I was introduced to the makerspace by my friend Andy, who is also a member. I was immediately drawn to the idea of a community of makers, shared access to many powerful tools, and the possibility of 24/7 access.
I recently completed a PhD in Computer Science at the University of Kansas and moved back to Wichita (born and raised). Starting in the fall, I’ll be teaching mathematics and computer science at Newman University.
I maintain a bunch of software projects, most of which are mods for the game Subnautica (C# and Unity). Last spring I started a small business doing event vending. For my small business, I wrote a website using AWS tools and a payment portal with the Square API. Currently I do kettle corn, but I’m hoping to branch out into craft goods, hence my strong interest in the makerspace. I enjoy working with my hands.
I’m interested in so many parts of the makerspace. At first, I’d like to look into printmaking, especially for t-shirts. I’d like to learn how to use the CNC tools and be trained in the electronics shop because I’d like to make toy robots. Eventually, I’d like to learn how to use the metalshop, for example to make small cauldrons, candle snuffers, and more durable robots.
Welcome aboard. I am a Newman Alum and am happy to welcome you to MajeICT and to our University. Newman is a truly unique place as is MakeICT. Hope to see you around in both places. – June Huie, Co-Lead Textiles
So far I’ve been in woodshop and ceramics. I made a simple wooden box and a variety of small clay dishes including one larger mug.
I’m very excited to learn about laser cutting on Monday, vinyl cutting the next week, and hopefully the metalshop later this month.
I’d like to try a larger piece of woodwork, like maybe a stool or small table. I found good clay at Evan’s, but I’m not sure how or where to source wood yet. I have a lot to learn!
For nicer hardwood you want to go to a lumber yard, there are a few listed on the wiki. You can get s4 oak or poplar at Lowe’s/home Depot/Menards, but they will charge more than the lumber yard and rough sawn is going to be cheaper than s4 at the lumber yard, in addition to offering more variety (if you are unfamiliar, when buying hardwood you can get rough, which is how the wood comes right off the sawmill, it is the cheapest way to buy hardwood and you have access to all the tools needed to make it into s4 at makeict, or with 1 to 4 finished sides. S4 means all four sides are planed and jointed so everything (except the ends) is square. You probably don’t want to buy this, it is the most expensive. S3 means the wide sides are planed smooth and parallel, and one edge is planed smooth and jointed square to those two sides. All you need to do to turn S3 into s4 is rip it on the table saw with the square edge against the fence. It is cheaper than s4, making it S4 takes a few seconds, and you end up with an offcut that you potentially use to make wedges or use as filter material if you screw something up, or at the very least use as a bit of firewood, so you might want to consider that one. S2 means two faces are planed parallel, it is cheaper than S3, you make it into S3 by taking a couple passes on the jointer. It is also worth considering. S1 isn’t that common but it has one smooth flat face, you need to plane the other face, joint it, them rip it on the tablesaw)
Welcome, Michael.
