Paradise for tech tinkerers

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Newton recalled that he had gone to the original Maker Faire in the spring of 2006 at the invitation of organizer Dale Dougherty and had set up little more than a card table with some fliers.

But by the end of the event, he said, more than 250 people had filled out forms indicating their interest, and throughout, his table was entertaining a line of inquisitors at least two to three people deep.

No wonder. Newston's concept--of a place where he could work on the kinds of projects he had been able to do when he had access to tools and machinery as an instructor at the College of San Mateo and at the MythBusters offices--was deeply attractive to a lot of people.

"People were telling us they'd move to California if we opened this thing up," he said. And a lot of "people suggested TechShop franchises."

And that was even before the current location opened.

On October 1, 2006, TechShop opened its doors, and quickly became the mainstream alternative to some of the pseudo-legal artists' workshops proliferating around the Bay Area.

And it makes sense, Newton said.

"If you go into a first-grade class and ask how many people like to make things, everyone raises their hands," he said. "Twenty-five years later, you'd only get a couple hands (but) those people are all still makers."

TechShop is built around providing its members with a safe place to go to learn the skills they need to make the kinds of projects they want.

That's why in addition to access to the tools and machinery, TechShop offers a series of instructional classes on how to use those machines.

"You can machine aluminum and make prototypes of something you've always wanted to make," Newton said. "I think people want to make things everywhere. (But they're usually) hampered by the lack of tools, space and a creative community to work within."

Now, however, TechShop is home to all kinds of makers creating almost any kind of project.

To Newton, one of the most memorable projects is a telepresence robot being built by a pair brothers that lets them log on from any computer and direct the robot around the TechShop space.

"He'll drive it into my office to say hi to me," laughs Newton.

At the same time, several members are using the space and tools to create prototypes to pitch to potential investors, he said.

For now, TechShop is a heavily male environment, with just 20 percent female membership.

But Newton said he is intent on changing that.

"I really want to do (more outreach to women) as we expand," he said. "I really want it to be very family oriented and not just for geek guys."

[ceoballmer]

I'm on the way baby!

A tech farmer's market! I have gotta get down there!
http://****************.blogspot.com
Sounds like my kinda place!

[rdupuy11]

outreach to women

It's outreach to women, or he really wants women to be men? I know he's a geek and so I can forgive him for his mistake, but as a person married to a woman...you might force her in there at gunpoint, but otherwise good freakin' luck... as for me, though...I like the concept, I wish you would do one in my town.

[tonyFromky]

Outreach to women? Add machines that women like...

Outreach to women is easy. Add a room that has some industrial sewing machines and long-arm quilting machines in addition to plasma cutters. My wife and her pals would be all over it.

[markramberg]

www.techshopseattle.com

Sign up for information on the Seattle TechShop franchise.