Dr. Alexander Bandar is a theoretical metallurgist. He started the Columbus Idea Foundry, a workshop for folks who would like to learn how fashion something from metal, wood, or other raw materials, or for folks who know how to do this and need facilities in which to
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practice their craft.
Bandar says, "If you get a good idea, propagate it. We all stand on the shoulders of giants--those who came before us who propagated their ideas."
A problem that Bandar sees is that the means of production, as well as the knowledge, are possesed by a very small group of people. "If we divorce the means of productivity from a few, and allow the masses to produce, as well," then society as a whole will advance even quicker and knowledge will be more widespread.
He founded The Columbus Idea Foundry with two goals in mind: create a community workshop to teach and learn, and document the process so that others could repeat it in other cities. His target audience is just about everyone: Do-It-Yourselfers, fabricators, entrepreneurs, and students alike. Membership is open to both individuals and companies.
The Columbus Idea Foundry has already partnered with a few companies and received contract work, including the fabrication and installation of a life-size replica of Samuel L. Jackson for a Columbus-residing NBA star.
Bandar declares the Columbus Idea Foundry a success and continues to improve it. The workshop is not only educational, but also profitable--he's nearly in the black on his investment in it.
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