A Place To Learn, Collaborate & Create
Steven Bowtie creates sparks at Xerocraft Hackerspace.
photo: Jeremy Briddle
Do you like to tinker and make new things? Or maybe you wish you were that person, but you don’t know where to start? Try Xerocraft Hackerspace. The non-profit celebrates its grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 7 in new, expanded quarters at 101 W. 6th St. at the old Steinfeld warehouse.
So what’s a hackerspace? Jeremy Briddle, Xerocraft’s treasurer says, “I always describe a hackerspace as being like a glorified tool shop where anyone can come in and build the things they see in their minds. It’s a collaborative space where inventors, artists, engineers, tinkerers and makers can collaborate and share information.”
“It’s a community resource that gives people a space, tools and skills to make anything they can imagine with our current level of technology,” adds Josh Banno, former Xerocraft president.
Current Xerocraft president Connor Barickman says, “There’s a stigma round the term ‘hacker’ which we are doing our best to kick. A hack is to use something in a creative way far from its original intended purpose.”
Briddle reviews options at Xerocraft: “For metal working we do welding, molten metal casting, milling, lathing. For wood working we mill and lathe. We also have a computer-controlled laser cutter that can cut out thin pieces of wood or acrylic sheeting. We have three 3D printers which allow us to turn 3D files on the computer into tangible objects.”
Xerocraft also offers weekly workshops. Most popular, according to Barickman, are introductions to welding, woodworking and 3D printing. “This is a place for beginners to come and get their feet wet.”
Briddle adds, “We ask that anyone who comes in regularly pay the $40 monthly membership. From people who attend the workshops we ask for a $5 donation. However, we do not turn anyone away if they don’t pay.” There are several “Open Hacks” weekly where he says, “Anyone can get a tour, ask questions and use tools.”
Lauren Pring adds that WTF (Women/Trans/Femme) Open Hack Night will be every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pring, the WTF Night Coordinator explains that “the WTF Open Hack will create a space where women and transgender folks can feel empowered. Workshops and skills shares will be offered by and for women.”
Victoria Hermosilla working at Xerocraft Hackerspace.
photo: Jeremy Briddle
Community is an important aspect of Xerocraft. “The folks are Xerocraft are like family now,” says Banno. “With each new member, we have a new friend and a chance to learn something new.” Community involvement also includes education. This summer, Xerocraft participated in FAIR for Education, where, according to Alex Barton, “We showed kids, parents and teachers using a 3D printer, live 3D scanning demonstrations and several micro controller projects.”
Tucson’s Xerocraft is part of the national growth in “hackerspaces.” There are hackerspaces and “makerfaires” cropping up all over the country, explains Xerocrafter David Lyttle.
The grand opening on Sept. 7, starting at noon, includes a workshop, project demos, body and mural painting, BBQ, DJs and dance party, robots, and lasers. It’s a “typical Xerocraft extravaganza,” says Banno.
Get more details at Facebook.com/Xerocraft or Xerocraft.org.
Category: Arts, Community, DOWNTOWN / UNIVERSITY / 4TH AVE
