The Yelp Elite Squad was at MakerSpaceCT in downtown Hartford this past week to help make Yelp…read moreHearts for the Capitol Hearts project. While we were there, Chief Operating Officer Mark Colbert gave us the Pro Tour of MakerSpaceCT. We encountered many other friendly and talented people while we were there. Count me among the impressed. You wouldn't believe all the things you can do as a paying member. Wood working. Steel working. 3-D Printing. Podcasting. Computer work. Clothing design. Robotics. Robot fighting. Ping pong. That's right -- ping pong. All sorts of fancy equipment and knowledgable people. I'm sure I missed lots of other things. In addition, you can sign up for classes to develop skills. Those skills may help people in their careers or personal lives. Five Stars

I am beyond excited to learn that this place exists! A place…read moreto learn. Grow your talent, and if you already know what you're doing the place to actually have your talent shine. This place has so much cool things from sewing machines 3D printing metal working and woodworking. State-of-the-art computer lab. You say you don't know how to do any of that will they have some of the best in the business to teach you. They have classes and also memberships somewhat like a gym. They also provided with additional cost the materials for each area. You can also bring in your own stuff to work with. They also provide safety gear which is a plus. We watched the state of a dark wood cutter cut out custom parts for Capital Hearts event that was going on later on this month. It's pretty cool to see the design go from the computer to the machine to the wood. Which we ended up painting at the end. I definitely want to be checking this place out at a later date to maybe do some 3D printing for some future cosplay they also even provide sewing machines as well. I love the fact that you can actually take classes in Woodworking and Welding as well learn 3D printing and advanced 3D printing with movable items.

I am new but hv seen several issues that require attn. The areas of the facility that r for…read moremachines and more "male" things are everywhere. The tight, cluttered,dirty area in the middle for textiles,sewing etc is cluttered,hazardous,incredibly dirty and even a fire hazard. There is stuff everywhere. 2 knitting machines that are used infrequently. Textiles and fabrics getting dusty and dirty from dust and dirt. The place is for machines. Really sewing and textiles should have their own space. There must be a room available. I love to cook but would nvr use their kitchen, it is filthy! Everything should be covered in plastic and regularly cleaned. 2 entrances which is very dirty,not food safe!

Makehaven: not for entrepreneurs, just hobbyists…read more I am writing this review of the space not because I want to, but because after a week has gone by I am still incensed enough where I must put my thoughts down and also share what I have discovered with the general public less they meet the same frustrations in the Make Haven Space that I have. I use the space not simply for myself but to make clothes for people to buy. So I am writing this review as somebody who is an entrepreneur and artist trying to use the space. I have been a member of Makehaven for 3 years, in my time there it has become very clear that there are two tiers of use in the space. Tier 1: metalworking, woodworking, electronics, 3d printing, beer making. Tier 2: sewing, culinary work, embroidery, knitting. If you plan to use the space for tier 1 or as i like to call it "He-Man" tier, then you are in luck! The space is properly maintained. If something breaks they notice it and fix it in a reasonable time, there is paid staff that is always knowledgeable and around to help. If He-man Tier is what you want a membership for then you will most certainly find what you need. However if you wanted a membership for tier 2, or as i like to call it "the more feminine work" then you are assed out. I have had tons of issues with the sewing space not being properly maintained: whether it is having broken equipment that has no discernible timeline on getting fixed until I inquire. Various machines being "misrepaired" such as someone just dumping oil all over a machine so it was even in the eye hole of the needle: ruined my piece. This comes from a lack of consistency and management of the space in a way that rarely seems to happen with the woodworking or metal equipment. When it comes to the silkscreening station it's even more wretched. I will give you an example from my most recent experience: I had a deadline, and the day before I had planned to screen a few shirts I noticed that a class of no less than 10 people were being taught how to silkscreen. Thats cool. I notice that the person teaching the class is also being observed by paid facilitators- thats also cool it is important that she is teaching right. that night I decided to burn a screen to start printing the next day. The screen went poorly and when I went to clean this screen I suffered through half an hour of frustration before I realized that someone had WATERED DOWN THE CLEANING SOLUTION for cleaning screens, which if you know chemicals then you know it didnt work. This may not seem like a big deal to those who dont silkscreen, but basically everything emulsion related is time [light] based. The longer it takes me to wash a screen, the lower the chance that it will wash out. Screens cost about $40, so if I cant clean this screen I am out $40 and time. So after i get a facilitator (at this point is is 12am) and put the right chemicals in, the screen is only half reclaimed-which is to say ruined. I went to reclaim this screen no more than 11 hours after placing the emulsion. It should have been easy to clean and instead was a huge chore. The next morning i go to print in the printmaking shop and there is RED INK all over the silkscreening station. It was left by the class the day before very clearly because I saw them, use it, and the red ink left behind was the same design that they were using. It was everywhere, It was on the table that you place the clothes, was on the actual machine, and it was subtlety all over the counter. This was all left by the class the day before, a class where someone is teaching people how to use the space-and someone was watching that teacher to make sure it was taught right. So I noticed some of the paint, but I didn't notice all of the paint until some of it ended up on a shirt I was trying to silkscreen. If you have ever used a shared art space then the first thing you know is to CLEAN UP PROPERLY, the fact that little to no attention was paid on clean up is an appalling lack of training on everyone's part. For brevity's sake I will skip the kitchen space, but it is a joke, I got more tools in my kitchen. Fundamentally it comes down to who Makehaven serves. Makehaven brands itself as an incubator for small business. Makehaven gets grants for thousands of dollars to be a space for entrepreneurs. This is not a space for entreprenuers. Or at least not the type who would actually need their space. I need their space because as of right now I cannot afford anything more while I am growing my business. I am poor, I have traditionally had service industry jobs, I am a high school drop out, this place does not cater to me. It caters to middle class suburban 35-70 year old people who have hobbies that they want to pursue. Those same people have no problems with the space not working because it is just a hobby for them. If they ever wanted to take things more seriously they could have there own making space- in fact plenty do. I wrote more but am out of space.

