occurred.  "What about making the projects and people the focus."  We moved the wood shop up, who doesn't love to watch a ShopBot in action?  The kitchen becomes more present than I wanted, but that's forced by a drainage issue. I'm getting closer to happy. 

And we already have our first DIY project picked out for us. The floor has a thin (.5 in) layer of cement coating on it. I think someone tried to float the floor at some time in the past. Well, about half of it is missing now. I've never run a EDCO floor grinder before, but there is nothing like the present to learn. And it has to be easier then the chisel and hammer method we used to remove cement tiling 10 years ago. I wish I could post a picture of that fiasco.  But honestly, no one was in the mood to remember that project when it was all done. Even so, we couldn't believe the cost estimate ($20,000+), and in the spirit of makers everywhere said, "Well, let's try it again...but be a little smarter this time around."

So check out the tool I get to learn now. Not quite like a backhoe (my favorite tool thus far...you can feel the power surging through your vains) but still looks fun:  http://youtu.be/-pB1lgubXNs. And I get to play with an oxyacetylene rig. Don't fret, I'll spread the love around and let you know when it's happening. You can come by and put your hands on some tools with us. I may even take pictures.