Member Introductions

General Member Introductions
62

Hi Hi!

My name is Michael but you can call me Michael. Or just shout a name in my general direction and stare at me and I’ll probably respond :stuck_out_tongue: I’m looking to be a semi-regular face around and hopefully will be able to contribute to the space in some way once I get myself sorted out!

Interests: Blacksmithing, Metallurgy, Electronics, Robotics, Boardgames, Dice, Games in general, Outdoors, Books, Anime, etc, etc

Looking to learn: Blacksmithing, How to use some of the bigger tools so I can use them when I need to.

Working: WSP in the Water Team as a Graduate Engineer

Qualifications: BA Engineering (Mehcatronics)

I have a background in robotics but have a range of projects that I’m wanting to work on, starting with learning to Blacksmith.

Looking forward to meeting you all!

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63

Hi all, thought I’d poke my head in on the forum, and will probably join up before long.

I’ve known of the group for some time, but it’s my father’s announcement that he was thinking of getting a milling machine (for circuit boards) that made me think further of this place.

Background: I’m a double-degree holder… Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications) / Bachelor of IT (Software Engineering)… and these days, I’m a full-stack software developer and network administrator at VRT Systems… so front-end web development, back-end server code in NodeJS & Python, database development in SQLite & PostgreSQL, Linux kernel development and even the boot-loader is not sacred. Presently, I’ve been getting very intimate with the TI CC2536 MCU, in the context of OpenThread.

Outside of work, I do a good amount of experimental work with electronics and with microcontrollers, mostly ARM and AVR architectures… I’ve also had run-ins with Rabbit 3000 and TI MSP-430.

In the past I have contributed to Gentoo (maintaining their MIPS port), and there are a few contributions around the place to my name including U-Boot and the Linux kernel.

I presently hold the amateur radio callsign VK4MSL… and in January, will clock up 10 years on-air. (Come October, and it’ll be 10 years with this call-sign.) I have been commonly heard on the 2m band, “bicycle mobile”… and have been known to call in on some 40m and 20m nets (and one 80m net when conditions are good) also from the bicycle… and have even made some overseas contacts that way. Starting to dabble with packet… in fact, I have a crazy idea to hack 6LoWPAN to run over AX.25, having played with it at work.

I come with an open mind and a desire to share. While I’ll probably be more electronics/IT focussed… the digital fabrication looks interesting, and while I’m not into cosplay, I do have a stack of clothing in need of repair that I’d like to learn how to mend.

Having talked with a few of you, there is a bit of talk of possibly setting up an amateur radio station (which I see has been discussed before) and if we can get enough of a group together, possibly start offering training in amateur radio as well.

Anyway, I think I’ve woffled on enough. :wink: Probably will see some of you at a future get-together.

1 Like
64

Hello everyone reading,

Long time reader first time poster.

Interests : electronics, physical computing,

Looking to learn : short term: home automation, MQTT , Openhab RPI 3: long term: sculpture in metal and clay.

Qualifications: first aid, fire advisor, WHS; master of none

I’m currently building a house and very interested in Openhab home automation. I would be very happy to get paid help setting up my house on Openhab and MQTT to read motion detection lights, window sensor and site map. I’m talking about teaching a man to fish so I can eat forever.

Looking forward to meeting you all. Next open meeting

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65

That is exactly what we are doing now… If you want to talk about it etc… Let me know.

66

Hi ,
My name is Evelyn.
I am new to this site, I’m interested in the laser machine & the cnc machine.
I would like to learn about putting a design onto a Star Wars lightsaber hilt.
I hope someone can steer me in the right direction or if anyone has done this.
The lightsaber is aluminium & it’s a tube with internal battery pack & switches.

2 Likes
67

Howdy all,

I joined a little while ago but haven’t been around much yet. That’s all due to change soon with the arrival of my trailer. Then I’ll be around every day. All day. And some nights.
Because I have a lofty ambition to build a house. On a trailer. Otherwise known as a Tiny House on Wheels (THOW).
It’s a lofty goal because I have very little DIY or reno experience. Just a well aged engineering degree(s), occasional furniture building and many years rebuilding pumps and various geological equipment. But the best way to learn is to do and I’m not afraid to bring in help when I need it.
Why a Tiny House?

  1. It’s mobile but it’s not a caravan. Designed to be lived in full time and moved only occasionally. Something to suit my nomadic nature.
  2. To get out of the rent/mortgage trap. Because housing is bloody expensive in Australia.
  3. I believe current housing design is terribly inefficient and with a keen interest in sustainability, inefficiency irks me.
    Anyway, the house will be built in the quad (next to the Wonky Queenslander and the Caravan), will measure around 6m long x 2.4m wide x 4.3m high. I’m hoping 2-3 months to get to lockup stage.
    I love the sense of community around maker spaces. I’ll occasionally be reaching out for help with stuff I can’t, or shouldn’t, do myself (such as gasfitting, wiring, plumbing etc) and happy to pay for qualified work. I’ll also be donating whatever tools I buy to the space at the end of the project.

Thanks for reading.
ajay

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68

Hi all,

I’m David:

My two main interests are to create a Micro-brewery and to create a 5 axis CNC.
I am looking to learn more CNC and all manner of metal-working and fabrication techniques.
I hold a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Hons) and a Grad-dip in Engineering Management.
I work as a controls engineer in HVAC.

I would be happy to learn and participate in cross collaboration projects to learn more IT (especially programming).

