#bodging

OK, so what is a Bodger? Or what would you be doing if you were Bodging?

Bodging

In many dictionaries you will not find the word bodging, bodgers or bodger. You might find the word bodge, meaning to botch or mend clumsily.

However, actually a bodger was a skilled craftsman that made chair legs and braces. The craft of bodging goes back about five hundred years but I am unaware of anyone making a living as a bodger these days. In Europe you can still visit many…

What is this?

The Bodgery is a new makerspace in Madison, dedicated to building cool stuff and growing the maker community. We have a workshop setup for welding, sewing, woodworking, crafts, and electronics. We're adding more metalworking, computer-guided fabrication, and bike repair.

What kind of tools do you have?

We're just getting started, but we already have a table/chop/scroll/band saws, a welder, a RepRap 3D printer, drills and a drill press, a sewing machine, and plenty of workspace. Rumor has it that vinyl and laser cutters are on the way. Also, we have a 3 ton crane. We use it to hold a disco ball and occasionally glide around the room on a trapeze.

What does membership cost? What do you get for signing up?

Membership is $50/month. It gives you full 24/7 access to the building, voting rights on community decisions, and storage space for projects.

If you can't swing membership, then fear not, because you can still work in the building for free with a member present, or attend our multitudinous free events.

What kind of events do you have?

Open shop is on Friday evenings from 7pm to 10pm. Come on down and take a tour, talk about your projects, use our tools, make something, and meet other awesome people making cool stuff. Or experience the excitement of signing a liability form and the occasional trapeze tour, courtesy of the 3 ton crane.

We have an upcoming welding class on July 19. More classes are being scheduled, including sewing, basic auto maintenance, and some fun kids projects.

Also, there's the craft night, Fiber Frenzy Craftacular, every other week on Mondays at 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The next one is on July 21.

What about Sector67?

I knew you'd ask. Sector is a great hackerspace with awesome tools. Mostly it comes down to style--you might prefer one over the other, but both are good options. We see two main differences. The Bodgery's members run the makerspace, voting on community decisions and sharing board responsibilities. Second, one of our core values is to help hobbyists and part-time makers gain affordable access to incredible tools, and introduce 'social making' to as many people as possible in Madison.

Also, we have a 3 ton crane.

Where is The Bodgery located? Where's the website?

Ladderback armchair. I use traditional chair bodging techniques and sawmill all my own wood. I've used Ash, which is great to work green.

Travel Journal – Riding the ‘Harley’ – 20/11/2013

My first go on what has been nicknamed “The Harley” due to its incredible speed, turning circle and gentle purring engine.  Followed by creative repairs.

“Swinging your leg over this beast, you will feel the full 17bhp 700cc engine beneath you rumble and roar at your command.  Hack at the ropes restraining this little beauty and you will rocket off, feeling a heightened sense of freedom as you…