By Chris Spangler
Contributor
It was in the summer of 2013 that Fort Atkinson’s Simon Dorfman created the Mulberry Row Facebook group with the intent of starting a makerspace. It generated a lot of interest from makers in the greater Jefferson County area, but unfortunately, they could not secure a location.
Now eight years later, the group page is undergoing a hard reset as Mulberry Row 2.0.
The original Mulberry Row members not only wanted a community workshop, but also a place in which beginning and novice makers could receive instruction. Yes, YouTube videos and DIY books are helpful, but the best way to learn anything is by hands-on training with a mentor.
Of course, starting a makerspace that is open to all interests and disciplines is not easy. Finding a building, equipment and, most important, committed members is just the start.
First, the location must not only be affordable, but large enough to house equipment for various workshops.
There is a lot to consider: Is there a large overhead door and a forklift to accommodate large big projects and equipment? Do you want to do metals, woodworking, automotive and electrical projects? How about pottery, fabric arts or crafting? Will you need a “clean room” for a laser engraver and 3-D printers?
At the same time, does the building have sufficient electrical power to run heavy-duty equipment? Is it handicapped accessible with ample parking? Does it have plenty of workbenches and 24-hour member access?
And those are just a handful of the countless questions that must be answered. With such an extensive laundry list of needs and wants, it’s no wonder Mulberry Row never was able to get off the ground.
The good news is that today, a local makerspace already is up and running, the only one between Madison and the metro Milwaukee area.
Wisconsin Makers is located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater. Easy to get to quickly via County Highway N or U.S. Highway 12, the nonprofit organization is ready and waiting to welcome Mulberry Row 2.0 members, friends and all other interested Fort Atkinson-area makers.
Located in the 6,000-square-foot-plus Wisconsin Manufactory building, Wisconsin Makers is divided into workshops for particular interests. Among them are areas for metals, woodworking, crafts, fabric arts (quilting, sewing, etc.), matting, pottery, electronics, 3-D printing and laser cutting, to mention just a few. Also, an automotive lift is awaiting installation.
In addition, Wisconsin Makers is home to the Repair Café, which offers free help with mending broken household items.
Makerspace board member Peter Spangler, of Fort Atkinson, noted that the monthly membership fee is just $27.50 for individuals, with a family plan of $37.50. Student and business rates are available.
“Members receive a key fob providing them around-the-clock access to fit their schedules,” Spangler said. “Once they are approved to use the equipment, the workshop is theirs … just as it would be at home.”
He noted that this is the perfect answer for everyone from people wanting to be makers but needing tools and mentorship to craftspersons who require specialized equipment.
“For instance, we have a long-arm quilting machine, a CNC plasma cutter and a 24-inch-wide belt sander, not to mention both an FDM and an SLA (resin) 3-D printer,” Spangler said.
“Tools and equipment are expensive, and having experienced makerspace members available to share their knowledge and expert skills is a game-changer,” he continued. “With such affordable membership, Wisconsin Makers is one of the best deals around.”
Spangler acknowledged that the makerspace has been rather quiet this past year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even so, because members come and go on their own schedules, social distancing is extremely easy.
Wisconsin Makers has been taking advantage of these quieter months to update equipment and work on infrastructure such as installing the kitchenette.
“Anyone with some free time to help with these projects, especially right now during this unprecedented time of social isolation, is encouraged to contact us,” Spangler said.
To learn more about what the makerspace offers or for contact information, please visit the Facebook page at @WisconsinMakers.
Editor’s note: Fort Atkinson Online will be featuring “Creatory Corner,” a regular column in which Wisconsin Makers shares project ideas for do-it-yourselfers of all ages. Watch for it soon!
A participant in Wisconsin Makers’ spring iron pour held in conjunction with University of Wisconsin-Whitewater sculpture students works on a sand mold design. Later that day, molten cast iron was poured into the mold to create a tile.
Peter Spangler, of Fort Atkinson, talks about the metals and welding area with attendees at a Wisconsin Makers open house
During an open house, visitors view the “clean room” housing two 3-D printers and the laser cutter.
A Wisconsin Makers exhibit welcomes visitors in the lobby of the Wisconsin Manufactory in Whitewater.
Open house guests visit the woodworking area of Wisconsin Makers.
Youngsters attending a Wisconsin Makers’ open house create “hardware art” to share on social media. Many designed their name with nuts, bolts, springs and other hardware items.
The fabric arts workshop includes a long-arm quilting machine, Big Board, height-adjustable cutting table, industrial sewing machines, looms and other equipment.
Wisconsin Makers’ common area provides a venue for workshops and conversation.
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