Last week I was able to attend a lecture by a friend of mine at a makerspace. Skip to the end if you want to know what the lecture was about.
I've never been at a makerspace before and the large variety of tools and options available had me a little overwhelmed. It seemed very well divided to maximize efficiency and work space available.
Here are some images I took with my phone of the amazing (though cramped) space.
This is a delicate electronics station.
Lots of materials are made available to the users.
This is another electronics station.
The space also has a 3d printer, a room of machines for the use of wood workers, and a room of machines I did not immediately recognize.
I did notice this awesome foam sword in the stages of being built.
And I saw this weird unicorn ride hanging from the ceiling.
The bathroom was decorated with lots of printed circuits.
I might visit again if I have a project I would prefer not to do at home (too messy or smelly or too sensitive to inquisitive cats).
Oh, and finally here is the lecture I attended - Economics of SF Universes. It was a concise and comprehensive lecture and I can wholeheartedly recommend the lecturer.
I'll be happy to hear what experience you might have with makerspaces near you.