Meet maker John Abella 3D printer builder
What do I make?
I’m interesting in digital fabrication in all forms, and have spent the last 9 years playing with 3D printers and CNC routers off and on.
Who do you make it for?
Generally for myself, for my family, and just for fun. This isn’t what I do for a living, but I enjoy teaching and showing people what’s possible.
Where are you located?
I live in Glen Mills, PA.
When did you start making?
Depends on how you define it, but I’ve been building 3D printers since 2009.
What inspired you to make 3D printers?
I’m interested to see how I can use modern tools to look at some more traditional works – especially those that I would normally not be good at: woodworking, carving, etc.
What makers inspire you?
What’s next?
The Carvey CNC that I’m demonstrating at Philly Maker Faire is being donated to the Easttown Library in Berwyn. Thanks to Inventables for the gracious helping hand with getting their Maker Space started.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I organized and ran the first ever 3D Printer Village for World Maker Faire for the first 5 or 6 years, growing it from a group of 10 people in a few small tents to about 185 people in 80 tents by the time I stepped aside. Along the way I probably brought 15 different printers to World Maker Faire, won a few ribbons, and eventually ended up teaching 3D printer assembly workshops in Philly and Wilmington circa 2013. I had the opportunity to write for Make for a few years and have met some of my best friends through the connections I’ve made at various Maker Faire events. I’m excited to see what the city thinks of the first ever Philly Maker Faire.
