About TekVenture Makerspace
SHARING A MAKER SPACE IS AN ART
Discover the boundless opportunities for creative exploration within our makerspace. Unleash your imagination, innovate with like-minded individuals, and embark on a journey of learning and growth.
From hands-on workshops to collaborative projects, TekVenture Makerspace in Fort Wayne, Indiana offers a nurturing environment for makers of all backgrounds to thrive. Join us in cultivating new skills, making unforgettable memories, and embracing the spirit of innovation.
WHAT IS A MAKERSPACE?
A makerspace is a collaborative workspace where people come together to create, invent, and learn. These spaces provide access to a variety of tools, materials, and resources for individuals interested in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) fields. Makerspaces often offer workshops, classes, and events to help people develop new skills and work on projects. TekVenture Makerspace in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a non-profit organization that serves as a hub for innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning in the community.
WHERE IS TEKVENTURE?
TekVenture is located at 1830 Wayne Trace, Fort Wayne IN, 46803. Park in the southeast corner and enter thru Door 8 near the large metal machine. We have two areas inside:
Area 3, Door 8: WoodWorx, Machine Shop, The Hot Shop, PrintWorx and the Artistic Attic.
Area 1, Door 7: ClayWorx, ElectroWorx and Rapid Prototyping (laser cutter and 3D-printers)
Click Here for a map to our location!
HOW IS TEKVENTURE RUN?
Tekventure does not have paid staff. Volunteers do all the work that operates this makerspace. That is how we keep our membership costs down.
The board makes policy decisions and approves large expenditures and significant actions. Work shops, called Worx areas, are each managed by an Area Manager who has a lot of authority to make rules and organize the area, keeping with the TekVenture mission of making tools available to the public. Each worx area should have the area manager's image, rules and contact information displayed.
Everyday problems are solved by the shift supervisor, or an area manager or discussed and worked out at the Thursday, 6pm, members dinner meeting.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Visit us for a tour during Open Hours, when we should have a shift supervisor on duty. Tell what you want to do and ask questions. If you like what you see, you can sign the waiver and join then. It is a good idea to attend the weekly Members Meeting, Thursdays, at 6pm (dinner included), where the seasoned regulars will be glad to hear what project you have in mind and give you too much advice on how to make it.
When you first join and come in, you will be required to sign the indemnity waiver, agreeing that you will not sue us if you get hurt, that you will follow the rules, and that we can use your image in our publicity. You will get a walk around orientation of where things are and rules and dangers and how we do things. You will get a copy of the Rules and Regulations, and the Code of Conduct and sign off that you received them. At first you will only be able to get in during OPEN HOURS or when someone with a key is already there, but later if you ask and we have decided we know you well enough and trust you, you may put down a deposit and be loaned a key and you can come and go as you like, 24/7.
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REQUIREMENTS for TekVenture Members
You must sign the Liability Release, and will receive links and optional paper copies of Rules and Codes of Conduct.
Children and teens must always be under observation and control of their parents or guardians, unless guardianship is signed over to another adult or instructor. We have some toys and activities for children, just ask. Loose children can get hurt.
Dress safely. Closed toe shoes, and if you are working with spinning or moving equipment, tie long hair back and no loose sleeves, jewelry, ties or anything that can catch and pull you in the machinery. Gloves, ear muffs and ear plugs, and goggles and eye protection are available on the Safety Shelf. Dangerous or fragile equipment will require you to experience training and pass a test.
Clean up after yourself, and a little more. TekVenture has NO PAID STAFF. We are all volunteers. After using a machine, if possible move your project to a work table in your shop, or in the Assembly Area. When done put away Tek's tools and clean off your worktable and sweep the floor around you. You can store your project in a storage shelf or drawer, as explained in the Storage Signs.