In the second half of each meeting, we divide into teams and hold a 30 minute competition centered around designing and building an original device or contraption. One of our members hosts this competition, having conceived of the challenge and having gathered all the necessary (and unnecessary) parts needed to complete the challenge. The host is responsible for bringing to the meeting these parts in kit form. Parts typically consist of salvaged items, random junk and odds & ends.
View past Maker Challenges in the Meetings page.
The Maker Toolkit
A standard Make:Philly Toolkit is provided for each team during the Maker Challenge. In this way, the Challenge host can focus on acquiring just the special parts needed by the Challenge, knowing that items like a pliers and hacksaw will already be available in the Toolkits.
To help spread out the cost, members volunteer to "sponsor" Toolkits for $40. In return that individual receives a limited edition Make:Philly t-shirt, lots of appreciation and thanks from their fellow makers, and lifetime membership status. (Contact us at MakePhilly@gmail.com to sponsor a Toolkit or Challenge). Thanks to all those who already are helping to support Make:Philly!
Contents of Make:Philly's Maker Challenge Toolkit
Tools
- Hacksaw
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Wire Strippers & Cutters
- Screwdrivers (Phillips & Flat)
- Utility Knife
- Scissors
- Tape Measure
- Pencil & Paper
Supplies
- Duct Tape
- Electrical Tape
- Nylon String
- Circuit Breadboard
- 24 Guage Solid Copper Wire
- Alumnium Drop Cieling Wire
- Ethernet/Telephone Scrap Wite
- Mini Bungee Cords
- Plastic Ties (Large & Small)
- Rubber Bands (Large, Medium & Small)
- Assorted wood scraps
- Popsicle Sticks
- Paperclips
Hardware
- Nails (Large & Small)
- 1/4" Nuts & Bolts
- Metric (#8 - 32) Nuts & Bolts
- Washers (Large & Small)
- Eye Hooks (Large & Small)
- Screws (Long, Medium, Small)
- Duct Tape
- Electrical Tape
- Nylon String
- Circuit Breadboard
...created at the 2nd Maker Challenge