I think there should definitely be a HackerSpace in the Augusta area, it is the capitol of the state and is growing so much all the time! I would love to find a few people locally that would want to stsrt one. I don't really have the funds but if there were a couple more people wanting to work on this with me all that could most likely be figured out. There is always a way, you just have to stay dedicated and want it.

We have a small group in Orono, which is not exactly nearby. But we have access to some really cool hardware and expertise.

Im not exactly sure how far away Orono is from me but maybe I can check the space out sometime.

I'm in Portsmouth and active at Port City Makerspace, so I'm biased, but that really is a bit of a hike.  Check out the Open Bench Project in Portland.  There are some really nice folks there and there's quite a buzz around their community.  

I'll have to look into it, Portland is about 45 minutes to an hour away so on the weekends that probably wouldn't be too bad. 

If you ever do decide to venture down to Portsmouth and know it ahead of time, drop me a comment back here.  If I'm in the area - and I typically am on weekends at least - I can show you around PCMS.  We have an electronics lab/3D printing area, classroom/general workspace, wood shop, and metal shop, and we're working on an auto shop currently.

I'll make sure to do that, who knows when I'll be able to make the trip, I am the Head of IT for a call center that is open 6 days a week, between that and the wife and kids it can be difficult to plan for things like this but it will be on top of my list for sure! Thank

I am in Boothbay, about 35 miles from Gardnier. It does seem there ought to be some kind of makerspace near Augusta, but I have not heard of one. There was press coverage a year or so ago about one starting up in the old Bruunswick NAS, but nothing every came of that. I am lucky enough to have a very complete machine shop at home, after many years of collecting- Im now 73 years old.

well, that must be nice! At the moment I can only dream about laser cutters, CNCs, and lathes, lol! But I do know I'm lucky enough to have my Rostock, im sure my collection will grow, im only 34 so I got some time to collect things I suppose. I wish I had the resources and contacts to open a maker space nearby myself

Could I maybe get a hold of you here if sometime I might need something metal or aluminum turned on a lathe for my many projects? I'm sure I could pay you something for the material and your time.

Hey Paul - saw your inquiry on the HaD links post. Have you been in touch with either the Kennebec County facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/415305595233810/) or the guy at http://mainemakerspace.com/? I know nothing about them, but found via google this evening.

There's also Hack Portland down in my area (https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/110546704805176135885) but haven't had a chance to get out and hang out with them yet.

Ben, Port City Makerspace is 2+ hours from Augusta, so a bit of a hike. There's also MakeIt Labs in Nashua, which isn't really any closer unfortunately. Would like to visit both those at some point.

i haven't bothered looking to see how deep into Main Augusta is but you might want to look into the Port City Makerspace in Portsmouth NH