Two Decades of Tinkering: Celebrating 20 Years of the Maker Spirit

Hey everyone, Ian here.

If you’ve visited our shop or read our blog before, you know we’re obsessed with the technical side of vibration. But beneath the durometer ratings and the polymer science, there is a heartbeat that drives everything we do: The Maker Spirit.

2025 marked the 20th anniversary of Make: Magazine and the birth of the modern Maker Movement. For nearly as long—since we founded The Vibration Solution and Isolate IT Mfg in 2007—we have been proud to serve as the silent supporters of this community.

As we approach our own 20-year milestone, I’ve been reflecting on the five core ideas that we share with makers everywhere.

1. Making is Who We Are

At our best, humans are creators. Whether we are rebuilding a vintage Technics SL-BD22 turntable or designing a new housing for an AI server, we are engaging in a fundamental part of human nature. Making isn't just a hobby; it’s an expression of our ingenuity.

2. The Gift You Didn't Know You Had

We believe that everyone is a maker. Not everyone realizes they have the gift yet, but the moment you pick up a tool to solve a problem—even if it’s just sticking a Sorbothane hemisphere under a vibrating blender—you’ve stepped into the circle. Our goal is to provide the materials that give you the confidence to start that first project.

3. A Golden Age of Tools

Twenty years ago, high-precision making was reserved for industrial factories. Today, we are surrounded by an incredible array of physical and digital tools. From 3D printers and laser cutters to the software that designs them, the barrier to entry has never been lower. At Isolate IT, we provide the "physical glue" and damping materials that make these high-tech tools run smoother and last longer.

4. From the Serious to the Silly

The maker community is unique because it doesn't discriminate between "work" and "play." We create things that are dead-serious—like isolation gaskets for NASA satellites—and things that are wonderfully silly—like a motorized bar cart. Whether you’re solving a complex engineering hurdle or just making something that makes you smile, we’re here to help you isolate the noise and focus on the fun.

5. A Community of Generosity

The best part of the last 20 years hasn't been the technology; it’s been the people. The Maker Movement fostered a kind, generous, and welcoming community. It’s a space where a master machinist will spend an hour helping a teenager figure out their first project. We strive to bring that same generosity to our customer support every day.


Looking Toward the Next 20

The first 20 years were about building the foundation. The next 20 will be about where these tools take us—to the Moon, into the heart of AI, and into more sustainable homes.

We’re proud to have been in your workshops, your garages, and your labs since 2007. Thank you for letting us be part of your "Making."

Onward to the next project!

3d printing isolationCreative problem solvingDiy communityEngineering communityIsolate itMake: magazineMaker movement 20th anniversaryMaker spiritSorbothane for makersThe vibration solution

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