December 22, 2017 at 4:35 p.m.
First Fab Lab class for the public gets great reviews
First Fab Lab class for the public gets great reviews
By Kayla Thomason-
Fab Lab director Mike Wojtusik led a three-day Fab Lab class that was open to the community
Wojtusik showed the group how each piece of equipment works, starting with the vinyl cutter, the laser engraver, 3-D printer and CNC milling machine.
"So far so good. So far we have a nice little group of eager students and I think they're engaged," Wojtusik said, adding that he was hoping the class would draw a broad range of ages, from grade-schoolers to grandparents.
He plans to hold more classes at the end of January and February.
"I want community members to come in and use the facility that's available to them and get some return on their tax dollars," he said. "I want to soak up some of their knowledge and pass it on to the students."
Isaiah Willoughby, a young participant in the class, was excited for the opportunity.
"I think it's really fun and I enjoy messing around with 3-D printers," he said, adding that he was planning to print out his own Legos to add to the ones he has at home.
It was his first time working with the equipment and he picked out the Fab Lab logo design for his shirt.
"I like that it's available to us because it's just open and it's really cheap to come in and have fun and build items," he said.
Kurt Bergstrom also enjoyed the class.
"It looks really exciting, so I'm really glad I'm here," he said, adding that he had been looking forward to the class.
Bergstrom was surprised at the number of different pieces of equipment the group could test.
"I didn't realize all the different machines that were here so just being exposed to all the technology that's available to not only the students but also the community is huge," he said.
Bergstrom found a plethora of possibilities associated with a Fab Lab being in Rhinelander.
"It's a great opportunity for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge and business," he said.
For those who are interested in getting hands-on in the Fab Lab, there are open sessions Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
The open house has a membership fee of $50 for an individual and $75 for a group membership. Students in the school district can use the lab for free. The membership covers a year, including summers.
Members who bring their own materials have no additional cost, however those who use district's materials will have an additional cost.
"I hope that the community members see the value in it and come and take advantage of it," Wojtusik said.
Members of the public don't need to have prior experience with the equipment. Wojtusik is always at the open house to help people and teach them about the equipment.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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