It is much quieter on campus during the summer, but Thode Makerspace remains open and ready to help the McMaster community get creative and learn new skills.
Located on the lower level of H.G. Thode Library of Science and Engineering, students, staff, and faculty can access the space Monday through Friday from 12-4 p.m.
Brittany Sostar, Thode Makerspace coordinator, says their staff is spending the summer months busily working away on projects that will improve the space for the upcoming fall term. One particularly exciting project underway is the construction of 12 brand-new 3D printers.
“We're replacing all of the older models that we have, and adding six additional printers to the collection,” said Sostar. “The new printers are a little bit lighter and have the capacity to use binary G-code instead of G-code, which means the print time is exponentially faster. What would probably take users a couple of appointments to get done, they'll now get out of one appointment.”
Other summer projects happening at Thode Makerspace include updating Avenue to Learn training modules, purchasing and setting up new equipment, and becoming familiar with the materials that will be added to the space for the fall term.
Along with the new 3D printers, patrons can expect to see additional sewing machines and an embroidery machine added to the collection of equipment available.
When she’s not busy preparing for the fall term, Kiana Lowes, student assistant at Thode Makerspace, is spending her summer working on a building project. Making use of the woodworking tools, she is turning a table into a puzzle table with a removable top.
“It's nice to work on various projects that are connected to the space,” said Lowes. “I appreciate that summer offers time for focus on learning, exploring and developing my skills.”
Thode Makerspace gives visitors the opportunity to work on a variety of creative projects in the space. Users are given access to a wide range of resources, including a laser cutter, soldering station, Silhouette cutting machine, power tools, and much more.
Leana Abdelnaby, student assistant at Thode Makerspace, says her favourite thing about her job is getting inspired by others’ creativity.
“I love seeing people make things that I would have never thought of making,” said Abdelnaby. “It's always nice to learn the story behind the project because everybody has something to say about what they're trying to make. It's really beautiful to see creativity come to life in that way.”
In the upcoming fall term, patrons can expect a variety of drop-in crafting events, technical workshops, and the return of the popular Thode Makerspace Repair Café.
Sostar says Makerspace patrons are encouraged to complete their required online training early and attend the blitz training event happening during the first week of the new academic year.
“We'll be having training sessions during the first full week of school,” they said. “I want to see people coming out and getting excited by seeing the awesome things that they can do in the Makerspace.”
To use the equipment in Thode Makerspace, all patrons must complete the required training. Once complete, visitors will be given a training card to present at their next visit.
Learn more
To learn more about Thode Makerspace, and to complete the required online training, visit the library website.
