Syn Shop helps members bring their creations to life in 3-D

The Syn Shop began as a few friends getting together in a garage. The group and equipment grew too big, so they moved to a larger garage.

Two years ago, the shop moved to its current location, a 23,000-square-foot space at 117 N. Fourth St., packed with woodworking equipment, laser cutters, 3-D printers and other tools. People get together there to work on projects and share ideas, construction tips and expertise.

“There were nine founders, and we just wanted to be around other people who were working on similar stuff,” said Aikin Patel, a founder and board member for the nonprofit. “We’ve lost a few over the years because they’ve moved out of town, but we have between 100 and 110 members most of the time. Some cycle in and out as they work for a few months on a project, but then others come in.”

The Syn Shop is a shared space for people who might not have the room or money to own a large piece of equipment but want to work on their creations. For $40 a month, members have access to the equipment from 6 to 10 p.m. most days, with someone on hand who knows how to operate it.

The space can also be opened at other times by vetted members, who have keys and 24-hour access. The space also hosts classes and meetings of groups with similar needs and interests, such as a rocketry group that conducts monthly meetings.

Many people find out about the shop through word of mouth. Nate Miller and Dillon Bracken of Dancetronauts had heard about it in passing a few times but didn’t go there until April 22. They acclimated themselves within a few hours and created the first element of a project.

Dancetronauts mixes a lot of elements to create art/music/dance performances at events such as Burning Man, Coachella and local parades. Members used the shop’s laser cutter to cut their logo out of a piece of Plexiglas, set to be part of an illuminated wearable shirt for performances.

“This place is amazing,” Miller said. “It was so easy to work on this here. It’s going to be amazing.”

Vanessa Wilbur was in the shop that evening and gave a demonstration on how the cutting tool worked.

“It has a 24-by-18-inch bed, and it can cut wood, leather, denim, some kinds of metal, and it can etch glass,” Wilbur said. “Once the image is in, it does all the cutting itself; you just set it up and let it run.”

Wilbur first came to the shop to work on costumes and props.

“I do a lot of craft making and costuming, so I would come here to hang out with people in the craft area and work on things,” she said. “Then I learned to use the laser and the 3-D printer, and now I’m teaching others how to use it.”

Wilbur became so well-versed in the use of the laser that she got a job with Full Spectrum Laser, 6216 S. Sandhill Road, which makes and sells the lasers used at the shop.

Liability is an issue anywhere power tools are used, and the Syn Shop has that covered by incorporating as a nonprofit, purchasing corporate insurance and having all members sign liability waivers. Members also look out for one another.

“One of the benefits of working with a lot of people is that they’ll tell you if you’re doing something dangerous,” Patel said. “I’ve seen people stop other people and say, ‘Wait, I’ll show you how to use that correctly.’ We have some members who used to work in shops and are retired now, and they can be very helpful.”

Board member Caleb Schmucher added that the equipment is kept in good condition, which helps prevent accidents.

The Syn Shop may continue on the growth path it has been on since its inception.

“We’re looking to expand and add a metal working shop and some more tools and facilities,” Patel said. “We might expand here if we can take over some adjacent space. If that’s not possible, we may have to move to a new space.”

For more information visit synshop.org.

To reach East Valley View reporter F. Andrew Taylor, email ataylor@viewnews.com or call 702-380-4532.