Wendy’s journey as a canoe enthusiast and a member of Fuse33 has been nothing short of inspiring. Her love of canoeing, sparked by cherished memories with her father, led her to her passion project. After a trip up North and witnessing the Mackenzie River’s challenging waters, she realized she needed a sturdier boat to navigate such a problematic waterway. Coupled with the travel halt of the Covid-19 pandemic, Wendy embarked on a new journey: building her canoe!
Upon researching the perfect boat, she landed on the Wa’apa Outrigger Sailing Canoe, a South Pacific boat. The model she desired was not available for purchase, so embracing the spirit of true adventure, she decided to take matters into her own hands and build the boat. This is where Fuse33 joined her crew.
She was able to kickstart the canoe’s production at her brother’s shop in Northern Alberta. Still, she was looking for a location closer to home to base her project on. After passing by Fuse33 a few times while in the neighborhood, she decided to check the makerspace out. For Wendy, the space was even better than she imagined. It provided her with ample room to work on a large-scale project, like boat construction, and the specialized tools needed to complete the job.
Sailing into the unknown world of boat construction, Wendy joined the vibrant community at Fuse33. In a space that fosters creativity and innovation, Wendy was able to tap into a network of experienced makers across various trades to provide her with expert advice and support along the way. She honed her skills by attending many of the skill-enhancing classes offered at the makerspace, and now Wendy has become a member who guides others. For Wendy, the community at Fuse33 is even more beneficial than the access to the space and the tools themselves. Community input has helped speed up building her boat and inspired her to paint a playful shark face on the boat.
With her Father sadly passing earlier this year, the significance of her passion project has deepened. Building the canoe allowed her to cherish and honor the memories they created while forging new ones.With the boat projected to be ready in August, Wendy is excited to set sail on new adventures and show off her remarkable accomplishment created with the help of Fuse33.
Whether you’re interested in diving into boat building like Wendy or want to see what else Fuse33 has to offer, this is your hub for all things maker. Check out our different levels of memberships below, and sign up today!
The community at Fuse33 is even more beneficial than the access to the space and the tools themselves!
The community at Fuse33 is even more beneficial than the access to the space and the tools themselves!
The community at Fuse33 is even more beneficial than the access to the space and the tools themselves!
Wendy Robertson
Building the Wa'apa
Share space, equipment and a wonderful community of makers
Become part of a community where creation and collaboration are the heart of everything we do. Fuse33 was conceived out of the need for artists and makers to use a space with professional-level equipment without the hug up-front cost.
Our Memberships
Join a community of makers and resources that can kick-start your business!
MIG Welder TIG Welder Grinding Wheel/Disc Sander Polishing and Deburr Chop Saw (Cut-Off Saw) Plasma Cutter Horizontal Band Saw
Brake (Floor Mount) Shear Tube Bending Station Air Compressor Drill Press (Floor Mount) High Precision Metal Lathe 30-ton Hydraulic Press
SOFT SHOPS
Electronics Lab
Measurement Tools
4x Digital multi-meters Digital oscilloscope Digital calipers (several basic and premium)
Cutting and Stripping Tools
Automated wire-stripper Wire strippers x3 Wire cutters x6 Tin snips x2 Dremel 4300 Rotary Tool with 64 attachments for grinding, sanding, polishing, etc. (including Flex Shaft) Utility knives X-Acto knives
Soldering and Desoldering Tools
4x Hakko FX-888D soldering irons with precision tips Full-size industrial desoldering vacuum tool Solder wick 0.032″ (21 gauge) Sn63/Pb37 RMA soldering wire and a variety ofunleaded and no-clean gauges.
Safety
Safety glasses Breathing masks for grinding/painting Grounded wrist straps
Magnification
USB Microscope Magnification lamp
Power Supplies
Variable voltage and current limited power supply 12v, 5v, 3.3v, -12v fixed output power supply.
Screwdriving
Full precision screwdriver set x2 Insulated (1000 volt) screwdriver set
Tweezers
Full set of precision non-magnetic, anti-static, ESD-safe tweezers (flat-head, curved, bent and standard).
Vices
Panavise Standard Panavise Junior Third hand with adjustable, articulating holding arms (a joy to use)
For more, please come on down to the shop and check out our electronics lab.
You also have full access to all the tools in our main Tool Crib!
Sewing Shop
4x Bernina 330 sewing machines
The 3 Series from BERNINA is high on both style and function. The B 330 offers a wide variety of stitches, from the practical to the decorative. Its ergonomic features are designed to make your sewing easier and its portable size allows you to take it with you wherever your sewing leads you.
3x Industrial Sewing Machines
1x PRS100 Brother Embroidery machine
The Persona PRS100 is the most versatile, single needle embroidery machine that can do sew much more! Its tubular free arm configuration gives you the flexibility and ease to embroider difficult to reach areas all while reducing fabric tangles. Persona advances your creativity with key features such as anytime bobbin access, large embroidery area, free arm embroidery & Droplight™ Embroidery Positioning Marker.
Software Library
We have a top of the line computer workstation along with the software you need to render and finish your projects, including:
The full Adobe Creative Cloud including
Photoshop CC Illustrator CC Premiere Pro CC Adobe Audition Adobe After Effects Lightroom etc.
Sketchup Fusion360 Slic3r MeshMixer Fritzing
We will be adding software as it’s demanded, so please let us know if there is anything else you need.
4x da Vinci Jr. 1.0 (FREE to use for all members after taking our XYZ Davinci Jr 3D Printer Certification) Wanhao Duplicator i3 (upgraded for increased versatility and use with exotic filaments such as carbon fiber, stainless steel, and other composites) TEVO Little Monster TEVO Black Widow Formlabs Form 2