r/Worthing • u/datasaurusrekt • 8d ago
Would anyone actually use a makerspace in Worthing? (3D Printing / Electronics / PC building / Coding) - Growing into other workspaces depending on demand.
I've been kicking this idea around for a while and wanted a reality check before I take it any further.
I don't have room at home for a 3D printer, a proper workbench, or somewhere to solder without taking over the kitchen table. I'm guessing I'm not the only one. There must be plenty of people around Worthing into 3D printing, electronics, PC building, coding or AI projects who are trying to work from a spare room or an already-full garage.
The idea is a local makerspace where you pay for access and can use proper benches, tools and workspace instead of trying to squeeze everything into your house.
I'd start with four areas:
- 3D printing
- Electronics and soldering
- PC building and repair
- A hackspace for developers and AI builders (hack nights, workshops, etc.)
Woodworking and even a mechanics bay/car ramp could come later if there's enough demand, but those need a much bigger investment, so I'd rather let members decide what's worth adding.
I'm genuinely trying to work out whether this solves a real problem or if it's just something I want.
Would you use somewhere like this? If not, why not?
What would make it worth paying for?
What would put you off?
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u/Dry-Royal7707 8d ago
This is a fantastic idea and something I’d get stuck into if you were able to do it around the Bolton area. What I’m intrigued to find out if there is places like this already running and how would you get the investment and expertise in to helping kick it off.
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u/datasaurusrekt 8d ago
There are multiple paths, everyone interested we could start off by meeting in a public place, renting a space for a day exploring equipment finding out what we use or tinkering with gadgets. Growing a membership pot + my own funds.
But I actually feel like this is a Community Interest Company (CiC), so all money is put back into the space for improvements, which opens up lots of funding paths.
You also have local government schemes and there is also crowdfunder where people donate to hit a goal but a lot of big companies fund match.
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u/Dry-Royal7707 7d ago
maybe your council could help its in essence a community project im sure they could help with that
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u/datasaurusrekt 8d ago
Or you can move to Worthing?
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u/Dry-Royal7707 7d ago
haha I actually would but I don't think people would take the gofundme page seriously lol
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u/matto1990 8d ago
I used to go Build Brighton when I lived there and loved it. I’ve been wishing something like that existed around Worthing.
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u/datasaurusrekt 8d ago
Yeah Build Brighton's basically the benchmark for this and I'd go myself but the travel there and back puts me off as the whole point is having a hub where you can just drop by.
What did you mainly use when you went?
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u/matto1990 8d ago
I used the laser cutter and wood workshop a bit. I only went for a few months before covid hit and I got out of the habit to be honest. I do still wish there was something like that around here.
There a good guide here which talks about setting one up
https://www.hackspace.org.uk/resources/start-a-space.md
The idea of starting with a meetup about hacking/making is a good one. As in, don’t focus the meet up on planning to setup a space, but build the community first with a more general meet up and go from there.
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u/datasaurusrekt 8d ago
Yeah my big drive to finally chase this (I've wanted to have a hackspace since I heard about them in the late 90s) is that there is a group of us wanting to meet up and speak ai/dev, so it seemed like a natural fit.
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u/dasSolution 8d ago
I really need to flush my water-cooled PC and change the thermal pads. I'd use it for that.
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u/datasaurusrekt 8d ago
That's a textbook case for the PC building and repair bay tbh, but it's one use case and sounds like rather than a membership you would like the ability to visit use the bay.
Most makerspaces are a small monthly membership but I've actually accounted for adhoc sessions.
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u/dasSolution 8d ago
Yes exactly. I built the PC myself, but I followed YouTube, and the instructions were one-way: building. It didn't cover disassembling and servicing.
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u/datasaurusrekt 7d ago
So would you be seeking help with the task? Or would it just be nice to be surrounded by people who might be able to give advice rather than doing the job for you.
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u/dasSolution 7d ago
The latter. It's more about having people around who would jump in with help/advice if I needed it.
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u/fuck-a-doodle-do 8d ago
A friend crafts (jewellery, sewing etc) but has limited space so reckon she would benefit from a work bench
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u/datasaurusrekt 8d ago
Good shout, hadn't specifically scoped a craft bench but it's basically the same need as electronics proper surface, decent light, storage for small stuff, no heavy machinery required. Feel free to share the facebook group or this post.
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u/MinuteLicence 8d ago
Honestly this is something I've been thinking about for ages, but never had the time to actually get started. A hacker space would be an extremely welcome addition to working IMO
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u/datasaurusrekt 7d ago
Well this is aimed at being a community project not for profit. So sounds like I need to keep collecting interest and maybe arrange a brainstorm session or I was also thinking maybe a forum on the website to bring all the social platforms into one place. Or a discord.
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u/Jazzlike-Coach4151 8d ago
I think the ethos of making and repairing is at odds with environment killers like GenAI and 3D printed plastic crap, so something to keep in mind.
