Tech Shop!
by furtech
My introduction to Tech Shop
A friend dragged me to an event that sounded very, "Eh." Boy, was I wrong. The opening of the Tech Shop San Francisco was eye-opening. I had heard about Tech Shop: a membership operation where people could use a large, well-equipped work space. Sounded like a nice idea.
I was wrong: it's a GREAT IDEA! Just having a space to work on projects is pretty cool...but Tech Shop has STUFF. Equipment that is far beyond the means of mortals such as you and I. I had been thinking they had a few belt sanders, a lathe and your typical Home Depot fare. Nope. They have vacuum form machines (2'X2'), computer-controlled jigsaws, English wheels, pneumatic hammers, plastic injection molders, powder-coating areas and that's only the beginning!
They take it to a new level with 3-D scanners and (*trumpets*) 3-D PRINTERS!! Several types, actually-- including the ones that can output full 3-D, inside and out (so you could "print out" an engine, with all the tubes and holes and innards!). OMG. They also had a nice selection of laser etchers, vinyl cutters, a whole slew of sewing machines-- from a quilter to overlocks and embroidery machines.
Outside the Menlo Park Tech Shop I saw a gorgeous Ducati (well, they're -all- gorgeous). I thought the carbon-fibre accessories were just -cool-. I'm pretty sure he made them there, too: they had a huge roll of carbon fibre cloth at the SF shop.
I think this is a fantastic concept! Not only can you prototype things here, you can also create finished projects and even do moderate levels of manufacturing.
If you're in the BArea, I highly encourage you to check this out! They're opening one in San Jose in the near future, too. Memberships are reasonable, considering the resources you get access to.
