"Techshop" http://techshop.ws/

decbrad

Hi all! I'm just wondering if there's something like this operating in Ireland (Dublin). "Techshop" http://techshop.ws/ gives people access to the machines, tools and equipment needed to turn their ideas into reality.

One of the things that I also like about this concept is that along with vital access to the equipment one needs to build and prototype, there's also a strong community of people and instructors. Seems like a really good idea! Anyone know of something similar operating in Ireland?

Thanks in advance!
Dec

CatFromHue

I know about the Hackerspaces but I think they're more along the lines of people coming together to have fun/hobby projects than workshops to help start ups.

http://hackerspaces.ie/

decbrad

Hi CatFromHue, many thanks for your post! Yeah I have seen Hackerspace and TOG. Some very interesting things being created with Arduinos and Rasberry Pi's. Unfortunately I am looking for some more heavy duty machinery, Lathes and milling machines etc. which cost an arm and a leg!

Just wondering if there are some evening classes around Dublin. I have seen some for woodworking, but it's the hardcore machines i'm after!

Cheers!
Dec

spideog7

decbrad wrote: »

Hi CatFromHue, many thanks for your post! Yeah I have seen Hackerspace and TOG. Some very interesting things being created with Arduinos and Rasberry Pi's. Unfortunately I am looking for some more heavy duty machinery, Lathes and milling machines etc. which cost an arm and a leg!

Just wondering if there are some evening classes around Dublin. I have seen some for woodworking, but it's the hardcore machines i'm after!

Cheers!
Dec

Fab Lab is similar but I don't think there's one in Dublin. One of the lads I work with uses the Tech Shop down the street for equipment that we don't have in house, they charge per person so we couldn't get a company membership that anyone could use. They have an impressive array of stuff and classes but the membership is not cheap.

longhalloween

decbrad wrote: »

Anyone know of something similar operating in Ireland?

Thanks in advance!
Dec

Maybe one of the men's sheds dotted around the country? Aside from that you'd have to pay to go to a fabricator or a university to get access to machines.

mawk

Usually cheaper and easier to just pay a fabricator.

I'm happy to use machines myself but in Ireland the techshop model is totally uninsurable

decbrad

Thanks for all the replies! The thing is I love to tinker around with different ideas and work through problems, so access to machines would be ideal. The community aspect is also very appealing, having the experienced and novice in the same space.

I hear what you're saying about the insurance aspect. There are plenty of public accessible workshops in Germany and the USA. Why is insurance such a big deal here? I remember as a kid going to Clogher Road Tech in Crumlin to an evening class in Engineering, where I had access to everything! It was more of a do your own thing, rather than a class. Any questions, Charlie the Engineering teacher was there to give advice!

Having said all that, there is a large selection of reasonably priced, used machinery (Lathes, Welders, Milling Machines etc.) on DoneDeal.ie. I guess that's the only route to go! Better build a bigger shed!

Thanks again!
Dec

micka

Hi Folks,

TechShop is coming to DCU, Dublin so says Jounal.ie
http://businessetc.thejournal.ie/dcu-fabrication-studio-1358607-Mar2014/

Also, if any of ye from the midlands we have an expanding FabLab here in WeCreate, Cloughjordan, Tipperary.
www.WeCreate.ie

Regards,

Mike N.

decbrad

This really is great news! Outfits like TechShop will no doubt enable new product development and innovation in Ireland. There are so many great ideas out there!!!

Turbulent Bill

I'd question the value of something like Tech Shop here unless you really liked a hands-on hobby and were willing to pay for it. It looks very expensive for what it is ($175 per month in the US, probably a lot more expensive here), money that would buy a lot of professional machine shop time.

I'd love a lathe in my shed to hack away at stuff, but never as some kind of 'innovation' venture.

CatFromHue

The WeCreate one on Tipp says "Co-work space costs €100 per month +vat"

So not too bad, assuming that for a co-work space allows you to use all the machines though I'm not a 100% sure it does.

EoinT89

If anyone has any questions I currently work in Techshop in California. Let me know!

jamesjnr

I am currently working on setting up a techshop type business in the north East and am wondering what you think would be a reasonable amount to pay to access Equipment, My Plan is to have it open to all but also have offers for businesses to come and use facilities as well

EoinT89

Kind of a hard question to answer without knowing what machinery, insurance etc. But here in San Francisco we charge $125 per month for access to equipment. Each machinery requires a class to be taken (Safety, Basic Use Class) ranging usually from $60 (laser cutters, 3D printers, sheet metals, mills lathes, CNC routers etc.) to $175 (WaterJet etc.).

I can imagine Ireland being more expensive, because everything is more expensive in Ireland to be honest.

Techshop is opening up their second international shop in collaboration with DCU. Munich is the first. Best bet is to look into those shops to get a feel for prices.