The idea of the makerspace is a pretty recent invention. For centuries, the workshop was a space for a specific trade or individual, so expanding that concept to anyone who seeks to use certain tools can lead to some hiccups. The idea of this article is to inspire both those who are just getting started and those who are trying to revive or maintain an already established makerspace.
Starting a makerspace works best when you focus on quality rather than quantity. The maintenance of the various tools and equipment quickly becomes one of the biggest drains on time and money, so investing in reliable equipment will save countless headaches down the road. Keep in mind that the more complex or higher-risk a tool is, the more staff support it requires—not just for safe use, but also for upkeep and training. Don’t be roped in or dissuaded by sticker prices, either; if you can’t get solid technical support from the vendor, the equipment simply isn’t worth it. Spend your money where it will save money in the future.
Many makerspaces stumble or fail in their first few years because they overspend on equipment and don’t plan for the staffing needed to run the space. Growing slowly, commissioning a few core machines at a time, and letting members help shape what comes next will give your makerspace the best chance to thrive. It’s also important to remember that a critical part of any successful makerspace is socialization. Many would-be makerspace users are more interested in the potential to meet people with similar interests or ambitions. A good space also includes a “thinkerspace,” whether it’s a nice adjacent office (maybe where you keep the CAD station, too) or a comfy corner with plenty of table space for drawing sessions.
Help keep social interest in your makerspace by creating events, clubs, and messaging in library newsletters. You can also reach out to local craftspeople, schools, and businesses to discuss sharing resources or promoting events. These people will help you make decisions about how to grow and give you the resources to best do it. And, again, because it often gets forgotten—don’t skimp on staff! Someone has to know how to maintain everything and actually do that maintenance.
With all that in mind, let’s look at a few tools that your patrons might already be asking for!
The “Big Guns”
Dremel 4300 – While certainly not big in size, this tool will see constant use in any active makerspace, making it big in necessity. Just like we call garbage bins “dumpsters” and bandages “Band-Aids,” Dremel has made such a mark on the rotary tool market that their brand name is often casually applied to all similar tools. And it’s for good reason: they make a good product. While new cordless options exist, I (and many makers) stand by the corded version of many tools, including the Dremel. Batteries are a hassle, and none of the battery-powered options can maintain the same level of performance for as long. Any shop will need the ability to perform detailed work with a power tool, and a quality rotary tool is exactly what most will be looking for—and what Dremel provides. You can buy older models too if your budget is tight: I’ve been using the same Dremel since 2010, and I know plenty of people with even older models they still rely on. Click here to buy a Dremel 4300.
Bambu Lab A1 3D Printer – This Bambu 3D Printer is held in high regard by a number of tech review outlets, such as CNET and Consumer Reports. If you’re just beginning to build a makerspace or are tentatively expanding your 3D printing capabilities, the A1 is a perfect model. At only $349, it can fit into most budgets easily and punches above its price point in both quality of print and adaptability, taking larger spools of filament (saving some cost when buying in bulk) as well as multiple filaments for color printing. It does need a bit of calibration in order to avoid waste, and the extruder head (lovingly called a “poop flinger” by some users) will require frequent attention to make sure it’s not making a mess. These are small downsides, however, compared to the ability and flexibility for your makerspace to 3D print highly accurate large models in multiple colors. Click here to buy a Bambu Lab A1 3D Printer.
Shopsmith Mk. 5 – While it is good advice to buy quality over quantity, the Shopsmith Mark 5 gives you both, especially for beginner woodworkers or small spaces. The company’s promotional material says it best: “The Shopsmith MARK 5 delivers five core tools in one compact machine: Table Saw, Disc Sander, Drill Press, Horizontal Boring Machine, and Lathe. Start simple — and expand your capabilities as you go.” It does cost a pretty penny at ~$4,000, but many can be found secondhand in good working condition. And even if you have to buy new, the Shopsmith Mk. 5 will more than make up for the cost in its flexibility and small footprint, then again as it grows with your space and program. Specific upgrades can be purchased if your patrons start becoming expert wood turners or carpenters, allowing you to more cheaply provide specialized quality equipment when and where it is needed. Workshop Companion on YouTube explains the virtues of this unique power multitool for any growing shop or makerspace.