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69

Welcome mate. I’d suggest you get in touch with @Svenska or even head along to the Friday night CNC nights

70

Dave, Your sure to get a lot of enthusiasm for a micro brewery. In fact if you need any electronics help with that project hit me up. I presently only use cooper/brigalow “packet soup” mixes but am keen to look at full grain stuff.

Also what size 5 axis CNC are you looking to make. Something like Pocket-NC or something that could make a full size engine block.

71

I’ll be commencing another all grain setup, one much smaller than one I built using a store bought controller about a year ago.
See attached time lapse: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-JDk1WrFK94

This time around I want to start from the ground up, and I would definitely appreciate any help and advice.

As for 5 axis - build size equivalent to pocket NC, with a design intent to machine steel.

72

Hi, I’m Zac

Im interested in learning metalworking and blacksmithing, including casting.

My real passion is to take junk and reinvent it as something new. Bicycle cogs make great flowers in steel gardens etc. And hopefully to take scrap steel and turn it in to kitchen knives, but that project is 3rd in the que!!)

No work or study. I’m on a pension due to medical grounds.

Diploma of remedial massage, which i don’t do anymore for a few reasons, such as shoulder problems…

73

I should rummage around and see how many old cassettes I have laying around. I’m sure I’ve got at least one set that could make a nice metallic garden for you.

74

You’re a legend. Thanks bro :blush:

75

Not sure when I’ll next be at the space… but I’ll keep these on one side and try to remember to bring them with me. There’s a couple of (worn) disc brake rotors and a chan that might be useful in the artwork (maybe the stem?).

bikeparts.jpg720×540 43.1 KB

76

That is amazing. Thanks man. A little bit of paint and instant flowers!!!

There are a couple of deceased bikes out back near the blacksmithing venue. Maybe you can leave them there? Or i could even pick them if you wanted to leave them out somewhere…

77

Greetings all! I am Noven, a geek who has just returned to Brisbane after almost two decades living across the country and overseas. I’ve built and sold a Cloud based MSP business, managed AusAid funded IT projects across SE Asia and the pacific, designed and implemented community internet centers and town wireless networks across the outback and been involved with a couple of startups.

Interests: Things that go boom, dancing with fire,
Sci-Fi, psychedelics
Looking to learn: Mechatronics related skills, wearable electronics
Studying: Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering
Working: Technical Sales Engineer (cloud based IT systems)
Qualifications: Dip. IT (Network Engineering), Senior First Aid

2 Likes
78

Hello.
I’m Ian.
I’m a pom come to Brizvegas with my Australian family.
Looking to contribute in any way I can.
I’m pretty handy, having refurbed several houses in London.

Interests : Coding, Robotics, Computer archeology, Woodwork

Looking to learn : Powertool woodworking. blacksmithing.

Working : Film, TV and Radio engineering.

Qualifications : BEng Microelectronics and Software Engineering, but that was in the 80’s - Punched cards, anyone?

Projects :
Finally unpacked some of my on-the-go (read: unfinished) projects…

Refurb ‘Space Invaders II’ cocktail cabinet. DOA in Oz - mobo finally died. Rebuilding (around an old laptop this time).

Godzilla pinball - I picked up a complete playfield (no electronics) in the UK. I have the lights and sensors working and some basic game logic. Looking to power the larger solenoids - 4 x ATX PSUs in series is my current(!) plan… Then I’ll need to build a cabinet. If only I had access to a tablesaw…

Robot - Fitted with LIDAR from a Neato vacuum cleaner. Works great. Working on wall/corner recognition and navigation. Using Mosquitto/MQTT for comms between subsystems (python).

Woodworking - currently building a chest of drawers using handtools only. Slow but satisfying.

Cheers!
Ian

3 Likes
79

Hi everyone, I’m Alicia

Interests: Robotics, programming, electronics, sewing, model building, woodwork
Looking to learn: All of the things! Electronics, woodwork
Studying: IT Masters - Human-Robot Interaction, shortcourses in robotic vision
Working: Robotics pilot project manager, ICT procurement
Qualifications: Bachelor of Business, Diploma of Fashion (almost)

1 Like
80

Hi all, I am Nick aka Clewsy
I have a background in industrial steel design & fabrication.
Working as a full time steel & tensile membrane drafter.
I am interested in wood & metal working, planing to make a few furniture/household items incorporating wood, metal & minor electronics.
Also I am interested in re-purposing & reusing discarded materials rather than using new material.
Would like to learn about welding (steel, stainless & aluminum if possible) and general metalworking. Casting (aluminum & copper if possible). As well as cnc processing.

1 Like
81

Hey guys, I’m Beau. I’m a professional drummer some of the time (when there’s work), and a keen maker all of the time. I’m starting a business making drums and I’m in need of some machinery in order to do so. I’ve been interested in HSBNE for years, but never really had a good excuse to come check it out. I’m hoping to up my skillset and produce said machinery myself/with the help of others.

Interests: Music, Woodworking, Coffee.
Looking to learn: Metalworking, welding and fabrication in particular, but I’m keen to learn as much as possible! CNC is particularly of interest.
Studying/Working: Fresh graduate of JMI (Jazz Music Institute), currently self-employed starting up my business on the NEIS program.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Music, years of hands on experience in my dad’s workshop (woodworking).

Looking forward to getting to know you all and the awesome facilities at HSBNE.

3 Likes