CSU MakerSpace

Went to visit the Cleveland State University Makerspace that officially opened this fall. It is called the Dan T. Moore Makerspace and is in the basement of the Engineering building. The head of the space is Matthew Johnson, a mechanical engineer who worked in the corporate world and k12 at a private academy. Matt wants to create a community for makers, help connect them to others and become experts in their own right. He is not an expert on any of the tools, but good at connecting people and getting resources.

The space is visible from the first floor, so people can see things going on. There are several small collaboration/meeting rooms at one end. There is some empty space for working or moving things around, as well as some counter space and a wall of cabinets. Right now they have 2 different size laser cutters (an Epilog and a Universal) , a circuit board maker and a 3D printer that will be going to another room in the renovated building. They are looking at more tools to bring in, focusing on community first, not just a room full of maker stuff. Some 3D printers and Cricut/Cameo are on their short list.

They have the Samuel Austin Woodshop, a small room full of wood working tools. They have a 4’x8’ CNC router, jointer, planar, drill press, mitre saw, spindle sander, belt sander. Instead of a table saw, they have a panel saw - interesting idea.

Also, they are getting a metals shop room ready to go. Plasma cutter, welding, drills, CNC...

The space is available to all students and faculty.  There are at least 300 Senior design class students using it each semester. Matthew is working on getting students from various disciplines in to the space. The robotics team meets there. They held an event with RePlay for kids , an organization that repairs and adapts toys and assistive devices for children with disabilities in NE Ohio.