Tools (Gallery)
ShopBot 4'x8' CNC Router
ShopBot 4'x8' CNC Router

Who I am: I’m a computer-controlled machine that can cut, carve, drill, and mill wood and plastics up to 4x8 feet. I use a spinning router bit and move along multiple axes to create precise shapes and patterns.

Why I’m useful: By using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to design your projects and then running that design on me, I can carry out tasks that would take a skilled craftsman many hours or even days to complete manually. I accurately create rabbets and grooves, engrave text, and can machine complex shapes and 3D surfaces.

How to access me: Click my name or image to see my checkout class!

Tormach CNC Mill
Tormach CNC Mill

Who I am: I’m a precision computer-controlled milling machine designed for intricate machining tasks. I can cut metals and plastics with high accuracy, utilizing a rotating cutting tool to remove material and create complex shapes.

Why I’m useful: I’m perfect for creating detailed parts, prototypes, and tools that require tight tolerances. I bring precision and repeatability that would be challenging to achieve manually. If you do want to do it manually, check out my friend: the Bridgeport manual mill!

CNC Plasma Cutter
CNC Plasma Cutter

Who I am: I’m a powerful tool that cuts through conductive materials using a high-temperature plasma arc. What materials? Mild, stainless, and tempered steel; aluminum; copper; bronze; and more. Some can be up to an inch thick!

Why I’m useful: I make quick work of cutting through metal sheets (up to 6 inches per second), creating precise cuts that would take much longer with a saw or grinder. Whether you’re working on custom metal art or structural components, I help you achieve professional results.

CNC Laser Cutter/Engraver
CNC Laser Cutter/Engraver

Who I am: I’m a versatile machine that uses a focused beam of light to cut and engrave a variety of materials, such as wood, acrylic, leather, and more (ever been interested in engraving gingerbread, pumpkin, or M&Ms?).

Why I’m useful: I allow you to create intricate designs, custom engravings, and precise cuts that would be nearly impossible to achieve with traditional tools.

How to access me: Click my name or image to learn about the class!

CLASSES WE TEACH

We are primarily a makerspace that teaches tool classes in our shops, including wood, metal, textiles, jewelry, and electronics. Take a look at how our classes can help you go further on your making journey!

SEE OUR CLASSES

EVENTS WE HOST

Whether you're a school, club, troop, nonprofit, or any group seeking a fantastic event, you're in the right spot! Check out our suitable-for-all-ages events, ranging from ones that can support hundreds of people, to “Make & Takes” for groups of just a dozen.

See our events
Statistics (Blog)

13 years

of operation

14,000

square feet

100+

members

$500,000+

of equipment

9,026

hours of classes

53,407

hours of reservations

~200

students monthly

~30

free tours monthly

Want to SEE ALL THIS in person?

Tours are free!

And, after your tour, you’ll receive a discount code for 25% off your first class!

Sign up for a one-on-one tour!

What do people like about our classes?

Testimonials (Blog)

“Our instructor was clear and concise, and good about checking in with us on what knowledge we were starting with.”

Student in Epilog Laser class, 6/27/2024

“Randy was very knowledgeable and friendly. He answered questions and explained everything very well.”

Student in Randy's CNC Plasma Class on 7/21/2024

“I came in feeling like Fusion 360 was something that would take days to become familiar with, but after only a few hours I felt like an expert. Marty's style of teaching is fantastic for guiding you through the steps of learning the software, helping you understand, and giving you a great foundation for any project.”

Student in Fusion 360 CAD class, 6/4/2019

“Dale successfully condensed what could have been weeks of community college courses into a concise, four-hour class. I believe that with the help of the machine-specific SOPs, a newcomer could start machining simple parts shortly after completing the class.”

Student in Mills class, 12/23/2022

“Eric was very knowledgeable and went beyond basic safety, giving us tips to improve our projects.”

Student in Planer/Jointer/Drum Sander class, 11/13/2023

“I feel like I've learned enough to start making my own designs and bringing them in to work with the embroidery machine.”

Student in CNC Embroidery class, 10/9/2023

“Very friendly and inviting atmosphere to practice and make mistakes.”

Student in Welding class, 3/2/2024

“I learned new stuff about tools that I have spent many hours at!”

Student in Drill Press/Bandsaws class, 12/29/2023

“Novice-friendly! I have no experience with any of the software or processes or terms. I learned enough to get started and the class increased my interest in taking more classes in CNC.”

Student in Intro to CNC class, 3/19/2024

“Very comprehensive and lots to learn, flexible instruction depending on experience level.”

Student in Mills class, 10/4/2023

“I had a vague idea about how sewing machines worked, but getting to go through the threading process really made it click for me. This class felt like a gateway to the wonderful world of sewing.”

Student in Industrial Sewing Machine class, 3/15/2024

“Individual, hands-on instructional experience. The range of possibilities presented are incredible! Randy's expertise and the examples he presented informed perfectly. I didn't feel intimidated by the complexity of this high-tech tool.”

Student in Epilog Laser class, 1/12/2024

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What KIND of maker are you?

the Learner

I'm a lifelong learner. I will likely take a lot of classes, across domains—I might even take every single class! I may not use every machine. My goal is more about learning, rather than making.

the Object Maker

I'm object oriented, interested in the thing I want to make. I'm particularly interested in the fastest/least expensive way to make what I want.

the Entrepreneur

I use my time at the shop to make things that make me money. The dependability and availability of the equipment is very important to me.

 

the Group

I organize a group of people that want to do an activity that furthers our mission. I am always excited, but I don't have an infinite budget, so I'm looking for a lot of bang for the buck. The more you can make the experience "turn-key" the better.

the Student

I'm involved in the Scouts, FIRST, or my high school's technical arts program, or just do geeky things on my own. I want access to even more cool tools, to learn about and make cool things, and to hang out with other people who share my interests.

the Patron

I have a special object that I would like to have made or repaired for me. I don't have the time to learn how to make or repair the item myself. I am very pleased to give this work to a local professional, especially if I can have it made exactly the way I want or need it.

 
 

The future is yours to make!