Makerspace
Please be advised that we are currently rescheduling and pausing Glowforge appointments due to technical issues.
The Makerspace, located at Westminster Square Branch, allows makers to discover, experiment, and create in a hands-on learning environment. Makerspace staff help makers acquire new skills and knowledge, cultivate creativity, and foster new levels of technological literacy in an inclusive, curiosity-focused community space.
Makerspace equipment and services are free to the public and are by appointment only. Drop-in appointments are offered every Sunday. Ask staff for details.
Laser cutting
Glowforge® Pro
- Cuts, engraves, and scores wood, acrylic, and other materials
- Create decorations, household items, coasters, and more
- Create .SVG files using Inkscape. Vector images can be created from personal .JPEG and .PNG files
- Complimentary plywood or acrylic is provided during appointment
Glowforge accepts .SVG files which can be created with design software such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape, opens a new window, an open-source software used in the Makerspace. Inkscape can be downloaded for free to create vector images. Alternatively, if you have a specific image in mind you can bring in .JPEG or .PNG files and Makerspace staff can help make your design compatible with Glowforge. Making a design ahead of time is not required, but will help maximize your appointment time.
3D printing
Ultimaker
- Prints objects and designs using thermoplastic filament (PLA)
- Create figures, machine parts, models, and more
- Browse Thingiverse for ready-to-print designs or bring personal images to slice and print
You do not need to pick a design beforehand, but you are welcome to browse Thingiverse, opens a new window, a hub for people to share 3D print designs for others to use without charge in formats that are ready-to-print. Another free web-based option is Tinkercad, opens a new window. Alternatively, if you have an image you would like to print you can send the image to Makerspace staff to slice ahead of time (if feasible).
Computerized embroidery machine
Janome Memory Craft 550E with Artistic Digitizer
- Embroiders clothing, linens, bags and other materials
- Create home décor items, garments, accessories, and more
- Create .SVG files using Inkscape. Vector images can be created from personal .JPEG and .PNG files.
- Artistic Digitizer embroidery software comes with 160 built-in designs
Janome uses Inkscape, opens a new window, an open-source software that is free to download and use. Like Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape can convert and edit vector images. There are many YouTube tutorials to get you started. When you are finished, you can save your image as a .SVG file. When you arrive for your appointment, Makerspace staff will run your image through Artistic Digitizer, software that determines where and how to place the stitches.
Audio and video recording room
Audio equipment and software:
- Audio interface
- Microphone condenser (2)
- Monitor headphones (2)
- Studio monitors
- Keyboard controller
- iMac
- Pro tools
- Audacity
- iRig HD 2
- M-Audio SP-2 Sustain Pedal
Video Software and Equipment:
- iMovie
- DaVinci Resolve
- Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
- Green screen and Do Ink
- Ring light
- iPad and stand
- Adobe Premiere
The Audio Visual Recording Room is a separate space from the Makerspace and the amount of time Makerspace staff can spend with you is limited. Users can book an orientation session with Makerspace staff beforehand. Audacity, opens a new window and DaVinci Resolve, opens a new window are both freely available software that you can download and practice with ahead of time.
Digitization Station
Preserve your memories by converting old media into digital files. Our Digitization Station includes:
-
Epson V800 photo scanner – Scan photos, slides, negatives, and film
-
35 mm slides (12 frames)
-
35 mm film strips (18 frames)
-
Medium format film (1 frame, up to 6 x 20 cm)
- 4" x 5" film (1 frame)
-
-
Elgato Video Capture – Convert VHS and camcorder tapes to digital files (VCR available in Makerspace).
-
Wolverine MovieMakerPro – Digitize 8mm and Super 8 film reels (up to 9”) into SD/SDHC cards (32GB max) and MPEG-4 files at 1080P/20fps.
-
CR-381 cassette player – Digitizes audio cassette tapes into digital audio files (MP3 or WMA).
-
Hi8 video transfer – Convert 8mm video tapes to digital files.
-
ZenDrive DVD writer – Burn digital files onto DVDs.
The Digitization Station is a separate space from the Makerspace and the amount of time Makerspace staff can spend with you is limited. Users can book an orientation session with Makerspace staff beforehand. Audacity, opens a new window and DaVinci Resolve, opens a new window are both freely available software that you can download and practice with ahead of time.
Gaming room
Please view our Virtual reality rules and regulations, opens a new window.
Users must sign the Virtual reality consent form, opens a new window. This can be done prior to your appointment by submitting the online Virtual Reality Consent Form. Parents or guardians must consent for each child under the age of 13.
Video game consoles:
- PlayStation4
- Nintendo Switch
Virtual reality:
- Oculus Quest
More makerspace equipment
Apple pencil
Stylus used for drawing, sketching, and other creative applications on Apple’s iPad (available in Makerspace).
Button makers
Available in 1.25” and 2” sizes.
Cutting machine
Cricut® Maker (Explore Air and Maker 3 models):
Enables cut, score, sew, engrave, iron-on, and customized projects on various materials.
Robotics
- Tale-Bot Pro Hands-on Coding Robot
- Ozobots
- Cubelets
- iRoots Robots
Adobe Suite software
- InDesign
- Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Premiere Pro
- Adobe XD, and more!
