Makin’ at the MakerSpace

Originally published at: https://claremontmakerspace.org/2023/06/14/makin-at-the-makerspace/

CMS Members Only Newsletter – June 2023

Welcome to the Claremont MakerSpace Members Only Newsletter!

I hope you have been busy Making this spring. If one of those projects is a garden, you’re in luck – John Lambert is offering a class on collecting rain water and irrigation. I hear we’re due for another dry summer overall – gotta keep that garden green!

Did you know that the Claremont MakerSpace has a forum? And that there’s a members only section? Well. Now we have a newly enhanced forum experience – Chat! Collaborating on projects just got easier!

The MakerSpace is us, the members. As the product of our invested time and effort, CMS wouldn’t exist without it’s many hardworking volunteers and teachers. Please consider passing on your skills to others by teaching a class or leading a workshop. You can fill out our Class Proposal Form here.

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“I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success.” – Nikola Tesla

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On the Internets

Or, Michelle goes down Rabbit Holes so you don’t have to

  • A little late for this year, but never too late to start planning for next year’s prom, right? Or, you never know when a rave will pop up. You definitely need to make this light-up tiara to have on hand for Tiara Emergencies.
  • Will this EV charging robot revolutionize electric car charging? As an EV owner, I think it’s got a lot of potential. Not having to worry about parking in specific spots, not having to unplug your car when it’s done, and being able to schedule a time when your car is parked for a while, like at work or a bus station.
  • Will these revolutionize how we interface with our overlords computers? Apple has a new toy. It looks like a first step towards the projected computer screens in sci-fi movies.
  • Mirrors made of wood? Stuffed animals? Daniel Rozin investigates how humans like to look at reflections of ourselves – do we really need to see the details? Using video cameras, servo motors and stepper motors, Daniel shows us a different representation of movement.
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Upcoming Classes

For more information on all happenings at CMS go to our Upcoming Events page

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Have you thought about teaching a class, but didn’t know what to teach? I’ve gathered a few suggestions, but if you have other classes you’d like to see offered, please send us your ideas for the Newsletter.

Woodworking

  • Chain saws and tree felling
  • Cutting a wooden Joiner’s mallet (Mortise and Tenon)
  • Tool sharpening and restoration workshop
  • Home repair workshop
  • Interior trim workshop
  • Working with tiles
  • Window restoration
  • Woodcarving
  • Spindle turning (drop spindle for a spinning class in textiles??)
  • Cutting Board
  • Barn quilts
  • Upcycling furniture

Textiles

  • Dyeing with the sun – solar reactive dyes or paints
  • Cyanotype
  • Ice dyed fabrics
  • Beginning spinning (using a drop spindle made in the woodshop?), crochet, knitting, basketry, needle or nuno felting, quilting, garment sewing, etc
  • Make Hi-Vis Safewear using the cricut
  • Block printing with fabric paints
  • Machine embroidery
  • Mending/Upcyling
  • Shibori
  • Sashiko/hand quilting/hand embroidery
  • Book making
  • Paper making
  • Altered board books
  • Origami
  • Electronics in textiles
  • laser cutting textiles
  • Kumihimo weaving or other weaving without a loom

Electronics

  • Speaker design
  • Repairing stuff
  • Electric greeting card
  • Environmental monitoring with solar power
  • Repurposing obsolete tech
  • Textiles – 3d printing/adding tech to clothing/cutting mylar for silkscreens

Metals

  • Weld a garden trellis
  • Fire breathing dragons (or really, fire breathing anything)
  • repairs

Jewelry

  • Chainmaille
  • Polymer clay
  • Upcycled jewelry
  • repairs

Other

  • Public speaking (Toastmasters)
  • Repair cafe
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The More You Know…

The History of the Screwdriver (according to ChatGPT)

The screwdriver is a ubiquitous tool found in almost every household and professional toolkit. Its simple yet effective design has made it an indispensable tool for countless tasks, from assembling furniture to repairing electronic devices. But how did the screwdriver come into existence, and what is its fascinating history? In this essay, we will delve into the origins, evolution, and significance of the screwdriver.

The concept of the screwdriver can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence of similar tools being used in the early Roman Empire. However, it was not until the Renaissance period in Europe that the screwdriver, as we know it today, began to take shape. In the 15th century, craftsmen and inventors developed various types of screws and the corresponding tools to manipulate them.

One of the earliest screwdriver-like tools was the flat-bladed screw-turning implement, often referred to as the “turnscrew.” It consisted of a metal shaft with a flattened tip that could be inserted into a slot on the screw head, allowing it to be turned. The turnscrew was primarily used in woodworking and metalworking, facilitating the assembly and disassembly of various objects.

As time passed, screw designs evolved, and so did the tools used to manipulate them. In the late 18th century, a significant breakthrough occurred with the introduction of the Phillips head screw and its corresponding screwdriver. This design, patented by Henry F. Phillips in 1936, featured a cross-shaped recess on the screw head, allowing for improved torque and reducing the likelihood of the tool slipping. The Phillips screwdriver became popular in the automotive and manufacturing industries due to its efficiency and effectiveness.

The 20th century witnessed further advancements in screw and screwdriver technology. In the 1930s, the Robertson screw and driver were invented by Canadian inventor Peter Lymburner Robertson. The Robertson screwdriver featured a square-shaped recess on the screw head, allowing for enhanced torque transfer and preventing slippage. This innovation gained popularity in the construction industry, particularly in North America.

Another significant development in screwdriver design occurred with the introduction of the electric screwdriver in the mid-20th century. Electric screwdrivers revolutionized the assembly and disassembly processes, especially in large-scale manufacturing. These power tools significantly increased productivity and reduced physical strain on workers, further solidifying the screwdriver’s importance in various industries.

In recent years, advancements in technology have expanded the capabilities of screwdrivers. The rise of cordless and rechargeable screwdrivers, featuring lithium-ion batteries, has provided greater convenience and mobility for users. Additionally, precision screwdrivers with interchangeable bits have become prevalent, catering to the needs of professionals and hobbyists working with delicate electronics and intricate mechanisms.

The screwdriver’s historical significance extends beyond its practical applications. It serves as a symbol of human ingenuity, innovation, and the desire to simplify tasks. The evolution of the screwdriver and the screws it manipulates has revolutionized industries and fundamentally changed the way we assemble and disassemble objects.

In conclusion, the history of the screwdriver is a testament to human creativity and problem-solving. From its humble origins in ancient times to the sophisticated tools we use today, the screwdriver has become an indispensable companion in our daily lives. Whether it’s tightening a loose screw or assembling complex machinery, this tool continues to play a vital role in numerous fields, reflecting the remarkable journey of innovation and progress.

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Share and Enjoy

We love Show and Tell! Please tell us about what you have been working on Pictures get bonus points, a tutorial gets super extra bonus points. See something cool on the Internet? Read a good book lately? Been somewhere interesting? Taken a great picture? Share with us! send stuff to [email protected]