AIR DATE NOVEMBER 10, 2022

Title: Makerspaces

Get inspired to create as we tour local makerspaces and discover everything they have to offer.

Guests and Locations

MakerFX Makerspace, Community Outreach Team Member – Andy Stetzinger

Factur, Director – Jacqui Cantu

Maker Spaces Help Us Tap Into Our Creativity

If you have a hobby room or working area at home, it’s probably messy. There might be paint on the walls and floors, tools strewn about, and supplies tucked into the occasional drawer.

The traditional maker spaces in our homes are often disorganized because we put our energy into organizing the activities we enjoy.

I recently spoke with Andy Stetzinger, a Community Outreach Member of MakerFX. He tells me that a community-driven approach focusing on education has helped people start exploring.

“We want to make sure that anybody who walks through the door is first of all welcomed,” said Stetzinger. “And then secondly, that they don’t have to know everything. We want to teach them what they can do, and kind of unlock those possibilities.”

Jacqui Cantu serves as the Director of Education at Factur. She conquers with Stetzinger, telling me that these spaces are for everyone. “It’s that person who really wants to learn robotics or learn electronics. The fine arts person who works with paint or charcoal or maybe it’s for that person who really feels that they want to do 3D printing, they want to create things and then maybe make it bigger and then it allows them to create on the laser or the shop bot.”

People Can Change Their Dreams at Maker Spaces

At MakerFX, you can find numerous stations and tools for members to use. “We have everything from an embroidery machine, several sewing machines, two vinyl cutters, two vacuum formers, two lasers, an entire woodshop with lathes, a CNC, a couple miter saws, six different 3D printers – and that’s just kind of scratching the surface!” Stetzinger told me.

Factur was the first non-profit maker space in Orlando, opening its doors in 2014. Cantu is also quick to mention an additional benefit. “As far as I know, we are the only maker space that allows entrepreneurs to work out of it and make money.”

At both locations, the environment is similar. You have supportive people who encourage learning opportunities, provide help, and create a safe place to share or create. The biggest thing is to get involved with the process of making.

Members Get to Use Tools – Or Learn New Skills

Both maker spaces allow people to discover a new love or talent without having any previous experience. Stetzinger and Cantu both said that anyone can come in to take classes or experiment with different tools or techniques.

“Every tool that we have in the shop has a class associated with it,” said Stetzinger. “Those classes are free unless there’s materials involved in that class. Even then, we just ask for an amount to offset those supplies.”

At Factur, a tiered pricing structure is available for whatever members want to do, including an option that includes everything. MakerFX has a monthly membership fee for individuals and families, but provides 24-7 access.

You can discover more information about MakerFX by visiting makerfx.org. If you want to explore Factur, please check out factur.org for tours, specific hours, and class opportunities.