At East Essex Hackspace we're looking to raise funds to purchase a Wazer - this tool greatly increases the ability of the space by allowing us to cut and engrave plate metal as well as safely cut things like carbon fibre.

Not only will this tool be available for the hackspace to use, we also train people who've got ideas they want to make real on it. We've looked at other technologies such as CNC Plasma cutters, but unfortunately we cannot get suitable cover for "hot works" in our space.

We're also partnered with REMAP, an organisation that customises equipment for disabled people. We provide free access to REMAP members to utilise all of our equipment to make things to benefit others.

Doing this sort of thing doesn't come cheap - at present the machine with spares etc is approximately £10,000(!)

Thanks to Cllr Gooding, we have already raised over £4,700 towards the cost of this machine and are looking to continue to fundraise towards meeting this lofty goal.

The Wazer is one of the last things we need for our metalshop. We've already got lathes to make square things round, a milling machine which cuts slots and squares up material, a small bandsaw/chop saw, angle grinders and drill presses. We also have "hot work" tools which we can safely use outside such as welders and a forge! The Wazer allows us to precisely cut or engrave flat stock bigger than the mill can handle, inside and cover not only metal, but also stone and dangerous materials such as carbon fibre.