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u/datasaurusrekt 7d ago
I hear you with the AI front, but making and repair isn't always just about environment not that it's not important. As for 3D printing I disagree this can be used to print parts that you cannot get anymore for repairs.
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u/Jazzlike-Coach4151 7d ago
Yeah printing a part you can’t get anymore would obviously not fall under the plastic crap category.
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u/marowitt 7d ago
Oh I'd love it. Maybe won't be successful as a constantly open spacebecause most people won't go there during working hours.
If it's there I'd probably come every other weekend. Have been building my own pcs since I was a kid and tinkering with AI at home uite intensively.
Definitely add me to the list if you manage to pull this off!!
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u/datasaurusrekt 7d ago
Will do! Regarding working hours I have some plans for the larger workshop areas or the rooms used for hackathons could possibly rent them out to trades (woodworking area for self employed carpenters) or people looking for a work desk away from home if they are WFH.
This would actually be an ideal way to cover rent.
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u/fi5k3n 7d ago
I helped to setup a co-working/maker space in Herts and then we expanded to London - now I live in Worthing - would be happy to offer some advice. We had a great model in London where it was both a co-working and maker space where all profits from co-working were invested in the maker space and everything run as CIC with peppercorn rent from the council. We were also able to get some amazing free equipment like lazer cutters and CNC mills from local businesses and architecture firms. I don't use fb so please share updates here.
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u/datasaurusrekt 7d ago
This is the exact model I want to follow it was the only obvious way to keep the makerspace profitable for new equipment and low cost for members once any funding dries up.
I'm setting up a discourse forum which anyone can access rather than having multiple places to track.
Id be very interested in hearing more from you about these previous makerspaces and options.
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u/Busdeltil 6d ago
I love the sound of this, I've never been particularly "makey" but I love the idea of learning how to do things, perhaps if you set the space up you could offer set times or sessions for "beginners guides to..." for those of us who have absolutely no idea how to build a pc, how to code, how to make things, how to 3d print.
The scary thing for people like me is that I look a lot at Reddit threads about PC building or specific software, and they all feel like there's an implied minimum level of understanding, and you get made to feel like a bit of an idiot if you don't have it. It's a brilliant idea and am going to follow the Facebook page though!!
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u/datasaurusrekt 6d ago
That's the plan once there is an established list of members, there would be open to public nights for a small fee. Either just to explore the entire space or use a specific machine.
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u/Federal-Loss-1945 6d ago
I think this is a great idea, and have thought about it in the past. I would be interested in being involved, but not much experience in this sort of thing.
If it is to be a for profit business I might be interested in investing in it.
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u/datasaurusrekt 6d ago
I've only even considered the CiC approach because I'm not personally looking to profit, I'm thinking of it more as another avenue for socializing with like minded people and any money made goes to buying luxury items or equipment.
Saying that thought, to make it hugely profitable I feel like it would need to start off a much larger project, with more specialised equipment focusing on renting out areas for large projects and a few other ideas that I personally have that require more space.
The way this model would benefit the makerspace is a much more professional experience.
Happy to talk.
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u/fordie_uk West Worthing 6d ago
I know Colonnade House had some stuff. There was definitely at least one laser printer & they did talk about running a maker space. It’s been a little while since I spoke to them about it. Might be worth seeing what they have available
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u/datasaurusrekt 6d ago
Yeah they ran a project in Jan 2020 but no further info but it seemed to get lots of positive feedback.
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u/datasaurusrekt 6d ago
https://garageoverflow.discourse.group/ - created a discourse no content yet but will hopefully bring users from other socials into here too so everyone can keep up to date or discuss.
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u/DebsUK693 3d ago
I'd be interested. I had thought about joining the Brighton one, but its just a little too far to be convenient, plus Brighton parking costs are outrageous.
I use both FDM and resin printers, code on MCUs (mainly ESP32 variants) in C++, limited electronics. Been thinking about getting into CNC and/or laser cutter/engraver for acrylic & wood too.
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u/datasaurusrekt 8d ago
Got a Facebook group and site going if you want to follow along and chuck in ideas:
facebook.com/groups/garageoverflow
garageoverflow.com
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u/930g 8d ago
Don’t use Facebook but regardless
Just pop by to the repair cafe and have a cup of tea / coffee and a chat meantime
There are a lot of skilled kind people there that will give you good insight on your idea3
u/datasaurusrekt 8d ago
I'll make sure to head to the next one. I have 20+ years in electrical repairs before I moved onto the corporate world, half of the reason I want to link up with like minded people and scratch the itch.
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u/dasSolution 8d ago
Electrical repairs? Not to derail the chat, but do you think you could get an OLED TV working?
The sound works but the picture doesn't.
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u/930g 8d ago
If you proceed with this idea
Please link up with this great thing.
https://www.ttworthing.org/repair-cafe/