As mentioned earlier today, TechShop is planning to open a Downtown San Jose location on 300 S. 2nd Street. At 17,000 sqft it would be one of, if not their largest location. TechShop is membership-based workshop that provides access to tools, equipment, and classes to allow creative people to build whatever they want. It's designed for artists, inventors, entrepreneurs, hackers, roboteers, arts & crafts enthusiats, etc. Instead of buying crazy expensive equipment to create things, you just get a monthly membership and have access to over a million dollars worth of equipment including cool stuff like 3D printers, metalworking and woodworking tools, laser cutters, and fast computer workstations. Think of it as a gym membership for people that want to build things.
What a tremendous resource this would be for Downtown San Jose! This would be 2 blocks away from SoFA (the artist mecca for the South Bay), 2 blocks away from San Jose State University, and in the neighborhood of several start-up companies and incubators. This type of easy-access workshop is exactly what we need to make the fires burn hotter in the burgeoning art and cultural districts of San Jose, particularly the Downtown core. There would also be a retail store open to everyone with basic supplies for projects, such as hardware, paint, pliers, safety equipment, electronic components, and reading materials.
Right now they are looking for help launching this location by asking for volunteers, membership pledges (you would get a membership if the San Jose location is opened), or donations. Fore more information, just click here.
Also here is a list of equipment that you would have access to with membership:
- Epilog Helix 60-Watt Laser Cutters
- Tormach CNC Milling Machines
- 3D Printer
- NextEngine 3D Scanner
- Formech 600 24" x 24" Vacuum Forming System
- Formech Heat Strip Bending System
- Morgan Industries Injection Molding System
- Sewing Machines
- Overlock Sewing Machine
- Tin Lizzie Quilting Machine
- Computer-Controlled Vinyl Cutter
- Powder Coating System
- Lincoln MIG Welders (Steel)
- Lincoln TIG Welders (Steel and Aluminum)
- Hand-Held Plasma Cutter
- Sheet Metal Spot Welder
- Sheet Metal Brake, 16 ga x 50"
- Rotary Sheet Metal Punch
- Sheet Metal Corner Notcher
- English Wheel and Planishing Hammer
- Sheet Metal Shear, 16 ga x 50"
- Sheet Metal Roller, 16 ga x 50"
- Sandblast Cabinet
- Metal Grinders and Sanders
- Metal Chop Saw
- Metal Horizontal Band Saw
- Metal Vertical Band Saw
- Computer Controlled Embroidery Sewing Machine
- Electronics Testing and Soldering Equipment
- Epson R1900 13" x 19" Achival Printer with Continuous Inking System
- ShopBot 4' x 8' CNC Wood Router System
- SawStop Professional Cabinet Table Saw
- Panel Saw
- Wood Planer
- Wood Jointer
- Wood Band Saw
- Wood Sanders
- Wood Scroll Saws
- Wood Lathe
- Drill Presses
- Metal Lathes, 14" x 40"
- Vertical Milling Machines with DRO and Power Feed
- Granite Surface Plate with Digital Height Gauges
- Lots of Machine Shop Accessories and Tooling
- Lots of Fast Computer Workstations with 2D and 3D Design Software
- Complete Stocked Tool Room
- Member Storage Rental
- Private Studio / Office Rental
- Meeting Rooms
- Comfortable HackerSpace Areas with Power and WiFi
- Retail Store with Supplies and Materials
- Free Coffee and Popcorn
- ...And LOTS More!
finally something is there. The building on that corner has been empty for over a decade.
ReplyDeleteGreat news. I just hope they do something with that building. It is by far one of the ugliest square grey stucco eyesores downtown. It's hideous.
ReplyDeleteSince it'll be run by creatives, I'm sure they'll come up with something. At minimum, they could paint it in an interesting way. A good example is what Psycho Donuts did across the street with a few boring grey concrete pillars.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that there will be a lot of donuts eaten by the people at the TechShop.
ReplyDeletewhile we're talking about low-slung really ugly buildings, what's up with the pet store by the axis? one part of the facade says PLUMBING and the other part says PETS. seriously?
ReplyDeleteThat's actually Andy's Pet Store, a staple of the Alameda for ages. Their original store closed down earlier this year I believe. That's actually a pretty cool pet shop, I'm looking forward to having it Downtown. It's still a work in progress, but should look much nicer when finished. They are also bringing back the classic parrot neon sign from the Alameda at some point, you'll have to give this one a little time to settle in.
ReplyDelete