Makerspaces are popping up in cities and towns across Indiana, providing their members access to a variety of tools in a learning environment.
From engineering-oriented pursuits like electronics, robotics and 3-D printing, to more traditional activities like metalworking, woodworking and arts and crafts, the maker culture encompasses a wide array of fields of interest.
These spaces are bringing new life to abandoned buildings, teaching new skills and training people on new technology. Traditional skills like wood and metal working are being passed down to new generations as others are learning how to use 3-D printers, laser cutters, CNC (computer numerical control) machines, soldering irons and tools involved with desktop manufacturing and other digital skills.
While starting and running a makerspace may sound like a challenging endeavor,…