Forging into the New Year with New Skills
story & photos by Joan Perry | Contributing Writer
This is a resolution I couldn’t look forward to. One year a friend and I visited every lighthouse on the South Carolina coast. Another, we attempted to taste test every praline offering in the lowcountry. A new year can be a chance to look ahead and consider a place to visit, topic to learn or new skill to add.
I’ve often walked past the Reforge Charleston window at Citadel Mall and been curious about the colorful crafted and 3d printed objects in the window. Writing this column gave me an excuse to contact them for a tour.
John Curro, PhD and Chairman of Reforge Charleston walked me through the amazing stock of equipment they had on hand. It was a much bigger facility than I expected and includes a metal and wood shop, 3D and resin printers, electronics of all sorts, soldering, welding and metal work equipment. Reforge Charleston is our own local non-profit makerspace.
Curro’s career with Procter & Gamble left him inspired to help young people use their hands and minds to translate knowledge to real life situations and creative problem solving. The project started in 2015 with six friends brainstorming in a bar and moved to the current location in 2019. It is completely volunteer run and donations are welcomed. Memberships are monthly and allow access to all the equipment and discounts on classes.
The facility has a classroom and holds three weekly sessions of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) topics for homeschooled students. He gave me a quick demonstration of a laser cutting a holiday decoration and we paused to watch member Stephen Watt as he worked on a prototype for a medication dispensing system. Other members have made everything from intricate engraved artwork to toys and furniture. For more information see their web site at: www.reforge.io/.
Happy New Year! Stay healthy my friends and wave at me as I wander.
