Shared interests bear fruit as like-minded 'makers' see beyond 3-D hobby phase

Kevin Lynch, The Daily Record
·4 min read
Alex (left) and Ethan Williams play an LED monitor pinball machine at the Wayne County Makers Faire at Wayne College in 2021.
Alex (left) and Ethan Williams play an LED monitor pinball machine at the Wayne County Makers Faire at Wayne College in 2021.

BERLIN TWP. — After taking his twin sons to the Makers Faire at the University of Akron Wayne College a few years ago, they were hooked. Their interest in being makers piqued, and now their father, Dave Williams, is working to help spread that interest with others.

Through his connections and enthusiasm for being a maker, Williams became involved with Holmes Center for the Arts makerspace committee. His association with Barry Romich of the Romich Foundation has led to deeper involvement in makerspace projects.

The fifth Wayne County Maker Faire is 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at Wayne College, 1901 Smucker Road, Orrville. The event is free, and visitors are asked to be prepared to be amazed.

Williams helped to organize a presentation about three-dimensional (3D) printers, which will be held at the Holmes Center for the Arts on Friday, May 26.

"It's a fun hobby" Williams said. "My son is 14 now and he knows how to run CAD (computer-aided design). He understands design and how to use micrometers and calipers and other instruments most 14-year-olds wouldn't know how to run.

"It's been fun," he continued. "Makerspaces are people sharing a hobby where they make things from scratch or produce things using 3D printers, CNC (computer numerical control) or even woodworking."

Alex Williams displays the Guitar Hero guitar he created with a 3D printer and wires from Amazon.
Alex Williams displays the Guitar Hero guitar he created with a 3D printer and wires from Amazon.

Forming the right connections

Romich is influential in developing makerspaces and helping to use the resources and supporting creativity in this area.

Romich said operation of his makerspace is consistent with the foundation's values of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education and promotion of entrepreneurship in the area.

Romich has developed a lending library program of 3D printers for schools, and he knew Williams worked with probation kids through juvenile court. Romich asked Williams to use his connections in the Holmes County community to help spread his message.

"Barry has been a blessing. He's planting seeds with his donations," Williams said. "He's promoting a book about forming makerspaces. He's not just handing things over. He's giving professional guidance to it."

A three-dimensional print of the top of the recently renovated Holmes County Courthouse by Midstate Construction.
A three-dimensional print of the top of the recently renovated Holmes County Courthouse by Midstate Construction.

Williams invited the superintendents and representatives from East and West Holmes schools and Executive Director Holley Johnson of Holmes Center for the Arts to a meeting with Romich for a makerspace workshop Romich hosted at the Romich Foundation in Creston.

"It grew momentum from there," Williams said. "This led to a makerspace program at HCA. I thought it was vital to get into the arts center to make the program accessible for all ages, not just school-aged students. Makerspaces are for people of all ages."

Getting people excited about learning

"My slant is, I'd like to get juvenile court kids involved in tactile learning," Williams said. "A lot of them don't like to do book learning. They like to work with their hands. I thought this might be an entranceway into vocational careers they don't find in books."

Eyes open and close like a camera shutter, printed on a 3D printer, on a mask promoting the metal band Mushroomhead.
Eyes open and close like a camera shutter, printed on a 3D printer, on a mask promoting the metal band Mushroomhead.

Representing HCA on the Makerspace Committee, Williams contacted Tom Hammond from the University of Akron Wayne College 3D Lab to do a 3D presentation at HCA 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 26.

"For people who know nothing about 3D printing, he's going to bring a printer and let it print while he's talking, and have kind of a show-and-tell of 3D printed objects," Williams said. "We're hoping to get companies interested to build future workforces for them, get kids involved with CAD or CNC or any other makerspace activities that would translate into future vocations with local companies."

Hammond has been a "maker" since he was introduced to microcontrollers (Arduino), single board computers (Raspberry Pi) and 3D printers about eight years ago. Animated Christmas lights, 3D printing and retro homemade arcade machines are his three main hobbies.

He also is involved with makerspaces at the 3D Lab at Wayne College, Schantz Makerspace in Creston and Apple Creek Makerspace.

The University of Akron Wayne College 3D Lab is a collection of tools, services, people and educational opportunities that encourage a community of invention and design. The lab is open to the public, allowing community members, students, and businesses to create and collaborate using high tech equipment. It specializes in digital fabrication via 3D design, printing, and scanning technology.To learn more, visit wayne.uakron.edu/3DLab.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Wayne College holding Makers Faire May 20; prepare to be amazed