March 30th, 2013 by swinkdaddy
Ok, way too many “C’s” I know. But I am trying to gauge interest in creating a workshop/class that goes over creating “your” costume for this years Convergence convention in July. I know, I like to work with like minded artists while creating costume designs. Thinking this could be an interesting group to put together and at the end show off our collective maker-foo at this years event.
We could go over topics like:
Sewing (yes sewing is fun and guys can be good at it)
Pattern making
Making molds and copies
Fabricating appliances
Latex mask creation
Leather masks
Airbrushing
How to not pass out from heat exhaustion.
I’d like to put this together more like a camp. Where there is a topic and it starts with information, but the rest of the day is spent with as much or as little time “making” as you need. A lot of the time a person just needs direction to get from one place to another.
To give an example: You want to make a Mystique from X-Men costume. How would you make her signature skull belt? Well with silicone/latex molding of course. But were do you get molding supplies, and how does it work. Then how do you make copies? These were question I had and I am guessing there are a lot of people interested in coplay but do not know how to get the idea into reality.
Hey, if you are interested, leave a comment. Its never too early to start making a costume, but its often too late…
Image is of the Maker (going by the name of No 96). photo taken by Tokyo Fashion
March 28th, 2013 by videoman
Back in February I started teaching my Raspberry Pi 101 class at The Hack Factory. After the first class I think I had Pi on the brain, I was scheduled for a quick weekend trip out of town with my girlfriend, and she was due to leave her two cats behind. She said that she was going to leave a large bowl of cat food out, and with that I suggested that I build an automated cat feeder for them. 
Ya know, so the cats don’t over eat, and maybe have a mixture of food, and it’s super cool! (Did I mention that it’s cool!?) So… five days before leaving town, I purchased the food hopper, and very quickly ran out of time to complete the project before leaving on vacation. So plan B it was, a large bowl of cat food , and water.
However, I did stick with my original plan, and saw the build to completion well before my next trip out of town. In this blog post, I’ll list out the step-by-step (for the most part) process to building your very own Wifi Enabled Raspberry Pi Powered Cat/Human Feeder.
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March 18th, 2013 by videoman
We have two upcoming Raspberry Pi Classes posted!
Classes start April 2nd, and April 20th.
So you want to play with a Raspberry Pi? But maybe you haven’t been able to get one yet. Well you’re in luck! This class includes a Raspberry Pi, Wifi, Power, Cables, LEDs, SD Card! This is everything you need to get the Pi going. Don’t know what a Raspberry Pi is? Check out this article from the NYTimes. The ticket includes $120 worth of hardware for you and the class tutorials.
Class Kit Includes:
March 15th, 2013 by danbackslide
Table Saw Etiquette
By Christopher Odegard, Wood Shop Manager
The table saw probably is the most-often used power tool at the Hack Factory, in part because its operation is relatively straightforward. As a result of the heavy use ours sees, the staff has to work diligently to make sure it’s running well and ready to go. There are a number of things that every member can do to help.
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March 6th, 2013 by danbackslide
This Saturday, Twin Cities Maker is proud to host the Hennpin County Fix-It Clinic!
Remember that broken toaster you’ve had sitting in the basement for a year, waiting for you to figure out how to fix it? Well, now is your chance! Bring your broken household goods and clothing in need of repair to Hennepin County’s Fix-It Clinic.
Fix-It Clinics reduce the amount of stuff that gets thrown in the trash, teach valuable troubleshooting and basic repair skills, and build community connections. These are family-friendly events.
Volunteer fixers are needed to make this initiative a success. Volunteers have skills in soldering, electronics and electrical repair, computer repair, sewing and general tinkering.
Please contact Nancy Lo at nancy.lo@co.hennepin.mn.usor 612-348-9195 with questions or to volunteer, or see more details at hennepin.us/fixitclinic.
March 3rd, 2013 by mcsteve
Interested in amateur radio? Whether you’re a licensed ham, or just curious what amateur radio is all about, come on down to the Hack Factory on Monday, March 11th at 7PM. We will be having an open discussion about ham radio, and likely some demonstrations using the amateur radio station set up in the front lounge. This event is free and open to the general public.
March 1st, 2013 by videoman
Mark your calendars! Our fourth annual Minne-Faire will be held at The Hack Factory, April 13th and 14th, 2013. This year is going to bigger than last years show!
Participate, meet and get inspired by other makers and DIY artists that are interested in electronics, 3-D printing, metalworking, woodworking and textiles. This year’s Minne-Faire will include exhibits, demonstrations, power wheels racing, vendors, music, and food.
Schedule:
Saturday April 13th:
- 11am – 5pm Exhibits, demos, vendors, and booths
- 7pm – 11pm Minne-Faire after hours which includes music, drinks.
Sunday April 14th:
- 11am – 5pm Exhibits, demos, vendors, and booths
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