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Laser Lab - Build Your Dream Lab Here
Wed, 03/03/2010 - 21:42 — mlavoie
Here's a link to a drawing I did in 3D Home Studio (see forum topic on floorplan fun for links to the free software needed to view the file).
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5107628/LaserLab.sh3d
I believe this to be pretty accurate; and I've thrown in a couple of pieces of furniture. I have sized the laser printer according to the dimensions on the website for Epilog (not sure they're really right).
We had lots of discussion on Monday with great feedback about what needs to go in this room; what folks like / dislike -- and how we get from point A to point B.
I'm starting this thread so anyone can see the rough plan and chime in if there's something we're missing.
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- ambermae
To design the space, I think
To design the space, I think we need to first define how the space will be used.
What materials are cut most often? size?
How many items if cutting/engraving multiples?
Is there any special materials handling needs such as cooling racks, stacking, etc?
Is there special utility requirements? Power V, A? Hard wired or plug in? Ventilation/temperature needs/control? Sink with water? Compressed air, volume/pressure direct piped or quick release taps? Vacuum? Will people be allowed to eat or drink in the room? Internet, computer hub(s)? Desktop computers or laptops? permanent hook ups? How many of each?
How many people will be using the room at the same time? Working on the same project or individual projects/phases? Is there a need for staging area(s) for next user, if so what amount of space/furnishings would be most useful? How will materials and/or special personal equipment be transported from (?) to the lab and finished projects removed?
What are the storage requirements for materials, literature, maintainance equipment/supplies, personal belongings? Size, shape, secured (?) (if so who will have access)?
What is the upfitting budget? Time frame?
If custom building is required/desirable, who and where will that work be done? Is it dependent on other TS tools/equipment being operational? If so, what?
Who will be in charge of the upfitting, ordering materials, securing/overseeing subtrades work if any? Who will have authority to solve issues/make changes/OK purchases?
Any other requirements, needs or wants that should be addressed? If this was your own personal studio what would you put in it?
As long as it has a laser
As long as it has a laser cutter or two in it, I'm fine. Bring it on!
Yes I agree, A laser or three
Yes I agree,
A laser or three and perhaps a table and I will be satisfied
ETA?
Any idea when the laser will be back on line? My wife is going out of town next week and I was hoping to spend it on the estimated 16+ hours of laserin' I have to do for my current projects.
(I would like to come and help, but I've thrown three herniated disks out on my back and can barely stand let alone paint. If you could use someone with my level of mobility, I'd be happy to help. )
Is there a chance that we'll be getting another laser? That is awesome!
Matt
ETA and more lasers
I wish I had a good answer for when we will have things up and running again. We're slowed down waiting for funds right now, but it's on the way. We have enough pledged right now to finish the buildout and get it all up and running , but it just hasn't arrived yet. New Investors, Lifetime Members and annual memberships coming in right now will help speed it up. I've sent out a couple of requests, but the reality is that we've been asking for money for two years. It is probably hard for many to realize we really are now at a place where just a couple more will be all we need. The rest will fall into place once we open again. I mean, it really will. But most will have to see it to believe it. One of the keys is the fantastic lease we have here.
Yes, another laser is in the plans for TechShop RDU, but again, no promises on when.... or how big! It's all dependent on finances. I really do expect a rush of new and returning members once we open. We will have a better space than before...
We have listened to our members and are doing our best to give them... you... what you want in the new and improved TechShop RDU.
Scott
Lasers -- any chance one might be plugged in soonish?
I have a semi-desperate need for lasering. Adrian and I have gotten engaged (SQUEEEE -- back in December, actually), and have been planning on using the laser cutter to make our Save the Date cards. (Yes, this has sort of been in the back of my ever-so-hopeful mind all along :-)
We need to get them out in the next 6 weeks, so we really need to begin cutting sort of soon! Any way we can get an estimate on the ready time? We have the files ready (or as ready as they can be without testing)... just need the machine ...
(AND YAHHHHH!)
Soon...............
Hey, CONGRATULATIONS lintqueen!
We will have the laser up pretty soon, I think. My best guess right now says it could happen this month, which would meet your needs. I'm not guaranteeing it but I believe it will happen.
Scott
soft start - perhaps open laser before the rest of techshop?
Here's an idea: Rather than waiting for all of techshop to come on-line, would it make sense to open one machine or room first? Then any members who decided to come use that first machine would unpause their memberships, and then techshop would start collecting some $$ again.
There seems to be a big demand for the laser, and it might be useful by itself, without the other facilities (kitchen, equipment shelves, etc.) working yet. Or perhaps the sewing room is also independent enough?
On the other hand, perhaps having members using equipment would cost more in terms of employee support, or be too distracting during setup, etc. etc. I just thought I throw this idea out there.
Original plan
Our original plan was to leave the laser up as long as possible and get it going as soon as possible in the new location. This did cause the type of problems you described and we will have to make certain adjustments, but we do still plan to get it going as soon as is reasonably possible. It will be the first machine available for member use in the new space. What that means as far as a date goes, is still uncertain. We really are just waiting for one more investor to move funds and everything will start to move again. I have mixed emotions about making that type of information public, because some will read the wrong message into it. TechShop RDU really is looking extremely good right now. We have learned what we needed to change to make this work better for you and will be implementing all of those changes into the new location. Our finances look great, our landlord is great, we have made several very important changes in response to requests from members. If you liked TechShop Durham you're going to love the new TechShop RDU.
Thanks,
Scott