Meet the Makers – Mark Rehorst
Tell us about yourself.
I am a dentist in Racine, Wisconsin who used to be an electrical engineer. I am also a member of the Milwaukee Makerspace where I am most interested in 3D printing. In the past I was into audio and built electrostatic speakers, amplifiers, etc., then started restoring antique vacuum tube radios. I was always into bicycles, too, and designed and built a carbon fiber recumbent bike about 8 years ago that I still ride today.
What are you presenting at Maker Faire Milwaukee?
I will be exhibiting my self-designed and built, 2nd generation 3D printer, Son of MegaMax, and, if I manage to finish on schedule, a large volume 3D printer that prints chocolate vases. I might even bring my bicycle.
Why is making important to you?
I was born a maker. I have been making and building things since I was a little kid and can’t imagine my life without some sort of project going on. Usually, shortly before I feel like a project is finished, I start thinking about the next project. No project is ever really finished, of course.
What was the first thing you remember making?
I don’t recall anything specific, but I had Lincoln Logs and an Erector set when I was a kid, and then a lot of LEGO. At about 9 or 10 years old I started getting into electronics and built a lot of RadioShack P-box kits, a few Heath Kits, and a lot of projects from electronics magazines. In high school I was in a ham radio Explorer post 373 in Bay View and got licensed up to general class.
What have you made that you are most proud of?
That’s a difficult question. I guess my second generation 3D printer, Son of MegaMax would be my current favorite, though my bicycle is a close second.
Given an unlimited budget, what would you make?
I think I’d like a really big telescope. Or an electron microscope. Or a 3D printer that can print buildings. Or a ….