A Look Inside a Student-run Makerspace

While in Atlanta a few weeks ago for the third annual Atlanta Mini Maker Faire, I had the opportunity to return to the Invention Studio, a student-run makerspace where I spent a few years honing my skills and meeting other makers. The Studio is a five-room space full of tools, parts, and students working on academic or personal projects. The space and the 60+ students who run it are providing a service to the school that’s invaluable – the ability to create and learn how to work with your hands.

While I was there, I talked to a lot of current students about their projects and snapped some photos of the space:

I’m welcomed by a glowing, color-changing entry into one of the five rooms.

A well-stocked electronics bench with some new Hakko tools.

Dan Hammer’s combat robot, aptly named “The Hammer”.

Two Dimension machines stand outside the doors.

One thing that there isn’t a shortage of in the Studio are 3d printers. Here’s a Type A Machine Series 1.

All three Replicator 2s are named after Star Wars creatures.

The Afinia is encased in a warm, comfy plastic home.

Lots of filament.

Chad Ramey shows off his Spartan helmet, which was 3d printed and assembled together.

Chad even added a few LEDs on each side, and plans to install a cooling fan inside for Con-going.

Chad’s also working on a cart, inspired by Charles Guan’s [Chibikart](http://www.instructables.com/id/Chibikart-Rapid-Prototyping-a-Subminiature-Electr/).

Laser Master Billy Allen created this handy guide for choosing a good etching power and speed in acrylic.

Billy cuts gearboxes out of acrylic. He uses 1.5mm 3d printer filament as shafts!

I hope I can afford tool drawers and organizers as gorgeous as these one day.

Oooooh, awwwww

A senior design project in the works, designed the create foam cutouts for tools, similar to the prior photos.

With the [Atlanta Mini Maker Faire](http://makerfaireatl.com/) right around the corner, the Studio was full of lasercut Maker badges.

The machine I miss most — the WaterJet. This beast can cut through inches of steel, foamcore, and everything in between.

This is what your scrap area looks like when you own a WaterJet.

A brand, shiny new CNC Lathe.

A small, student-built quadcopter.

There definitely isn’t a shortage of tools here. A student-built air system adorns the wall.