Student Stories

Danny infront of TinkerCadDanny De la Torre

Tools:

  • Makerbot
  • TinkerCad

The makerspace is a room where you can bring almost anything you think of to life. If you enjoy watching movies and like how the mechanics of some movies work, then you would love working with the Animatronics. Aside from the animatronics, there are multiple other machines. We have engraving machines for wood finishes and 3D printers. My personal favorite is the Makerbot which is the smaller 3D printer available to you. With the use of Tinkercad (a free design software), you can design and build whatever you want.

I personally like getting car bodies and customizing them through Tinkercad. I add my own touch by changing the wheels and customizing the body. I have also printed some room decorations for my dorm to keep it from looking like a plain apartment. Anything from little keychains to car models, if you think about it, you can probably print it. With the makerbot, you can also incorporate this with a class assignment you might have. Multiple other students will come in and work on projects for their engineering classes. I personally haven’t had the chance to print anything for a class yet, but I am looking forward to it.

Kushal next to 3d printerKushal Karki

Tools:

  • Stratasys F120
  • Fusion 360

Makerspace is like a dream place for inventors like me. I found out about the makerspace just this semester, and I have been spending a lot of time there. I love to build things, and makerspace is just the right place to do it. There are many cool machines, but I mainly use the 3D printer. I am currently working on a project to create a low-cost prosthetic hand using 3D printing and cheap electronics components. I am very thankful that I am able to use the space to print my design, refine it, and print it again anytime I like. I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of learning to use the 3D printer and making my own designs. Other than the 3D printer, the Makerspace has other cool devices that I am excited to learn soon. There are CNC machines, laser cutters, robots, and many other cool tools and machines. 

I highly recommend giving maker space a try for anyone interested in exploring creative endeavors. Redlands students can use the maker space anytime and free of charge. It’s easy to learn, and the staffs are very friendly and willing to guide you to use anything in the space. I am looking forward to creating more designs at Makerspace, and I hope to see some of you there!

Carly next to plaster head on a vacumformCarly Rummerfield

Tools:

  • Makerbot
  • Vacuform
  • Lasercutter
  • TinkerCad

When I tell people about the Maker Space a common comment I get is “ I wouldn’t even know what to do/make with it.” However, once you learn the basics of the technology, how they work with each other, the programs you can use, etc. your horizons open. To some that may sound overwhelming but there are so many people there to help you in your designs as well as teach you the technical aspects of the printers.

I first used the Maker Space in my intermediate sculpture class. It was a great way to get me introduced to 3D programs as well as scanning 3D objects as well. After that class I used the space to create other art projects as well as some personal cosplay items, jewelry, and even some tools. It’s also a great tool for making miniatures as you can have very accurate scales. With the addition of new tech in the Maker Space troubleshooting is much easier and there are a lot more options for creating as well. The CNC machine, vacuform, laser wood cutter, and animatronics have all been incredibly fun to learn and use.

Not only for entertainment, the skills needed for using these machines, especially the 3D printers, are very useful to have especially if you’re going into a tech field. Having even basic knowledge of how a 3D printer works and how to use a program for it are extremely helpful tools to add to your kit. Now that printers are getting more advanced, cheaper, easier to use, and can use different materials the application of them can be even wider. Getting to know a printer could open a lot of avenues for a creative outlet as well as add to your resume.