Tartu Mini Maker Faire

There was a mini Maker Faire in Estonia in the city I operate. I was out there with my electronics development company Tech-thing. I met bunch of awesome people, saw cool projects and met up with old friends. Because Estonia is so small, practically everybody were there.

Music triggered flamethrower head

Prototaip CNC showcase

First I saw Prototaip, a mechanical R&D company. List of other friendly faces: Wazombi labs, Intelligent Materials and Systems Laboratory, Skeemipesa, robot mannequin project (Fits.me), Idea lab protocenter. There was probably bunch of more people who I forget but they know who they are.

Overrall impression was really good. The place was packed with 3D printers and kids. Didn't expect so much of either. I am waiting for the day when everyone has a 3D printer and then they go - now what.

I also talked with couple of DIY guys about 3D CAD and most of them seemed to use sketchup. Seems reasonable since it is so easy, but on the other hand - it is the most awful program to use for mechanical drawings. FreeCAD wins on every day (and of course bunch of commercial programs).

I had lots of fun and I hope that Maker Faire will be back to Estonia soon.