A C500 and New Friends: Our First NestWorks Hive Meetup in Chicago
Inside Joaquin’s workshop, a few local makers got together to meet the NestWorks C500—and each other.
Some of the best maker conversations happen around a workbench. You get a closer look at someone’s setup, ask the questions you’ve been saving, and meet people who share your curiosity.
That’s the idea behind NestWorks Hives: giving makers a chance to connect locally, explore the desktop CNC machine in a real workspace, and learn from someone who uses it.
Recently, our Hive Host and brand ambassador Joaquin welcomed a group of Chicago makers into his workshop. Here’s how it went.
Joaquin and the visiting makers with a few machined pieces beside the C500
From an Online Request to a Workshop Visit
The visit came together through WorksBase, our community platform. Visitors submitted their requests, proposed a time, and received Joaquin’s approval—all before meeting in person.
Having visited the NestWorks team in Shenzhen earlier this year, Joaquin was now welcoming fellow makers into his own Chicago workshop.
From the first booking request to the workshop visit, the process went smoothly. A few online introductions soon became a group of makers gathered around Joaquin's machine, ready to take a closer look.
A Small CNC Machine Makes an Impression
Among the visitors was a university machine shop operator with plenty of experience working with large machines. She particularly appreciated the C500’s compact, thoughtfully designed form and how approachable it felt.
Getting a closer look at Joaquin’s C500 setup
That’s one of the things we love about these visits. Seeing a machine in someone’s own workspace offers a different perspective: you can get a sense of its scale, ask an owner questions, and imagine where it might fit into your own projects.
A big thank-you to Joaquin for opening his workshop, sharing his experience, and making everyone feel welcome.
A closer look at the C500 and the projects and machined pieces in Joaquin’s workspace.
Your Workshop Could Be the Next Hive
Already received your C500? We’d love to welcome you as a Hive Host. If you enjoy meeting people, sharing what you’ve learned, and showing fellow makers what you like about your C500, you’re exactly the kind of person we’re looking for.
We’ll help you get your gathering off the ground—and we’d be happy to treat you and your guests to some food and drinks, too.
Hive Host applications are now open. Apply to Become a Hive Host. See you around the workbench.
A group photo to remember the visit