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  DIY (do-it-yourself) is the relatively new term adopted to describe any activity
engaged in by laymen and even professionals plying their trades after hours. Subjects range from hanging a kitchen cabinet
or planting a tree, to a total engine rebuild or building a robot. Reasonable quality and capability tools for performing
around-the-house chores are
 fairly cheap and available for purchase or rent for projects most people undertaking
such challenges. Cordless saws and drills, stud finders, airless paint sprayers, and electronic readout levels can be had
for under $100. More expensive equipment like branch chippers, ditch diggers, sections of scaffolding, and ceiling drywall
hanger's stilts can be rented. Some tools, like metal lathes and CNC milling machines, car lifts, high end and specialized
test equipment, 3D printers, acetylene welders, etc., are either too expensive, difficult to obtain, or maybe take up more
space that a homeowner or small business has available. For those situations, you can seek out a Makerspace.
  According to the Google map, there are currently 545 Makerspaces located throughout
the world. Most are in the U.S., with Europe coming in second. A whopping 5 show up on the African continent, and 6 are
in South America. About 20 are in Canada (with one even in Newfoundland). China and Australia each host 2. Even Phnom Penh,
in Cambodia, has a Makerspace. No doubt there are similar unaffiliated facilities and groups everywhere, so don't let the
lack of a MakerSpace in your area prevent you from seeking out an independent group - or maybe form your own Makerspace.
Although I have not yet visited it (I just now learned of it), the
Erie Makerspace is in Union Station just a few miles from my
house. Many Makerspaces are affiliated with colleges and businesses and are very well equipped.
 No doubt a big part of Makerspace's success
has been due to various media outlets (like RF Cafe) picking up on and reporting their activities,
but a large number of Maker Faires are held annually to bring their
activities and capabilities to the public. Participation is not limited necessarily to members of the Makerspace community.
Images and videos from past Maker Faires shows some amazing art forms and high tech work. The National Maker Faire will
be held in Washington, D.C., on June 18th and 19th.
Posted June 7, 2016
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