Carbide 3D 4x4 CNC Router – For anyone building or retooling a makerspace, a CNC router might be a good choice. Their adaptability and usability with many materials make them a well-rounded option compared to mills and plasma/laser cutters (tools which often require more dedicated space or ventilation). It can also be used to add a bit of pizazz to the library by tooling new signage for the shelves or nameplates for the reference or checkout desks. While every space and budget is different, the bigger the CNC router, the more flexible and usable it becomes. Some spaces need to look for smaller tabletop options, but the Carbide 3D CNC router is a great mid-size choice for many spaces. Giving users a good mix of flexibility and durability—with a helpful manufacturer that will even train you on how to use and maintain their product—this router is worth the cost if your patrons are looking for computer-controlled cutting and carving. Click here to buy a Carbide 3D 4x4 CNC Router.
Basic tools – You’d be surprised how many makerspaces get started and don’t even have a simple screwdriver to fix a larger tool when it malfunctions. Don’t fall into this common trap, and be sure to budget a few hundred dollars to buy some quality hand tools that will last. You might also consider purchasing some less-basic but frequently useful tools such as torque wrenches and USB-C endoscopes. These will see a lot of borrowing from your tool library when patrons need to change out a lawnmower blade or diagnose problems with tools or engines. It can be a little overwhelming shopping for new tools with all the different brands, products, and claims. If you need to know what products will get the best bang for your buck, check out Project Farm on YouTube. He does rigorous testing of all types of products and does not take sponsorships to keep his ratings fairly objective, meaning you can better trust his judgment when he occasionally finds that the $8 Harbor Freight product outperforms the $180 Snap-on. Each video includes a linked “grade sheet” for the products, so you don’t even have to watch if you just want some tips.
For Makers of All Ages
Vevor 14in Pottery Wheel – Pottery is a mainstay of all-ages craft programming and has been making a comeback in recent years. And making a pinch pot ashtray is something that can be done on a budget, but what about more advanced skill sets? You’ll need some pottery wheels if you want to support classes or makers. The Vevor 14in wheel is a perfect choice for libraries. It’s small, which is great for storage and transport, and it will be perfect for classes or people just learning the skill while still being useful to more advanced users. It also comes fully assembled, saving you the headache of putting machines together. I’ve watched several video reviews of this product from intermediate and master-level users, and none of them had a bad thing to say. Some of you might be asking, “Well, what about a kiln?” That’s where relationships come into play. While small electric kilns are available, they are very small, dangerous for the inexperienced, and not at all energy efficient. Local artists, companies, and even some art centers or schools will have much larger and more efficient kilns that could be shared, especially if they’re involved in clubs and events. Save the cost of the kiln and all that future electricity, and buy another wheel or two instead. Click here to buy a Vevor 14in Pottery Wheel.
Lego Robotics – While a bit pricey to set up in some cases, Lego’s educational robotics materials (Lego Robotics) are always popular with kids of all ages. The wonderful thing about using Lego is the widespread and interchangeable nature of their products. If you need more bricks, you can find them secondhand at just about any yard sale (and sometimes luck out and find more Lego engines for cheap, cheap, cheap!) or buy them new in bulk to decrease the overall cost. Patrons, too, can share their own blocks and materials to use the library’s motors and logic controllers to bring their creations to life. Lego really runs the whole cost spectrum, making it a no-brainer for expanding the all-ages section of the makerspace.
Circuitry and things – This subject is so expansive, constantly changing, and frequently requested of makerspaces that it’s impossible for me to make a reasonable recommendation that will serve a broad variety of needs. If you’re looking at which Raspberry Pi or Arduino chipsets to buy, Colleen Graves has an article with a lot of good recommendations and a wealth of information. This article will help you make decisions that best serve your community or serve as a perfect jumping-off point for further research: Colleen Graves – Makerspace Tools.
Sewing Machines – This is another topic that is too broad and has too many needs to fit into one paragraph. Some spaces will need embroidery machines, others may need sergers or quilting tools. Even older sewing machines will fill this niche, so don’t let your aunt throw out her mother’s old Singer! Especially for learner machines or public workhorses, these older but easy-to-use-and-maintain machines will be perfect. There are so many choices when it comes to new or specialized sewing machines, but there is one brand that stands out: Brother. Their embroidery software is so commonly used that it’s a good choice to go with their hardware as well. For specialized or two-in-one machines, Brother is worth the cost, and their customer support has always been helpful to the women in the quilting club at my mother’s church. And those ladies love to complain, so I know they’re not lying. Brother Sewing & Embroidery Machines
A great makerspace isn’t defined by how many machines you buy—it’s defined by the community you build around them. Start with reliable, versatile tools, budget for ongoing maintenance and staff training, and give people a place to think and collaborate. Grow slowly, invite member input, and lean on local partners for shared resources. Do that, and your makerspace will stay safer, busier, and more sustainable for years to come.
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