Volunteer Event Sign-Ups

Do you like helping out the Makerspace? Do you have a free evening? Well, we need a few volunteers to open the Space for Member Open Workshop Hours! There’s not much to it: All you need to do is open up the Space for members to come in and make, then close everything up when it’s done.

If you’re interested, check out the sign-up sheet here!

Our Member Handbook is Now on the Website

Do you have a burning question about how something works at AMS? The new handbook section of our website is now your first stop! Check out the “Member Handbook” drop-down on the navigation bar of our website to find all the most up-to-date information on a variety of topics at AMS.

Update on Equipment Usage Billing

You’ve probably noticed some new signs popping up around the ‘Space. These are QR codes that have been rolled out to make paying for equipment usage easier and more consistent.

You can scan one of these with your phone to go to our page about that Lab or machine. From there, you can add your machine time to a cart and checkout straight away – no waiting on someone to bill you for it.

Can’t scan the code? No problem, each sign also has the address for the page it points to, and all the pages are included in the navigation menu on the website.

We plan on adding important and useful information about each piece of equipment to the pages, so keep an eye out for that.

Have something you want to see on a machine’s page? Add it to the Public Share Drive (more on that in a bit)!

Why are we doing this? It can get pretty expensive keeping the equipment and Labs maintained and stocked with consumables, this helps us offset those costs – which keeps us running – and it gives us an idea of what’s getting used so we can make good investments in the right gear.

Right to Repair Interview

Check out this rad radio interview from 93.5 WKAR on Right to Repair. Host Jeanne Destro interviewed AMS’s very own Chris Bennett about why he thinks Ohio should consider passing state laws to address issues in Right to Repair.

Public Share Drive

Did you know Akron Makerspace has its own Public Share Google drive? It’s a hub of all things AMS- from classes and labs, to project sharing and paperwork form access.

All members are welcomed and encouraged to populate information on this drive. If you have tips and tricks to share about certain equipment, or pictures of an amazing project you just finished, or are curious about classes offered in the past, the Public Share drive is the place to go! Check it out here.

Think Share Play Plaque

The Cool Shit Committee would like to announce that there is a new addition to our walls in the Makerspace! This past month, we partnered with Think Share Play, another local non-profit, to install a plaque in our entry portal. The plaque has a scan-able QR code that we encourage members to interact with. This is part of a larger project organized by Think Share Play which includes plaques around the Akron & Barberton area all with interactive QR codes. Visit ThinkSharePlay to learn more about this new local non-profit & the projects they are working on. If you take the time to check out this new addition to the Makerspace, let liz@akronmakerspace.org know what you think! 

Wood Lab Safety Classes

Wood Lab classes continue upon request. Please email Bob_H@akronmakerspace.org to get something on the schedule. If you’d like a safety class in another lab, or are looking for lessons on how to use pieces of equipment in the Space, check out the Public Share drive to see if there’s already info on it, or email board@akronmakerspace.org to set up a time to learn.

Current AMS Mask Policy

Masks are required to be worn in the Space.

We value all of our members and please keep in mind that not all individuals can get vaccinated due to various conditions. Individuals with certain medical conditions are still at higher risk for COVID even if vaccinated, and there is not a vaccine available yet for those under 12.  Please help us to keep our great maker community healthy and mask up!

Thank you,
AMS Board of Directors

Board Positions Open

Classes Continue by Request

Due to COVID, AMS classes continue to be available for members only.
Classes for October will be held by request only.
If you’re interested in any of our popular classes like Woodshop Safety, Wood Turning 101, Welding 101, or Soldering 101, or wish to get training on any of the equipment in the space, shoot an email to the board and we can help you get something on the calendar

Without A Trace…

Another Race to the Finish

The Akron Makerspace Power Racing team made an appearance at another race near Pittsburgh on September 18th and 19th.
Congrats to the ‘Fett-Vette’ and our awesome members Andy B. and Warren P. for a great race!