Makers Faire

[Philjoe5]

Some time ago, someone posted a message about the Maker's Faire in Detroit (I think it was).

The local library is planning a Mini Faire and I wanted to find out what these are all about. I was planning to demonstrate a few air powered model engines if it seems to fit the genre.

Does anyone have experience with these shows?

Cheers,
Phil

 

[RonGinger]

I went to a mini Maker Faire in Portsmouth NH last summer. I heard about it to late to register. It was an interesting show, a lot of more like craft or art stuff, but a couple 3D printers and a hacker space group. There was a group there dong a cast iron pour. It all depends on who signs up to exhibit.

If you take some engines it will probably be like the show we had this past weekend- a general Model Festival, planes, cars, trains, doll houses, etc. People would walk by and look at our models and not really have a clue what they were seeing. When you explained you made them, and they just sat there and ran most people gave you that look like you were some kind of nut.

From what I have seen the Detroit show is a huge one, and has lots of interesting exhibitors.

 

[gbritnell]

I believe that was Steve Huck.
gbritnell

 

[Tin Falcon]

Phil: From what I have seen of the on line the maker movement is very diverse . not unlike the articles from the Popular Mechanics from days of yore.

The maker projects run the gamut from art and garden projects to electronics , robotics and 3-d printers. from garden beds to science projects.

I dare to say few projects I have seen look finished and show craftsmanship.
Many projects look cobbled together. I will say I saw a photo of an outdoor cooker that was very well done.
The art looks like art and is finished looking.
I dare say your projects will likely be at the higher end of what is presented.

I have never been to a makers faire would not mind going if one is near by they seem to in many locations throughout the year.

Tin

 

[Nerdz]

I Love Maker Faire! I have been going to the big one in NY For the past 4 Years. Every Year it Keeps getting bigger. I have went to one mini maker faire in Danbury CT, and was slightly disappointed. It was smaller but I knew that going in. It was mostly a collection of local people who make stuff (think small craft fair type small). Any who. If you enjoy electronics, and a mix of art into it, then by all means go ahead. Oh and science, Lots of science. Some of the people you meet there are quite intelligent, but are there to show off stuff they made (hence the term Maker Faire).

I would defiantly show off some engines you have made there. It might inspire someone to get into machining, or at the very least, try something new! Tin is right, the 3d printer section is getting bigger. Personally, I dont like 3d Printers and dont see what all the fuss is about, Well that is until someone made a point that you can make a pattern of something and then cast it in metal. That caught my interest, but $1000 isnt something I have in my back pocket for one (Id rather have a mill and show the skill on how I can use it, rather than some software).

Think of a mini maker faire as a "taste" of what a Big Maker Faire is.

Obligatory Link:
http://makerfaire.com/

They also offer a magazine. Its slightly on the high side ($15 per mag)

 

[Philjoe5]

Thanks for the information and background guys. This is indeed a Mini Makers Faire, being held at the library in Lititz, PA. This town is home to a Rolex Technicum which has its own interesting history:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lititz_Watch_Technicum

I think it may be a good opportunity to get some model engineering into an audience that doesn't normally seek it.

I wish someone had given me a clue when I was younger.

Cheers,
Phil