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Latest Happenings

I took a bunch of photos while I was at the space recently. New artwork, decorations, projects under construction, in progress, or completed, etc. Click the thumbnails for descriptions and notes on Flickr.

Restoring a 3D printer

While browsing ebay, I noticed a lot of 2 3D printers for sale. These machines were produced in the late 90s and use inkjet print technology to print in a plaster-based powder. Once they arrived at Freeside Atlanta, they were unpacked and inspected. The machines were not in working condition, but fortunately all of the electronics seemed fine. The biggest problem with these printers is that the binder solution is essentially a sugary mix run through very fine tubing. If not used frequently enough, the sugar crystallizes, blocking the tubes. I spent several hours cleaning all of the piping, taking care not to damage anything or lose any of the tubing. In the end, a total of around 40 hours was spent inspecting the hardware, disassembling / cleaning / reinstalling the tubing, and very hesitantly turning it on. I am happy to say we now have one functional Z400 3D printer. Unfortunately, the material cost is rather high. I wonder if our friends over at Open3DP labs can help with that! W

Something F3 This Way Comes (This Friday)

First Friday Flash Talks, May Edition 10 Presenters | 10 Topics | 5 Minutes Each (Learning and Debauchery will Ensue) This Friday, May 7th @ 7:30pm Free* and Open to the Public Food, Drinks, and Merriment will be Provided 675 Metropolitan Pkwy, Ste 6066 Atlanta, GA 30310 * ($5 suggested donation per attendee help keep quality events such as this one happening) Topics This Month Include... "Pseudoreplication in Experimental Design" "Rhythm and Movement in Your Body Part III - Cranial-Sacral Rhythm" "Coffee Roasting 101" and many more...

Concrete Countertops

On Saturday 4/10 we will be trying our hand at pouring Concrete Countertops. We will be getting started around noon. Feel free to come by the space and give us a hand, or just to lend moral support! http://www.flickr.com/photos/techbirmingham/ / CC BY 2.0

Outerz0ne and Synchronous Hackathon This Weekend

This weekend, March 19-21 is full of all sorts of hacker-related fun. It's going to be legendary, so bring a friend (or three). Starting this Friday @3pm and lasting until Sunday night is Outerz0ne6 at the Wellesly Inn Atlanta Airport. Put on by HackerConsortium member SkyDog and friends, this year is going to be chock-full of wonderful talks and events on a variety of geek-tastic topics, including a panel on FreesideATL. A good portion of our members will be there participating and supporting the cause and we encourage anyone else to do the same. Secondly, its Synchronous Hackathon #5 time, March 20-21. With cameras out of commission at the moment, currently we are planning not to have UStream up an running this month, but that doesn't mean there won't be projects going on. Expect some various projects being done throughout the weekend, and people resting from the excitement of Outerz0ne. If you have never been to the space and/or are a prospective member come bring a pr

Sewing Lab - Machine Basics (Rescheduled)

Sewing Lab: Machine Basics has Returned! March 20, 2010 @ 2pm Saturday, March 27, 2010 @2pm Back by popular demand, we're doing another session of Sewing Lab 1: Machine Basics. With Outerz0ne in Atlanta this weekend, the class has been rescheduled until the same time the next weekend. Check the blog early next week to RSVP For those completely new to the realm of sewing, we'll be breaking down the mechanics of how the machine works, how it's changed over the years, and basic troubleshooting. And we'll learn some stitches while we're at it. A machine will be provided, but feel free to bring your own, along with the instruction manual if you have it. As per usual, this class is free to the public, and a suggested donation of $10 is encouraged to cover supplies. This class is 18+

Are you Ready for F3?

The First Friday Flash Series Continues! This Friday, come out to Freeside for the second installment of F3 to watch more 5 minute presentations on topics of learning and debauchery. Topics this month include: "Projection Optics" "Whetware Hacking: Ecosystems" "Urban Exploration and "The Lifestyle of Abandoned Buildings" This Friday, March 5 @ 7:30pm Open to the general public. Participation and merriment encouraged. Food and refreshments provided. 675 Metropolitan Parkway, Suite 6066. Atlanta, GA 30030 For more information on upcoming events at Freeside Atlanta, go to http://wiki.freesideatlanta.org

Impromptu Hackathon? Why Not?

After our weekly meeting yesterday (every Tuesday at 7:30, open to the general public, if you didn't already know) we decided on an impromptu Hackathon this weekend. While this is not the same as the Synchronous Hackathon that is held every third weekend of the month, we will still be streaming live on ustream.tv while working on a variety of projects. We encourage any other hackerspaces that feel up to a little impromptu hacking to have at it with us. If you are so inclined, go ahead and contact us and we'll put up the link to your ustream.tv along with ours. As always, non-members and curious parties are welcomed, and encouraged to attend, get a tour of the space, work on projects or just generally be in good company. We look forward to seeing you!

Scanner Teardown

The number of scanners we can't, won't, or don't use at Freeside continues to grow, while the demand for stepper motors and controllers also grows. These two problems suggest a mutual solution, which I approached with gusto today. Follow through the process after the jump, click through to flickr for more details and notes.