Zachary may only be 12 years old, but he’s been coming along to Maker Works with a parent for years. This early introduction to making gave him the courage to learn how to use the Epilog Lasers and launch his own business: Tabletop Tinkerers. When he isn’t busy making TTRPG accessories, you can find him doing Job Board tasks around the shop to fund the cost of his membership. Read on to discover more about this inspiring young entrepreneur!
Zachary with a Table Top Tinkerers display, selling the wares he made at Maker Works!
Zachary Malott
Ann Arbor, MI
Entrepreneur
Tabletop Tinkerers
Close-up view of the wall hanging shown in the featured image (above). All the gears were cut on the Epilog laser.
What can you tell us about your art and areas of interest in making?
It's called Tabletop Tinkerers. I make dice towers and dice boxes out of 1/8th inch Baltic birch. I cut and engrave them on the epilog laser. Then, in the woodshop, I sand them with the orbital sander. We sell the items at a couple of different stores, and we're currently looking to keep expanding as well.
Some of my hobbies are role playing games, painting miniatures, and creating things, and general DIY stuff as well. I really like the idea of becoming a mechanical engineer.
Two of Zachary’s dice towers made on the Epilog Laser.
What is your relationship to Maker Works and how did you get involved with the shop?
It’s a really great place. It's really inspiring to see other people make and design very cool things. My dad introduced me to the shop and I've been coming here for as long as I can remember. My dad will still bring me along, but I've been making things on my own for some time now.
A selection of Zachary’s dice box designs.
What have you learned since you began spending time at Maker Works and what are you most proud of?
I learned that there is a lot more to making and creating. If you had told me when I was 8 that I could make all this stuff on my own, I wouldn’t believe it. I think it’s important to know how simple it really is.
A couple of years ago my dad gave me some wall hangings. When he told me that he’d made them, that’s when it clicked for me! I can do that stuff, I don’t need to be a big or famous person, I can do it on my own too.
I am most proud of the fact that I'm only 12 years old and have a business. It’s not super successful, but the fact I have a working business is amazing to me. I encourage others my age to step forward and do the same–it can really take you on a journey.
Even the Tabletop Tinkerers business cards are laser engraved!
What would you say to others about your experiences with Maker Works and why is it a valuable part of the community?
If you are scared of taking that first big step, coming to Maker Works is great. Everyone here is happy and willing to help you through your learning process. I see it as one big community and it’s nice to have people to rely upon.
A selection of Tabletop Tinkerer’s products on display.
What would you say to someone in a similar age group who thinks it’s too hard to do what you have done?
Coming in at a young age is so helpful. It can be hard to take that first step as you get older. I know a lot of people that struggle with getting into the world of making just because they haven’t been exposed to it. I'd say don't hold back. Just try it and it will surprise you.
Feeling inspired to make things after reading Zachary’s story? Us too! Even if you’re under 18, there’s still plenty you can do at our community makerspace. Learn more about our age requirements and guidelines here. We even offer family membership packages and discounts to full-time students of any level (yes, that includes K-12!) And, if the cost of membership is a concern, ask someone at the front desk about how you can fund your membership with Job Board shop credit like Zachary does.
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