1 A Tangible Need

Having spent most of my career working digitally, I often have the desire to make something tangible. It starts with the desire to make a real object and not a series of zeros and ones that might be wiped out with an ill advised placement of a strong neodymium magnet.

There is a certain sense of satisfaction that comes from creating a finished physical object. I wrote this story with the intent of chronicling that journey. Hopefully this can provide some assistance to those interested in following a similar path that might seem daunting at first.

I just recently completed building a major hardware project for a client and I felt it might be helpful to write about how I started.

Two summers ago, I had the distinct honor of being a part of a pilot program intended to provide mentorship to children as a part of the Maker Education Initiative. I ended up being assigned to the beautiful Makerspace in the New York Hall of Science out in Queens, NY.

NYSCI Makerspace

As a part of the program we had unfettered access to the host of tools available at the space which included 3D Printers, CNC Routers, and Laser Cutters. Coupled with a small stipend to purchase electronics we were allowed to build anything we could conceive.