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| - They call themselves America's first nationwide open-access public workshop, but you have to see it to appreciate what it's all about. I read about the grand opening of this place in the newspaper and didn't know what to make of it... I had already investigated Gangplank in downtown Chandler, and this sounded similar. Whereas Gangplank is a community-based endeavor that offers a common space to collaborate, attend workshops and seminars on technical DIY know-how, this place is that... and a whole lot more. I accidentally stopped by for a tour ("Hey... I was in the neighborhood, getting fingerprinted at the Chandler P.D. station across the street... Seriously!") and was blown away by all they had to offer at TechShop.
This is the best-of-the-best DIY hardware and hackspace that you could imagine. The grand tour included all of the hardware and fabrication laboratory gear you could ever wish for... 3D printers and scanners, waterjet cutter, laser etchers/engravers, injection molding, and a whole slew of sewing machines and textile equipment. It's like Hobby Lobby on steroids. No, it's more like if Optimus Prime ate a Hobby Lobby and gave birth to high-tech maker machine puppies! There's no shortage of tools and equipment here to make you fantasize about becoming the ultimate artist-handyman-junkyard dog.
Tiffani gave myself and two other visitors a great tour of the facility. We were made to feel comfortable, allowed to see all of the floorspace and ongoing projects by members on the machines. The price structures for memberships were explained and a great discussion was had. Even though there is a more commercial angle to this business compared to Gangplank, they have the funds to bring the really big stuff and expertise. They are pro-collaborative... Gangplank posts events for TechShop on their mailing list and you can feel there's a real formula for cross-pollination and collaboration. We should be honored to have this great resource in Chandler. I just can't wait to eventually sign up for classes and get involved in one shape or form (no pun intended).
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