Thanks for checking us out. Think|Haus has been around in Hamilton since June 2009, initially in a location at Niagara and Land Streets and now for about the last two years at 25 Dundurn Street North. We do have a laser and almost have a RepRap as well. We do not have a formal charge for using the laser but I would suggest that you come by and visit on a Tuesday evening, after 7:00 is always a good time to be safe, and we can talk more about it. We also ar able to use the .svg files as well since we have a plugin for InkScape that can generate the g-code that we need for the laser, although .dxf files are also useful.

We have been having a discussion within the space about cases for the Raspberry Pi especially since a number of our members have gotten theirs.

Richard

The biggest drawback to the name HackerSpace is that people have the idea that we hack into other people’s computers. We do “hack” in that we do modify things, including how computers run, but it is always with the permission of the owners or with our own things. We are not very good at listening when someone says that there is really only one way to do things or that something that we own can only be used in a particular manner or only for a specific function. We are much better at adapting things so that they better fit our requirements and needs and to build things for ourselves and others. Warranties are quickly voided with things that enter our space, and we readily acknowledge that, but at the same time what we do also enhances our pleasure, our lives and the lives of others. And we are pretty good at sharing.

And while the connotation of a HackerSpace may be negative there is nothing that I have done as a member, nor has any other member of the space to which I am a member or of any other space that I am aware of, of which I am ashamed or embarrassed. There has been nothing that I have done, nor anyone that I know, that is illegal or that would warrant attention of the Police. Some people have been harassed by the Police for having been a member but it was always unfounded. Within our membership there are people that have a very good standing within society and cannot afford to be associated, even at arm’s length, to criminal activities and yet they are active and proud members of this group.

And we can be polite and welcoming. Think|Haus as it’s Open House every Tuesday evening and we welcome anyone that walks into the door. Our address is at 25 Dundurn Street North in Hamilton ON so come on by and see for yourself the kinds of things that we do.

Richard