At the intersection of technology, science, art, and culture:
It’s an Art Hacker space
Actually it’s at 3519 N. Elston Ave. in Chicago. If you visit, most likely someone is there. If the door is locked, just knock! It’s just that easy!
Textile Hackers
But on this day the Chicago Public Library was having a grand tour, so I decided to add myself to the guest list and have a look at this wonderful maker space!
Hacker Bits
A hacker space is not a group of evil nefarious computer hackers trying to steal things. At least that’s what it says on their web site.
An older CNC milling machine
Hacker spaces are not trying to teach their members how to break the law. I hope not, but many of the hacker spaces teach lock-picking (for fun!)
Small scale router/mill
PS:1 is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
Food Preparation Hack
Or it might be the Food Lab. Like Workshop 88, this hacker space is sponsored by the Milwaukee based School Factory.
Fermentation Hack
Across from the food lab is the fermentation area– well, they are sponsored by a group in Milwaukee after all. Hacking beer seems to be a common thing in a number of areas around the country.
Metal Fab/welding Hack
They have nice metal working facilities here and the welding that they do is primarily inert gas arc welding. There are no fume hoods for stick welding or oxy-fuel torches.
Dust collection Hack
The woodworking area is fairly large so it is important to have a large capacity sawdust collection system.
Bar Hack
Looks like someone built a bar at the front of the space probably to dispense the home-brewed beer
Wood hacking equipment
I don’t have all these kinds of tools in my basement… which is why belonging to a maker space makes perfect sense.
SEM Hack
PS:1 claims to be the only work space to have a working scanning electron microscope. I used to use one at Gould Electronics (back when they were a real company) and I would like to see something like this at a Colorado maker space someday.
Metal deposition Hack
There seems to be an issue with dust. The sputter coater shown here (and any other associated equipment) should be isolated from all the other hacker activity. Even with the dust collection system, you still are going to have some dust.
Some weird Johnson thing?
Or maybe it is a horizontal band saw? It looks like an antique, but I will guess the Pumping Station got it for free.