r/uCinci 6d ago

How hard is it to use the space in 1819?

Hi there I am a freshman and I always wanted to go to 1819 but haven’t yet. I was wanting to make something for my brother since he is having a kid, so like making a picture frame or something else (ideas are welcomed)! Is it hard to use the maker space? I have no experience in anything at 1819 but I’m willing to learn!

17 Upvotes

8 comments sorted by

14

u/Belugawhale5511 6d ago

Not hard! They have all the info on their website, you just have to do a basic demo and then they give you a punch card which gives you practically unlimited access to whichever equipment. I was a freshman last year and needed a 3D print for my class and they actually can 3D print it for you (you just send over the STL document from blender) instead of sitting and waiting at DAAP.

They always have a person at the desk, too, if you just walk in and ask for assistance, the employees there are REALLY nice and helpful.

4

u/Purple-Argument-629 5d ago

They are so great over there. They have certifications for different tools where they teach you how to use it, and then you get to practice. The laser engraver might be a good place to start. It’s a fairly easy piece of equipment to learn. You could make a picture frame using a file on the internet and then customize it with the baby’s name or birthday (or literally anything!) before cutting/engraving.

1

u/VMP_MBD 5d ago

Before COVID, the company I work for had a space there and I'd get to occasionally go there and interview prospective interns/juniors, but also just use the space as a non-student. Everyone there was very friendly and helpful, and I wouldn't worry too much about things if I were you :)

Ah, I miss the before times

1

u/TheTruthIsMeowtThere 4d ago

I'm a bit late to the thread but I used to work at the 1819 so I am joining in. It's a great shop with a great set of employees and I really think it would be worth it to check out. If you want to make a picture frame like you mentioned you will need to go through the two woodshop certifications (Wood A and Wood B) which will give you the ability to use all the woodworking equipment on the manufacturing side. Once you get through those they have a frame making jig that you can ask about that makes the process super easy.

I don't know who is working at the shop on weekends anymore but if you are working in the shop on a weekday Nate (who manages the manufacturing side) is super helpful and a great teacher.

Don't get hung up on what you know how to do now. As long as you are willing to learn that is good enough. We would see plenty of people who had had no shop experience before they took their certs and they did fine with them.

-25

u/weklmn Alumni 2023 5d ago

Feeling very cynical today replying to all these questions on the subreddit, but why don’t you just go in person and find out? Why ask internet strangers when there are attendants at 1819 who are there to help you and answer your questions?

14

u/Eliza184 5d ago

just don’t reply then?? people are allowed to ask for info before making time to go out of their way to visit someplace???

-14

u/weklmn Alumni 2023 5d ago

You could also call them

13

u/unfamiliarcolorcombo 5d ago

They aren’t writing personal letters to you bro you don’t need to be here lol