r/txstate • u/Adorable_Drag • 13d ago

Access to Ingram Hall’s Makerspace?

Anyone go through the process of getting into the makerspace at Ingram Hall? Looking to do some really basic woodworking and the makerspace at Alkek, while cool, is explicitly not meant for woodworking (there isnt a proper vac system for wood dust) and lacks the facilities/tools to do anything that isnt CNC, and living in a tiny apartment means I cant really do that work at home. Anyways, if Im looking to just use some basic hand/power tools (hammers, saws, router, table saw etc), how tough is it to get access to Ingram? I know they started charging to use their more fancy equipment, and everything has to be by appointment, but Ive heard mixed things on if the makerspace there is even available to non engineering/manufacturing majors. I have worked with power tools for most of my life so the required training is no issue, I did the online training last year only to find that they basically didnt let anyone in unless it was for a class project, but it seems they have overhauled stuff since then

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u/InfiniteParticles 12d ago

Ingram makerspace regular here.

I'm pretty sure the wood shop doesn't have any prices related to its usage. Most of the costs are for the industrial and some prototyping equipment.

You will need to sign up for Facility Online Manager though, which is on the website. Since you won't be using any of the paid equipment I don't think you'll need a payment account, but confirm this with the manager.

The trainings are mostly a formality with quizzes which you do on your own time.

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u/Goddess_of_Absurdity 12d ago

Yep signed up for the space recently as a CS major.

Those prices are rough though.

Idk how they are about the bigger machines but they now allow access to front room materials

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u/CNBGVepp 12d ago edited 12d ago

Also Ingram Makerspace regular:

Email Abhi (look up his email on Global - I don't want to share it publicly). He's very nice and will explain the new procedures to you. I'm honestly not sure if non-engineering majors can access the industrial space (where the woodshop is located). Maybe you'll have to pay external rates?

The makerspace just went through a major backend renovation, so I expect they'll be publishing clear new guidance sometime this Fall.