Our Departments
Meet our specialist areas
Woodwork.
Department head, Ian Turner
Woodworking will be supported at MakerSpace Ashfield with its own area, that allows members to go through the 5 steps of woodworking. They are (1) Planning and design, (2) Cutting, (3) Drilling, (4) Fastening, (5) Sanding and finishing. Planning and design being the most crucial part of the process. With wood being a natural material each piece will have its own beauty and flaws that can be enhanced by the wood worker into something functional yet beautiful to behold, with a homely smell and tactile feel. So come on down and make something unique.
Woodwork will be located downstairs in the basement.
Textiles
Department head, Kate Crossley
Hello and welcome to Textiles at MakerSpace Ashfield. If you have ever wanted to have a go at anything textile based now is your chance.
Come along and meet new people, share knowledge and have fun learning a new craft. You can get your hands on fabulous machinery and equipment, from sewing machines, overlockers and knitting machines to weaving frames, rug tufters and a wonderful embroidery machine. There will be lots of information to get you going, from taster days and tutorials to sewing and craft groups. Wherever your crafting imagination takes you we can help you get there!
This is your space, run by its members just for them. So get involved, share your ideas and have fun.
Textiles will be located on the ground floor.
CNC/Laser/CadCam
Department head, Richard Sum
CNC is the friend you didn’t realise you needed. It takes your creativity and helps you produce a perfectly cut result. If you design a beautiful button for that beautiful knitted cardigan, your friend CNC can make another 5 exactly the same. If you can’t cut in a straight line, CNC can do it for you. Not only that but it can cut circles perfectly every time along with curves to die for. Whether it be a sign, a wooden box, a button, or a model windmill, CNC can help you achieve results you only could dream of. And then make copies when your friends see the result. If you can design it, CNC can help you make it real.
CNC/Laser?
CadCam will be located both on the ground floor and in the Basement.
Metalwork
Department head, Theo Van Der Heiden
Join a Creative Movement: Step into a world where metal comes alive – a thriving community of creators, sparks, and unbridled imagination. Welcome to the heart of metalworking, where your artistic journey takes on a new, electrifying form. Craft with Fire and Skill: Imagine learning from seasoned artisans, masters of the forge who will guide your hands and shape your vision. From raw metal to breathtaking artistry, you'll transform elements into pieces that radiate both grace and power.
In this community, tradition dances with innovation. It's the perfect blend of time-honoured techniques and cutting-edge methods. Whether you're drawn to the anvil's ring or the precision of modern machinery, here, your creative exploration knows no bounds. Forge Connections, Ignite Creativity:
This is more than a community; it's a collaboration. Connect with kindred spirits, exchange insights, and witness your ideas catch fire. Ready to be part of a world where your imagination meets molten metal? Join us, and let passion be your guide. Unleash your creativity in the realm of metalworking – where stories are told in steel. Let's forge greatness together!
Metalwork will be located downstairs in the basement.
Studio
Department Head, Richard Sum
Record a book for a grandchild? Make a hour tutorial for your friends? Or use it as therapy to get your thoughts out. The podcast studio is there to help you record your ideas to share or to keep for yourself.
With multiple cameras, microphones and state of the art tech, recording has never been easier at our Studio.
The studio will be located on the ground floor
Other Crafts
Department Head, Emily-Jane Bradshaw
Fancy doing a bit of pottery? Some print making or maybe a bit of stained glass? Other crafts is the place to be. Its the place to go for anything that hasn't already been mentioned in the other departments.
Equipped with a huge range of equipment and smaller inner departments, there will be a wet/messy room full of paint, clay, and printing ink. And a large flexible open area perfect for paper crafts, book making, and gathering with fellow like minded makers to share projects you've been working on.
Other Crafts will be located on the ground floor.
Electronics
Department Head, Theo Van Der Heiden
Embark on a Thrilling Journey with Modern Electronics:
Imagine being guided by an exceptionally skilled and infinitely patient engineer, a true virtuoso in the realm of technology. Prepare to be captivated, for we're about to demystify the enchanting realm of Electronics and Electricity. Decode the Enigma - Electronics Made Simple:
No more baffling jargon or confusing concepts. Our expert will unravel the intricacies of electronics with such finesse that you'll feel like you're embarking on a technological odyssey. From the most basic principles to the advanced marvels, we'll make sure you're not just a spectator, but an active explorer.
Unleash the Power of Coding:But wait, there's more! Brace yourself as we infuse the magic of coding into the mix. Suddenly, a myriad of doors swing wide open. Ever wondered how those enigmatic little devices actually work? Brace yourself for a journey where you'll uncover the answers and maybe even ask, "Can I create one?"
Craftsmanship in the Digital Age: Soldering irons poised, magnets dancing, motors humming, and servos gracefully moving - welcome to the world of tangible ingenuity. It's not just theory; it's hands-on creation. And as we guide you through this process, you'll find yourself equipped to take on projects that once seemed reserved for the tech elite. Sensors that Empower Your Imagination: Whether you're dreaming of building smart gadgets or interactive installations, these sensors will be your companions in innovation. They're the bridge between the digital and physical, giving your projects a touch of enchantment.
Intrigued? Ready to embark on this modern voyage of discovery? Get ready to unlock the captivating universe of modern electronics, Your adventure awaits!
Electronics will be located on the ground floor.
Fundraising
Though we have an income generated from our wonderful members as a non-profit community group we also depend on donations and external funding to keep MakerSpace running. If you're interested in getting involved in some fundraising, or if you have anything big or small you'd like to donate to us, please get in touch via email at fundraising@makerspaceashfield.org.uk and we'll will get back to you ASAP!
IT & Digital
Department Head, Mike Peat
If we're doing it right, you'll never need us ;). Building access, subscription and equipment payments, training records, instructions and how-to guides, documentation, machine access and more, all delivered via each member's key fob RFID tag which interacts with our bespoke Hackspace Management System. ...and if it doesn't work, try turning in off and on again.