Coworking Influencer
Past, present, and future of makerspaces
Q&A with Dorothy Jones-Davis, Executive Director of Nation of Makers
Makerspaces aren’t just about tools—they’re about empowerment.
These creative hubs attract tinkerers, inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, students, and lifelong learners. Whether it’s 3D printing a prototype, soldering a circuit board, or designing a custom vinyl decal, a makerspace offers hands‑on access to tools and technology that might otherwise be out of reach.
Why makerspaces matter
Makerspaces bring innovation to life. They turn curious minds into creators and passive learners into active problem‐solvers. From local libraries to coworking spaces and even schools, makerspaces support STEAM education, community entrepreneurship, and collaborative learning in a tangible, impactful way.
As we have said, “making is one of those things that makes us human… it’s how we share our stories … it’s how we make meaning of the world and solve our most challenging problems, collectively.” And rather than just hobby‑based drop‑ins, makerspaces have evolved, “Over the last decade, makerspaces have gone from a place that’s like a gym membership … to places that have transformed how people think about work.”
They’re not just in garages anymore. They’re “multifaceted spaces that … serve as a kind of community center.”
Who they appeal to:
- Entrepreneurs & inventors — looking to prototype, test, iterate.
- Students & educators — seeking hands‑on learning outside textbooks.
- Artists & makers — wanting access to tools they couldn’t afford alone.
- Corporations & incubators — using makerspaces for rapid prototyping or product development.
- Community groups — leveraging making as a way to connect, share, and build equity.
Past, present, and future of makerspaces
Nation of Makers is a national nonprofit supporting America’s maker organizations through community building, resource sharing, and advocacy. We sat down with the Executive Director to learn more.
Essential materials for a well‑equipped makerspace
Here’s a foundational list of makerspace tools and equipment to stock a makerspace for a widest variety of fabrication needs, plus links to well‑known options.
3D printers
From prototyping to artistic creations, 3D printers are a staple in any makerspace. You’ll want at least one, but more is ideal for high‑traffic spaces.
🔧 Prusa i3 MK4 – Known for reliability and print quality
🔧 Creality Ender 3 V3 SE – Budget‑friendly and beginner‑friendly
Laser cutters and engravers
For cutting wood, acrylic, leather, or etching on metal and glass, laser cutters are incredibly versatile—and often in high demand.
🔥 Glowforge Pro – Intuitive and sleek, great for public‑facing spaces
🔥 OMTech CO2 Laser Engraver – Affordable with pro‑level capabilities
CNC machines
CNC routers are used for cutting and carving materials with precision. Ideal for woodworking, prototyping, and small‑batch manufacturing.
🛠️ Shapeoko 5 Pro – Desktop‑friendly and scalable
🛠️ X‑Carve CNC – Widely used in makerspaces
Electronics and soldering stations
For hardware hacking and microcontroller projects, you’ll want:
Soldering irons: Hakko FN1010
Multimeters: Fluke 117
Arduino/Raspberry Pi kits: Aruduino
Vinyl cutters
Great for signage, decals, and textile work.
✂️ Silhouette Cameo 5 – User‑friendly and compact
✂️ Roland GS‑24 – Industry‑level quality
Textile and sewing equipment
Support fashion, quilting, or textile innovation with:
Sewing machines: Brother CS7000X
Embroidery machines: Janome Memory Craft 500E
Hand tools and power tools
Think: drills, sanders, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches. These are the building blocks for countless DIY projects.
🧰 Consider modular toolkits like DEWALT’s combo kits for consistent, interchangeable batteries.
Computers and design software
Set up workstations with:
- CAD software (e.g., Fusion 360, SolidWorks)
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Slicing software for 3D printing (e.g., PrusaSlicer, Cura)
How to actually manage all of this (without losing your mind)
You’ve invested in the tools. But now the real work begins: keeping everything organized, accessible, and running smoothly.
That’s where Coworks comes in.
With Coworks software, your makerspace can:
- Organize and schedule equipment in your space so nothing overlaps
- Let members reserve rooms and resources like printers, laser cutters, and whiteboards
- Assign permissions based on training, skill levels, or safety certifications
- Track equipment usage and take tools offline when repairs or maintenance are needed
- Foster community through events, networking, and shared projects
- Host and promote training, workshops, and speaker sessions right from the platform
You can even automate invoicing and manage memberships with ease—whether you're charging by drop‑in, monthly, or per equipment‑hour.
A makerspace is only as good as its access. That means access to the right tools and access to a seamless experience for members.
Whether you're running a campus makerspace, launching one inside your coworking space, or expanding your flex‑office offerings, Coworks helps you build a creative community that runs smoothly and scales easily.
