Let's talk tools :)

We recently had a "Preview" party at the space, so friends and interested onlookers could walk our chalky halls and check out the Edge.  Surprising to us, we heard the same exclamation repeatedly, much to our chagrin.  "Wow, I didn't know you would have this many tools in the space."  Clearly, I'm not communicating clearly all of the exciting things we have planned.  What a tragedy, as talking tools is high on our list of "get to's" and not have to's.

Right behind community, but right in front of shop organization and cleanliness, is the importance of tool procurement.  Not just what tool, but the quality and dependability of the tools in the space.  Because the quality of the tool is as important as the type of tool.  Our desire is for you to nerd out on this stuff as much as we do, and you can only do that if you know what's coming.  So to that end, welcome to the pictorial walkthrough of our shop, room by room.

Today's room is the one that I have the most experience in, and conversely, is most exciting to me:  The Wood Shop:

The wood shop houses some of the more traditional tools that you would be familiar with: a Craftsman compound miter saw, sander, planer, joiner, scroll saw and drill press.  Most of these tools (than the saw) will come from Ryobi or Grizzly (we moved 20 years ago from Missouri, so a double bonus to use Grizzly, a midwestern company that is known for high quality.) 

An updated tool of shop standard, SawStop's industrial table saw has impressed us.  Not just with the safety features, but it also shines with a solid cast iron frame, it's large 7.5hp motor and a 30" front table surface for large projects.  She's a bute:

Some would say the star of the show is another update to a shop standard, the EZ Router CNC 4'x8' table router.  This was a great find for us. Most people know ShopBot as the industry standard, but we were impressed with the features of this small, Texas company.  It has all of the features of the standard industrial ShopBot, but with a few bonuses; a welded, thicker frame for stability, comes completed from the factory (including computer and software) and has the higher quality spindle (vs the router bit).

We are so excited to be working with EZ Router, and they are supporting us as well.  We've already talked with them about having classes in the space.  

As you can see, there is a lot of exciting machines going into the wood shop.  And, as soon as the Certificate of Occupancy comes through (hopefully Wednesday), we will start moving them into their new home.  If you have any questions, send us an email at Maker's Edge, or drop in for a look.  

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.