Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
What is the Revolution Makerspace?
At the Revolution Makerspace, you get 24/7 access to high-quality machines and tools in a supportive and comfortable environment where you can work on projects, meet up with other artists, inventors, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs, take classes to broaden your skills, and get the training you need to transform your ideas into reality.
The Revolution Makerspace is a makerspace located at 39 Emerson Road, Unit 112, in Waltham, MA, 02451.
What equipment is available at the Revolution Makerspace?
Sooo much equipment*. To get a full list, please look to the “Equipment” section of this website.
*Not all equipment is guaranteed to be working all the time.
How much does access to the Revolution Makerspace cost?
$49 for the month to month plan or $579 for the annual plan
Does Revolution Makerspace provide office space?
No, Revolution Makerspace does not provide office space at this time.
We do though offer a 10% discount for Revolution Makerspace members who are also members of the Common Good Co. co-working space here in Waltham. Common Good Co. also offers a 10% discount of their membership for all Revolution Makerspace members, making having a dual membership in both organizations a sweet deal.
What do I get by becoming a member?
Members have 24/7 access to our temperature controlled shop and complimentary high speed Wifi internet access.
What tools can I use as a member/how does Tool Testing work?
Members can use all hand tools without testing. Any machinery requires a user pass Tool Testing before use. If you have had prior experience with the machines, training on how to use most of the machines can be covered in a one hour Tool Training and Testing session which is offered Tuesdays at 7:00 PM and costs $75 an hour. To signup for Tool Training and Testing, please schedule a session via “Take a Class”.
Some machines require you to have taken a class prior to being Tool Trained and Tested. Those machines are:
How do I access the WiFi network at the makerspace?
Follow these directions to access the Wifi network.
Are consumables or storage space included in my monthly membership fee?
No. Wood, acrylic, metal, filament, and screws, nails, etc. are not provided by the makerspace and are bring-your-own. Drill bits, sand paper, and saw blades will be provided by the space within reason. Shelf storage space can be rented by members for $9 a month.
Where are some good places to get materials?
Glad you asked!
Everything Stores
Amazon - it is surprising the number of things you can find, often at good prices
McMaster-Carr - often not the best prices, but if you can’t find it other places, you are likely to be able to find it at McMaster-Carr
Wood
Home Depot - Right here in Waltham. Good close resource for plywood, pressure treated wood, fasteners, and various and sundries. Doesn’t really sell much/many hardwoods.
Rockler - Good source for relatively small quantities of hardwoods.
Woodcraft - I haven’t personally tried it but I’ve heard good things
New England Pine Timber Co. - I haven’t actually been there, but after seeing there website, now I really want to, this place looks phenomenal
Chip Drop - another service I haven’t personally used but looks interesting
Screws/Nails/Fasteners
True Value - just down the street from us at 232 Lexington St.
Home Depot - as previously mentioned above
Metal
Metal Supermarkets - If you are looking for a smallish piece of aluminum or steel for a hobby project, visiting in person you can peruse a selection of “drops”, which are the cut off ends of metal left after another customer has place a (presumably larger) custom order. which can be had at great prices.
Online Metals - good route if you are looking for something specific or don’t have access to a vehicle to get out to Metal Supermarkets in Woburn
Metals Depot - another online metal vendor
3d printer filament
Filastruder - in general any filament you want can be gotten from Amazon at good prices, but if you are looking for something that Amazon does have Filastruder is a good bet
Plastics
J Freeman - if you are looking for large pieces of acrylic for a structure or signage.
Electronics
You-Do-It-Electronics - one of the few electronics stores left since RadioShack’s demise
Microcenter - good place for Raspberry Pi single board computers and DIY PC stuff
Adafruit - good components for when you are starting out
SparkFun Electronics - if you can’t find it at Adafruit SparkFun might have it
Mouser - one of the two giant electronics distributors
Digikey - the other giant electronics distributor
CNC
Automation Technology - good steppers, motors, and servos at reasonable prices. Also sells some very nice enclosures.
CNC4PC - Great source for breakout board and specialized PCBs. Highly recommended.
PrintNC - Good source for plans and materials lists for building your own CNC router. Haven’t personally used them but was recommended by a member.
Automation Overstock - Good source for ball screws, linear rails and carriages.
Services Vendors
https://buildlist.org/ - If you want to take the next step past prototyping something yourself, these vendors may be able to help
Does the makerspace have staff on site full time?
No. To keep costs down, the makerspace is only staffed part time. If you need to arrange to meet with with staff, please reach out to help@revolutionmakerspace.com to arrange an appointment.
What is the parking situation?
There are some open ‘public’ spaces next to the fence adjacent to Yetten Baseball Field, available on a first come first serve basis. In addition, guest parking spots are available in the adjacent parking lot (each of which is labeled “Guest”). The maximum stay for the guest parking spots is 30 minutes. Below is a satellite image of the building with the parking areas indicated.
I'm at the building, but I can't find the entrance. Once at 39 Emerson Road, how do I find the entrance to the makerspace?
It’s down the hall on the interior toward the western side of the building. Below please find a quick video to help you find the entrance.
Why does the Revolution Makerspace exist?
There are many wonderful makerspaces already in Massachusetts. For folks who live in and around the Waltham, however, many of them are hard to get to.
The Revolution Makerspace aims to serve the Waltham area, the home of wonderful institutions such as the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation and the Watch City Steam Punk Festival.
Why would I join the Revolution Makerspace?
Maybe you have an idea but need help learning how to use a certain tool. Maybe you have an idea for a project, but don’t have room in your apartment or the budget for the piece of equipment you would need to do it. Maybe after months of being stuck inside due to social distancing, you really want to get out of the house.
If any of these descriptions describe your situation, the Revolution Makerspace could be for you.
I have an idea for a class I could teach. Is there a way to propose a class?
Yes there is! To propose a new class, please fill out the class suggestion form.
What should I do if I have equipment I'd like to donate to the makerspace?
First, thank you for your generosity. Feel free to reach out to donations@revolutionmakerspace.com. All donations are required to be accompanied by a completed donation form.
Who is behind this website and the Revolution Makerspace?
John O’Brien is a maker, tinkerer, and father of 2. John is the person behind both this website and co-owner of Revolution Makerspace. He can be contacted at:
Image Attributions:
"Circuit board tests on the shopbot" by FEARstyle is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
"Split filament spool holder for MakerBot Replicator 3D printer" by Creative Tools is licensed under CC BY 2.0