Swindon Makerspace, housed inside BizSpace in Cheney Manor, is a place where DIYers can build and repair almost anything, even if they lack the tools and space at home.
The space is equipped with a wood shop, a machine shop, a metal shop, an electronics bench, a textiles lab, a spray paint booth, a print shop, a 3D printing lab and more.
Running for around seven years, the makerspace allows Swindonians to get involved in some otherwise expensive hobbies without the need to try and cram a wood shop or a machine shop into their garage, or front up for expensive tools and 3d printers.
The space, which is available to the public 24 hours a day for a monthly subscription fee, is divided into multiple areas for;
- Digital Fabrication – 3D printers and Laser Cutter
- Metal Work – Welding, Lathe, Mill CNC
- Wood Work – Table saw, Planer, Band Saw, lots of hand and power tools.
- Electronics Station – Soldering, power supplies, oscilloscopes
- Craft Area – Sewing machine, T-shirt/Mug printer, Vinyl Plotter
- Spray Paint booth
- Worktop Area – large desk space for clean project
Standard membership which gives access 24 hours a day, seven days a week costs £25 per month and new fr 2023 is a weekend only membership which will give you access for the full 48 hours, is just £15 per month. Students, OAP’s and those on certain benefits can get a discounted membership of just 50% of the monthly cost..
The first step to getting a Swindon Makerspace membership is to take a tour of the space at one of the open evenings on Wednesdays from 7pm onwards. There will be someone around who will be able to give you a tour and answer any questions you have. This is a great way to introduce yourself, find out about the rules and how to get inducted on any machines and tools you might want to use.
If you are unable to make the Wednesday evening session then you can contact the team to arrange another time, as the workshop isn’t manned.
To view a comprehensive list of what Swindon Makerspace has to offer, visit Swindon-Makerspace.org
