At the Co-Lab often times we find ways to utilize our machines in strange and amazing ways. We are makers so modifying and inventing is in our DNA; However, we also know that we are working against the clock when an idea pops into our head. It is only a matter of time before the next great idea comes along and starts to divert motivation away from our current project. This is why the Co-Lab is so perfect for makers, we have the ability to take an idea from conception to creation quicker than our brains can think up the next big project.

A fantastic example of this is using our brand new X-Carve CNC to precisely draw the whiteboard that we have in our entryway! One of our members thought up this brilliant idea Sunday night. He then proceeded to design the adapter in Fusion360, 3D print it, iterate and improve upon it, and implement it resulting in the board featured below. This was all done in one day; But, that isn’t even the best part! This adapter attaches to the stock x-carve without any modification to the machine and can be added or removed in seconds. The part was designed to accept up to the size of a dry erase marker but has the ability to hold a utensil down to the size of a pencil.

This is what makes the Co-Lab such an amazing place to invent and improve upon whatever creative ideas pop into your head. Every time you come into the lab you get the opportunity make something amazing, to help or converse with someone about one of their ideas. It is a truly exhilarating experience for someone with a maker mindset to be able to take an idea from conception to creation in such a short period of time. It is the small projects like this one and the big projects like the CNC plasma cutter that we are working on that make the lab such a special place for makers and creators!