A High-Precision Metal Cutting Laser for the community
Randy reviewing the process of Plasma Cutting with John, a member working on a project for their motorcycle.
These lasers provide high precision cutting in a variety of metals.
Maker Works currently operates a powerful 4' × 4' CNC Plasma Cutter. It’s fantastic for large, fast cuts in metal as thick as 1/2”, and has supported some amazing work over the years. However, it’s not intended for:
tight tolerances
small or delicate parts
thin material
clean, finished edges
A 1200-watt laser can do what plasma cannot: clean, accurate, repeatable cuts in steel and aluminum up to ~1/8" (and possibly thicker), with greater precision and less cleanup. With it also comes a modern user interface, dramatically easier for new users. And we aren’t getting rid of the plasma cutter, just filling a missing link!
How is this different than the CO₂ laser for organics? That type of laser can’t cut metal, this one excels at it and opens up possibilities we don’t currently have. This tool would save countless people time, money, and materials!
“We would probably switch from purchasing common brackets to making our own.”
Dennis & Pam volunteered to make signs for The Creature Conservancy!
We know there’s demand. The plasma cutter has supported some amazing artists like Kelly from Fusion of Iron & Earth and Laura Earle, numerous FIRST Robotics Teams, more than a few small businesses like Fen Ridge Designs and 5Eleven Designz, even community work like the new signs for The Creature Conservancy by members Dennis & Pam!
This laser would enable quicker processing of a variety of jobs, reduce the waste, and open up new opportunities. We’ve heard from a number of engineers and FIRST Robotics students that a tool like this will make a huge difference!
Thanks to the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor, we’re looking forward to giving teens free access to this tool in 2026!
Cost of a Community-Ready Upgrade
Kelly does some fantastic work using the Maker Works Plasma Cutter, and has helped run some of our workshops!
$20k, approximately. It’s a big ask, but we think the benefits will far outweigh the cost. We’re including the cost for infrastructure modifications to make sure we have adequate power and filtering.
And of course, all the Standard Operating Procedures that help teach a welcoming class, use the tool confidently, and maintain the equipment so it can benefit the community for years to come. We firmly believe shared access to a high quality tool is better economically and environmentally.
“A metal-capable laser cutter would absolutely be helpful for local FRC teams”
technically, what will a new metal cutting laser support?
A sign done on the Plasma Cutter by Business owner Matt T. of Fen Ridge Designs
Bed size (24" × 24" or greater) → Not as big as the plasma, but great for a significant portion of what people are doing on it, just better!
Power (1200 watts) → The power to cleanly cut through 1/8” Steel, Aluminum, and many other types of metal
Modern interface & software → Dramatically easier learning curve, enabling thousands more people to confidently use the tool.
This means greater access to hands-on training, more entrepreneurial success stories, and expanded STEM learning for youth.
You can help!
Whether you can provide a financial contribution, or are a manufacturer or distributor of lasers (email us!), we would love your support.
A new, high-quality Fiber Laser for Metal will fuel the next decade of creativity at Maker Works by empowering thousands of students, artists, engineers, youth programs, FIRST Robotics teams, and small businesses across Washtenaw County. It will be one of the most visible and impactful upgrades we can make for our community. Maker Works has a strong history of supporting tool access in a welcoming, shared environment that helps the community grow. We would love for you to help be a part!
Epic volunteer Mark teaching FIRST High School Robotics Students how to safely operate the CNC Plasma Cutter