tl;dr: Next Talk & Tinker Meetup 11/7 @ Easthampton River Valley Co-op, Maker Tip, Discord invite, ways to help out
Hi all,
The next Talk and Tinker Meetup is on Tuesday 11/7 at Easthampton River Valley Co-op from 6-9 pm. If you haven’t joined us for a Talk & Tinker night before, it’s kind of a combination pop-up repair cafe/hackerspace/relaxed social gathering. If you have a project (soldering, sewing, craft, art, etc.) or something to repair (laptop, toaster, sewing machine, broken toy, etc.) bring it along. We’ll have tools (screwdrivers for those pesky security screws, soldering iron, multimeter, mini sewing kit, etc), free wifi, a big screen for looking up tutorials or sharing info, friendly people who are happy to help if you want, and a whole grocery store if you want to grab a snack or dinner. And if you don’t have something to work on, come anyway! You’re always welcome to just come hang out, chat, and see what others are working on. The website should have the most up to date details on meetups and events, but you’re always welcome to email here or ask on the Discord if you have any questions.
If you haven’t already joined us there but are interested, here’s an invite to the local Discord server we’re using: https://discord.gg/FdEAzRhg. It’s run by one of our members and is a great place for all sorts of local conversations, from native plants and bike repair to nearby events and local politics. Plus channels for maker, crafting, & repair, freecycle, and out fledgling tool exchange. When you do join, please make a quick post in introductions to help everyone get to know you a bit.
Protoputty - DIY silicone molding material
It’s a mixture of 100% silicone caulk, liquid food coloring, and cornstarch. Pretty easy to mix up, sets fast, and very versatile. You can press it into a mold (I made a stamp), press an object into it to make a mold, make tool handles, and you can even roll it up into a ball or other fun shapes for a very bouncy toy to use up the leftovers. Here’s one of the many video tutorials about making and using it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fwytA5r2Mw My tip (from experience) is make sure you’ve mixed in enough cornstarch with a stick before you try to pick it up, otherwise it will all stick to your gloves and you’ll have to start over. Also, it does release strong vinegar (acetic acid) fumes, so make sure you have good ventilation. If you make something with protoputty post it in the discord, send me a picture or bring it along to a meetup.
Do you have a maker tip you’d like to share, a workshop or talk you’d like to present, or want to get involved in bringing MakeFixHack to life? Get in touch with us at this email, on the discord, or in person at a meetup!
That’s all for now,
Be well and keep making stuff!
Bill C.
MakeFixHack is a growing community of makers, tinkerers, hackers, crafters, and other like-minded people, sharing knowledge and working to create a community workshop/hackerspace here in Easthampton. MakeFixHack is an open and welcoming community and strives to be a safe space for all.
Be safe and keep making things!
- Bill C.
Where to find us:
MakeFixHack is a growing community of makers, tinkerers, hackers, crafters, and other like-minded people, sharing knowledge and working to create a community workshop/hackerspace here in Easthampton. MakeFixHack is an open and welcoming community and strives to be a safe space for all.