One of the ways in which Romich Foundation supports the local community is through the Romich Foundation Makerspace. A makerspace is basically a shop with a variety of resources and tools that range from hand tools to high tech instruments and machines. Operation of the makerspace is further consistent with the Romich Foundation values of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education and promotion of entrepreneurship in the area.
We have found that we can provide greater value to the nonprofit community by making things for organizations as opposed to simply writing checks.
Inspiration for the makerspace came from a variety of sources ranging from the late Ben Romich, Jr. to Thinkbox. Ben was a farmer with an inclination toward engineering. Thinkbox is the innovation center at Case Western Reserve University, of which Romich Foundation played a role in the establishment.
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When Barry Romich was a student at Case, he spent time in the student shop, when he probably should have been studying. However, his time there eventually led him to meet Ed Prentke and what is now PRC-Saltillo is the result. Around 2010, at the prompting of CWRU development people, Barry agreed to enhancing his financial support of the university, with the condition that such support would be used to create a modern high tech student shop. The idea resonated with others in the Case School of Engineering and Thinkbox, now also supported by many other donors, was the result. Thinkbox is now a premier innovation center among universities worldwide. The prototyping area is the Prentke Romich floor. Visitors are welcome and Thinkbox is open for use by the community.
Location and Facility
Romich Foundation Makerspace is located on what was previously the center of operations of Romich-McKelvey Farms in Creston, Ohio, north central Wayne County.
The primary facility is around 1300 square feet. It started as a garage in the early 1900s. A farm shop was added in the early 1970s and a woodworking/meeting space was added in 2022. A separate building houses inventory and materials.
The makerspace is divided into three basic areas:
3D Printing, Cricut, Sublimation and Office
The office is home to both Romich Foundation and makerspace administrative functions and is designed to accommodate visitors to both Romich Foundation and the makerspace. Brainstorming with makerspace visitors is often the first step in defining projects. The hospitality center offers beverages and snacks.
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The work surface in the right photo above shows 3D printers, including the EasyThreeD unit that is the basis for the 3D Printer Lending Library. The display case at the left end contains sample items, mostly from the laser engravers. A Cricut sheet material cutting machine can also be seen and a sublimation printer and heat press are available.
Woodworking / Meeting Area
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The CNC routers and island work surface are on wheels and can easily be removed to convert this space into meeting use. Groups up to thirty can be accommodated theater style, and up to eight work stations for hands on classes. Information for instructors.
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This area can be closed off from the other two to contain the sawdust and noise.
Laser Engraving, Metalworking and Electronics
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Operation
The Romich Foundation Makerspace operates under the umbrella of Romich Foundation, a 501c3 not-for-profit private foundation. It is open for use by the local community at no charge. Nearly all activity is oriented toward schools and various non-profit organizations in the area, with projects being signs, placards, awards, nametags, fabrication of items for fundraiser activities, keyrings, tokens, etc. When the organization contact is unable to fabricate the desired items directly, Romich Foundation hires local school students to do so. Here is a sampling of organizations:
Here is a sampling of items made:
Resources
DIGITAL
Laser engravers with rotary attachments
- Epilog Helix (x2)
- XTool M1
- CNC routers
- ShopBot Desktop (x2)
- Sainsmart 3018 (x2)
3D printers
Ender 3EasyThreeD X1 and K7FLSUN delta
Epson Sublimation Printer and Heat Presses
Cricut
ELECTRONICS
Electronic instruments Electronic components Microcontrollers
Microbit Arduino Raspberry Pi
MANUAL
Metalworking
- Bridgeport mill
- Atlas lathe
- Cutoff saw
- Drill presses
- Shear/Brake
- TIG welder
Woodworking
- Table saw
- Band saw
- DeWalt scroll saw
- Jet wood lathe
- Cutoff saw
- Drill presses
- Belt sanders
OTHER
Hand tools Power tools Assorted hardware Various materials
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in at least draft format for most of the digital items.
PROGRAMS
While most activity is in direct support of the local nonprofit community as covered in the OPERATION section above, Romich Foundation organizes and is part of other initiatives as well.
The 3D Printer Lending Library is a means of providing a 3D printing experience to interested individuals at no cost. Click the link for more details.
STEAM
CREATE
ENGINEER
TECHNOLOGY
MAKE
MINI MAKERSPACE PROGRAM
Romich Foundation is in the midst of a pilot program in which some of the capability of our makerspace is being provided as a grant. In general we are partnering with local organizations that serve a community of potential makers. We provide a laser engraver, 3D printer, CNC router, sublimation printing system, a Cricut, and various hand and power tools, materials and supplies to be functional. Partner organizations are in Holmes, Tuscarawus and Wayne counties.
Romich Foundation Makerspace facility also hosts activities organized by Schantz MakerSpace, another 501c3 nonprofit organization. Activities include build and learn workshops and monthly Maker Monday meetings. Visit their website to learn more.
The upcoming 2024 Maker Extravaganza is a combination of two annual events: the Wayne County Maker Faire and the AC Gilbert Heritage Society convention. You'll want to be there.
Romich Foundation Makerspace is one of a number in the area. The list below was prepared in 2019 by Tom Hammond of the Wayne College 3D Lab. It is currently being updated to represent the additional roughly ten more. Note: this does not include school-based facilities.
Click on the image to download a .pdf file for higher resolution.
CONTACT
Use of the Romich Foundation Makerspace is generally by appointment. Visitors are welcome. Contact Barry Romich by email (bromich@aol.com), text or phone (330-464-7877).
This page was last updated 2-29-2024.