Category Archives: Uncategorized

RIP One of our Own

Warren with the previous millIt is with sadness that I report that Warren Bumgarner has died.  Warren was a Charter Member of FCW, joining within the first week of organization.

Warren had an MS in Industrial Arts from Appalachian State and taught Machine Shop at CCC&TI, then at WPCC.  He was proficient in both manual and CNC machining, expert at MasterCAM, and was valuable in the Machining area at FCW.  Handy with many things, Warren also helped with the wiring and wall construction at the previous space,

Electric Chair at Haunted HouseI

Santa at Christmas Open House

and was one of the few that Gene trusted with running the railroad.  He enjoyed the events,  operating the “electric chair” at our first Haunted House and being Santa at two December Open Houses — including the blue screen pictures.

Warren was from Granite Falls and had two children, Brandon and Ashley.  After re-marriage, he moved to Mt. Ulla, NC.  After the FCW fire in 2017, Warren traveled back to Granite Falls for our weekly meetings for 4 months to help with the rebuilding.

Diagnosed with a genetic condition, Warren had a double lung transplant in early 2024.  He was recovering well from that until getting a DVT  early 2025.  He died at Duke University Medical Center on February 15.  Even though not currently active in FCW, he regularly asked for updated on everyone.  He will be missed.

RC Aircraft Class – Nov 21

FCW will have an Introduction to RC Aircraft class on Thursday, November 21 starting at 6PM.  Topics include: getting started, types of RC aircraft ( planes, helicopters, quad/hex copters, drones), rules and regulations and use of simulators.  This would be an excellent class for anyone considering getting a drone or aircraft for Christmas, or anyone just wanting more information.  The instructors are Larry and Alan.  For more information, call Larry at (301) 793-8135,  This class is Free and Open to the Public.

Intro to 3d Printing – Oct. 24

Prusa i3Mk2 Printers

FCW will host an Introduction to 3D Printing class on October 24, 2024 from 6 to 9 PM.  This is primarily for those new to 3D printing or are just interested.  Topics include: basic concepts, preparing a model for printing, printing the model, selecting a printer, finding models, and types of filament.  The printers in use will be Prusa i3 MK3 +.

Due to limited printers (10) we wish to restrict the number of groups to 10 (a family will count as a group).  If there is need, we will schedule an additional session in the near future.  Please contact geenathegeek@gmail.com or ljfaraci@yahoo.com to hold a spot.

Note: We will have a future session on creating your own model.

This class is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Meetings Resume Sat. May 9

With the lifting of the NC stay at home order on May 8, FCW will resume physical meetings at 3PM on Saturday, May 9, with restrictions.

As suggested by the Nation of Makers group, there will be limits on the number of people in each area to allow social distancing, and there will be no loaning or sharing of PPE.  Classroom activities will also be limited.  Visitors are welcome to attend any time that someone is in the building.  Regular meeting times are Saturdays 3-5PM and Tuesdays 7-9PM.

We Have A New Building!!

New FCW at 141 N. Main St.

As of Monday, October 31, 2017.  FCW has a new location.  Since the fire on July 21, we have been obtaining equipment and looking for a new home.  Many of our members spent extra time, money and effort to help FCW get started again.

The new location is at 141 N. Main St. Granite Falls, NC.  We have to do some work but can start up several operations soon.  This location is 11000 sq. ft which is slightly over twice the previous space.   Due to scrounging and donations, we have roughly 60% of our equipment back and plan to start up the areas as soon as possible.  This is a two story building and has large external doors accessing both floors.  This building is air-conditioned and has 5 restrooms.

Part of top floor as equipment is moved in

There is a lot of internal construction and wiring to be done for full operation. The current plan is as follows:

 

Top Floor:

  • Common Area/Lounge
  • StM  vintage computer museum
  • Classroom
  • Galley (expanded from before)
  • Science Center, containing:
    • Chemistry
    • Physics
    • Biology
    • Supporting subjects
  • Electrical,  containing:
    • Electronics
    • K4FCW -Ham radio station
    • Robotics
    • Mechatronics
    • Motors and Controls
    • PLCs
    • Computer repair
  • Arts & Crafts, containing:
    • Stagecraft
    • Costumes/sewing
    • Sets
    • Props
    • Lighting/sound
    • Animatronics
    • Special effects and CGI
    • Art/Sculpture
    • Glass shop
    • Jewelry
    • Videography
    • VR
    • Model shop
    • 3d Printing
    • Laser cutting
  • Railroad

The Science Center and Railroad will take additional time before they can be used.

The lower floor contains:

  • Office
  • Woodworking
  • Metalworking, containing:
    • Machine shop
    • Sheet metal shop
    • Welding
  • Canteen
  • Exercise room (new)

The metal shop will take some time to build.  The wood shop is missing a few items which should be replaced soon.

The crew is working to make the space usable as soon as possible.  Spread the word — FCW is back!!

 

Industrial Sewing Machine Donated

GE DIGITAL CAMERAFCW is pleased to announce the acquisition of an industrial quality sewing machine.  Donated by Bassett Furniture, the Brother LS-2B891 Stitcher is capable of sewing leather, canvas, upholstery and other heavy materials.  Along with a latex curing oven currently being built, the sewing machine will be a valuable addition to the Prop/Costume shop being set up in a portion of the latest space expansion.

FCW has a history with theater, having previously built a full size Cinderella carriage for the play at SCHS, a boat for Willy Wonka and Cart of the Dead for Spamalot for a community theater.  Prop-master Ross also makes masks and costumes.

The area is currently being wired and hopefully be active within a few weeks.GE DIGITAL CAMERA

Ham Radio Class/Exams

FD-2012-croppedFCW will offer a preparation class for the Technician (entry) level Amateur (Ham) Radio license.  The class will cover FCC rules, station setup and operation, best practices, basic electronics, antennas, and radio theory as required for the Tech exam.  The class will be three consecutive Sunday afternoons, March 1, 8, and 15 from 2-4PM.  The class is free and open to the public.

VE exams for Ham Radio licenses will be held at FCW on Saturday, March 21 at noon.  The class does NOT have to be taken in order to take the exams.  All levels will be tested.  The exams are open to the public and the processing fee is $10.

Ham Radio Workshop and Exams

FCW will be giving a workshop to help Hams interested in upgrading to General or Extra Class. The workshop will consist of three sessions on Saturdays, October 19 and 26 and November 9 from 12 noon to 2PM. These workshops will cover the following topics pertaining to the General and Extra Class licenses: Propagation, Electronics, Station Setup, Antennas, Modes, and Operations. NOT covered will be the memorization parts (eg. rules, frequencies). The workshops are free and open to the public.

Ham Radio VE exams will be hosted at FCW on Saturday, November 16 at 12 noon. These will test all levels and are open to the public. Example tests can be found at http://qrz.com . This would be an excellent time to obtain or upgrade an Amateur Radio license.