While in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show, we had the opportunity to visit TechShop, Inc. with Ford Canada. This is something that I SO wish we had in Canada!
Essentially, the entire place is a workshop that houses over a million dollars in equipment, software, etc. that you can use (on a membership basis or by taking classes) to create whatever you like. Whether you are a hobbyist or you have a business (think Etsy, etc.) you can show up at TechShop and get support with your projects.
The cool thing about TechShop is that they also offer classes that you can take to become certified on some of the equipment as well. The lady that worked there told me that you can go in, take a class and once complete, you can use their welder (as one example).
We had a ton of fun while there and we learned how to sandblast a logo or shape onto a glass, create a screen printed bag and use a metal working process called “the bologna sandwich.” Plus, Ford had the BEST food and drink all around the entire building so it made everything that much better.
Here are a few photos from the evening:
One of the employees of TechShop setting up a template for the metalworking station
Getting ready to pour liquid metal into my mould – I chose a wine bottle shape LOL!
Alex, my conference buddy, chose a Mets logo but it sort of failed… and ended up saying “Me” instead…
My screen printed bag – the TechShop logo and enough features to earn the nickname, “Bug Cog”
John Ellis talking about the new Ford Developer platform at the theatre inside of TechShop
Me, trying to screen print my tote bag with a cog logo… it was harder than it looked!
TA-DA! A logo screen painted onto my tote bag.
Adding the special features while Felicia, another conference-goer, watches on
Alex, drinking the tiniest beer of life…
If you are fortunate enough to have a TechShop in your area, check it out! It’s seriously one of the coolest places on the planet.
If you do have a TechShop in your area and you use it, what do you build there?
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Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at the three day NAIAS Digital Summit. I was not compensated in any other manner for my time. My opinions posted here are my own.