The $500 Makerspace Part 1 - Budget 3D Printers

Can you create a makerspace for less than a gaming console? Yes, and this series is going to prove it.'

NOTE: This project is being updated and revisited in future.

Links:

Disclosure: Gearbest sent me the CR-10 Mini for free, Cetus3D sent the Cetus 3D Printer for free and I purchased the TronXY X1 myself. Gearbest and Amazon links are affiliate and we get a small kickback should you choose to use them. All opinions expressed are my own.

Few errors in the text for this one sorry guys, still getting my head around the new titles in Premier!
First project is Episode 5 not 1 2:22
Cetus and Tronxy tags are mixed up at 9:29

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[trevorward]

"Give a man a fish, he'll eat for the day. Teach a man to fish, he can feed the world." Love your philosophy about giving the gift of creativity instead of a gift of what I'll call 'play without knowledge'. Cheers Angus!

[johns]

I don't have any money or space to spare, but I got an unpaid internship at an industrial arts school and once the people there got to know me and I proved that I'm a generally competent and trustworthy person, they started letting me use any piece of equipment I'm trained on for personal projects as long as they aren't using it for a class. Now I have access to a 3D printer, lathes, foundry equipment, a blacksmith shop, a wood shop and basically all the tools I would ever realistically need for whatever I might be working on. If some teenager were to ask me how they could get access to a nice shop to work on any sort of craft projects, I'd recommend that they do the same.

[mustafankamil]

This is by far the best idea you have come up with Angus, I have been doing the same with my son for the past two years, less gaming and more creating and he loves it, cant wait for the rest of the series :)

[ThereIsNoRoot]

I saw this 5 years ago and it really resonated with me. Would love a 5-year update.

[make.anything]

Great idea for a series. The more people we get making, the better, I say :)

[markustube]

Angus, this is a fantastic idea for a video series! All parents who are about to plop down $500 for the next gaming console should take a look at this first -- a makerspace is SO MUCH MORE VALUABLE! Great job!

[jaistanley]

I'm 1 minute into this video and I cannot praise you enough for making this video! A makerspace is a million times better of an investment for a parent than a games console!

[ChrisMuncy]

As a parent and grandparent, I can't give this series enough thumbs up. Angus makes a HUGE point: The cost of a console, even before the games, could help get the maker juices flowing and be creative with their own hands. Nice work Angus.

[amirsamir]

I am 17 and I am starting a makerspace, I don't have a big budget and was having a tough time figuring out how to pull it off, thank you for this series, it'll help me more than you would expect, thank you, I really appreciate it

[mackthemaker]

I love this. Half of my day job is running a makerspace and it's the most rewarding job I've ever had. Empowering people to make is a lofty goal, and I applaud you!

[timvukman]

Well done! I could not agree more with the message!!! What you "learn" from video games, or develop (hand-eye coordination to a small degree) really doesn't take you anywhere. What you learn by building and experimenting with a 3d printer covers so many areas and disciplines that have so much potential value that they could inspire an entire career. Mechanics, motion control, motion systems, basic DC electrical, machine level coding, and I could go on. There is also the follow-on "next printer" that is almost impossible to resist building according to you own "design" / specifications. Add Cad/Cam, and Wifi and even coding if you go to multiple colours in multiple hot ends. Keep up the great effort!!

[Digitallifeconcepts]

I love this, I have a 4x8 folding table that has been my bedroom camera and PC "workbench" for many years. Now I just added an Ender 3 v 2 and had to add a small shelf for my tools. I still love my PS4 but now I really play to kill time during builds. Building and learning to build at home is a great hobby and a potential income depending on your goals. So the sooner kids can learn the basics and begin to learn how to figure things out is a great thing. OMG I wish I had this back in the 90's Laugh Out Loud. But 14 or 40 it's never too late to learn!

[mikh]

Nice work Angus. I started with a Fabrikator mini because i was sick of trying to make little things from scratch. Over the last 3 years you have taught me a lot, and using that knowledge i am now designing and printing rc planes. Parents should seriously consider his suggestion as your kids will learn a lot and have fun doing it.

[hiding_my_name]

This is a pretty great idea. I just bought a new house and plan on creating a maker space for myself. I'd like to see an updated version of something like this geared toward a more serious maker. Keep up the good work!

[MrCrankyface]

About the binder clips! Put them as far out as possible, pointing towards the front and back and then use this:

G28 ; home
G1 Z20 F2000 ; lift hotend
G1 X120 Y0 F3000 ; move across binders
G1 Z0 ; Move down to edge of glass
G1 E30 F200 ; prime nozzle
G92 E0 ; reset extruder travel
G1 Y30 Z0.4 F3000 ; quick wipe against side of glass

That way you're only ever gonna hit them if you're printing something absolutely huge. :)

[hansdegroot]

Great start of the Maker space series. Thanks for sharing.
This is not only for kids!

[progressiverush]

I'm working now on a project to start a makerspace at my children's highschool. This serie's sweet music to my ears. Can't wait for the next episod! I follow quite a few youtube channels on 3D printing and there is way too much "filament reviews". Expending the makers/thinkerers base with inspiring thoughts and facts is an awesome idea. Keep on your excellent work Angus!

[DanielReyes-hzqk]

I appreciated this video a lot more than I thought I would. The things you said at the end about gaming are why I've mostly stopped doing so myself; time and responsibility. I have too much I need to do and have far more productive things with which to fill what little free time I have, to be able to game like I used to. My son is 4, and he's just now starting to get into video games. I'm trying my best to occupy his time with more outdoor activities and creative or constructive toys and games, and I think as he continues to get older investing in a makerspace would be a fantastic idea. Thank you for that

[thehappyextruder]

This will be a great series Angus and its bare bones and straight forward Excellent ! be safe and Happy Printing !

[JohnOCFII]

What a great series idea! I really love that you are comparing the cost to a gaming console. Great way to frame the discussion.