West Bethel Makerspace founder Becky Christoforo said she and the other founders were using the workshop at 10 Ferry Road frequently for their projects and thought, “let’s expand it out and offer it to others.”

Thus began the new community workshop designed for do-it-yourself, or DIY, enthusiasts, professionals and anyone interested in learning new skills.

“We’re hoping for a smattering of different types of folks, she said. “As we grow we’ll better understand what the community is looking for … which is already happening and is super cool,” She added that while makerspaces have become ubiquitous in many urban communities, they remain less common in rural areas.

Other founders are Chairman Sammy Sirois, Secretary Birch Allen, Finance Director John Christoforo and board member-at-large Mari-Megan Moore.

Executive Director Dustin Sysko, of Hanover, is the organization’s sole employee. Sysko previously belonged to a makerspace in Somerville, Massachusetts, and has a professional background in software development and information technology, experience that is particularly useful for the facility’s digital fabrication equipment and 3D printers.

Several professionals work out of the space, Christoforo said. Some own construction companies but lack access to specialized tools or adequate workspace. The makerspace offers well-maintained, high-quality equipment they may not own or choose to purchase.

“There is usually someone around to offer an extra hand, too,” she added.

Outside, mechanic Nori Hashimoto and chef Sirois are buffing an Airstream and rebuilding its interior into a food truck. Inside, a carpenter builds a custom cabinet while another crafts kitchen cabinet doors.

The building opens into a social area with a small kitchen and bathroom. Two studios house a woodworking shop, digital fabrication lab, shared lounge and multipurpose assembly and loading bay. Office space is in a second-floor loft.

The makerspace offers classes in woodworking skills, including woodturning, milling, cutting and router use. It also offers drop-in access for $45, open studio day passes for $60 for four visits per month, and all-access memberships for $180 per month.

Future plans include expanding into arts and crafts with classes in silversmithing, jewelry making, sewing, basket making, drawing and painting.

The founders have also partnered with Bethel Library to create a tool library that will offer shared access to farming, gardening and carpentry equipment. The tool library, which will be housed in the West Bethel building, is not yet open, but organizers are collecting tools and preparing for its launch.

The goal is to provide access to equipment residents may need only once and do not want to purchase for a single project. Organizers hope to include items such as lawn mowers and pressure washers.

Many of the tools have been donated or purchased at the Rotary Yard Sale.

“This saves on waste and cost,” Christoforo said.

At an open house over Memorial Day weekend, about 150 participants created a large decorative project that will hang in the building.

“People were painting and gluing and drawing. It was a real joy to have people using the space to enjoy the process of building something,” Christoforo said.