This is definitely the most comprehensive makerspace I've ever been to!…read more There's been some recent staff changes, and things seem to be in a bit of flux, but the space is amazing, and I personally would love to become more active here when I am in the 518. I'd like to see some new equipment, and have some of the existing equipment repaired or replaced. But, there's really good bones, here. Having opted for a family membership with my partner, we've brought my spawn here several times. The kids space is pretty well set up. It would be nice if it were staffed a little more. I'd actually say that's one of the things the space lacks, is clear staffing. Everyone I've met so far has been friendly, and helpful. Very nice. The location is really central. Parking is the only real pain, weekends are pretty convenient. Lots of nearby food and beverage. Nibble moved in right next door. It's a great space.

Such an interesting and beautiful space. Went for an event and was able to explore all of the…read moreinteresting things going on, from 3d printing to video game making to all sorts of clever crafting. I would love to see more event happen here. DJs, themes, random parties. I know it would tend to serve a niche audience full of tech geeks and hipsters, but bring it on!

I need to register for the classes that start tomorrow, April 7, 2026. I checked online about the…read moreclass and it had good reviews.

Great creative environment for community members to collaborate and teach workshops. Super family…read morefriendly and you can learn a lot from anyone that attends

Hack Manhattan is an amazing maker-space. After looking at the maker-space offerings in the New…read moreYork City area, this is the one I choose to become a member of. It's humble with helpful people and fun times. It's centrally located very near multiple subway stations and bus stops. Membership is cost-efficient (monthly rates of $50/students or poor, $100/adults with jobs). Members of Hack Manhattan come from all walks of life with various interests from quilting and beer-making to woodworking and electrical circuit design. There's even some phone phreaks that set up an Asterisk PBX with four adventure games and a monthly lock-picking class! Of course, there are going to be a few people in the world who can't stand diversity and the inclusiveness that exist at Hack Manhattan, to which is said: GO AWAY. Intolerance is not allowed at HM. There are clearly posted guidelines for behaviour and if one can not accept them, they need to go elsewhere.

This Makerspace is filled from floor to ceiling and wall to wall with STE(A)M-related equipment and…read morecomponents. The organizers are very welcoming, willing to help you partake in even quite niche STE(A)M hobbies. Some of the pieces of equipment available are a couple 3d printers, multiple types of woodworking machines, and a CNC router. I know I am missing some, there's too many to list. The nice thing is that they have open houses every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 PM. However, they do suggest that regulars consider joining as a paid member. Disclaimer: I am NOT a paid member, as of writing this review.

I visited Logan Steel Bargain Barn in Meriden today after a few referrals. I have to say by far a 5…read morestar rating. I went in with a photo of what I needed for my personal business needs and left less than a half hour after that with what I needed and even to the correct size. I worked with Glenda G. and she was by far the nicest person ever. She had knowledge of the products, great customer service and a great personality to deal with the public. I definitely will recommend this place to anyone who needs that random metal piece you can't really find anywhere else. Just remember to wear closed toe shoes when you visit them ;)

I love Logan Steel and the Bargain Barn.... whatever I need they seem to have and more. I'm going…read morethere today for some steel to make a front end loader for my garden tractor.... the people at Logan's are the best!!! i just wish they'd move closer to Oxford so I could go there every weekend....lol **** Updated to post the photo of the Bucket I made after my trip to Logan Steel. Will post pic of finished bucket mounted to tractor!

I recently had a project involving a number of mylar stencils. I decided to do my laser cutting at…read moreFabberz b/c of their prices. I worked with Kyle who was adorable and really helpful. I'm very pleased with the quality of the cuts. Turnaround time was quicker than I had anticipated. I definitely recommend this place :D

I have used Fabberz for a few projects and will continue to do so because of the incredible service…read moreand quality of work. I went in with zero knowledge about laser-cutting but Jo-Anne was able to provide all of the technical suggestions needed to complete my vision.

My husband and I had our cocktail hour and wedding reception at the Boathouse at the Knowlton. I…read morecannot express how absolutely amazing this venue is. It will WOW your guest in more ways than one and it was a STUNNING place to take pictures! I should start off by saying Shiran and Sandy are a DREAM TEAM. They helped me from start to finish a year in advance with my wedding through me panicking and wanting to see the venue about 1,000 times for my "vision". They were always happy to give advice and to open up the doors for me! The day before we were let in to drop some things off which was great so we didn't have to worry the day of. Most venues don't allow that so I am so happy they did. There is ample parking and the space is new and beautiful. Shiran did a GREAT job with the lighting (such a talented jack of all trades). Do not hesitate to book this place... it was our favorite part of our wedding and our guests too! Open and airy (we were able to keep the huge doors open to the deck on the river). We can't recommend it enough! P.S. It was amazing to see all of our friends change their profile pictures to them in front of all of the murals at the venue!

Impressive mural park outside + gorgeous galleries, and huge event spaces inside! The staff has…read morebeen amazing, they always work with me to create beautiful lighting, the right music for my crowd, plus the artists in the main building are truly talented. Great art everywhere! This place is perfect for small and large parties, photoshoots, artists who want community, and anything creative you've got going on.