May 20th, 2013 by danbackslide

 Sign up for the class at Eventbrite!

Arduino 101 is back for one one more round, just in time for summer vacation monkeying about. This will more than likely be the last Arduino 101 class until September, so if you’ve been looking for the intro course you’ll want to sign up!

This round runs on Friday nights, 5/31 and 6/7, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. 

Ever wanted to make something blink or buzz, but don’t know where to start?  This is the class that will teach you the basics of what an Arduino can do, and how microcontrollers are awesome!

Cost is $50, which includes a parts kit we’ll be using in class (it’s yours to keep!). Students will need to supply their own Arduino board and laptop. 

• The class focuses on the Arduino Uno model, but everything works with the Arduino Mega as well. The Arduino Leonardo is new and I haven’t had a chance to play with it, but I expect it’ll play nicely.
• Arduino-compatible boards/Arduino clones might cause some issues — pin layouts may be different, and in some cases they’re not 100% code-compatible. If you already have one, feel free to bring it in, but if you’re just getting started I recommend buying an official Arduino board.
• If you don’t have an Arduino, they’re available at most local Radio Shack stores, and also at Micro Center in St. Louis Park. Or you can check the Vend-A-Kit machine at the Hack Factory! (And of course you can mail-order one, but where’s the instant gratification in that?)
• If you haven’t got a laptop, please get in touch. We can possibly work something out.

Share/Bookmark

May 16th, 2013 by otto_pjm

Following the most recent CNC Class, which I think was a great success on many levels, I was inspired to make a project that has been on the back burner for awhile. I want to use a CNC to make some furniture. I’ve been inspired by the work of Gregg Fleishman, and as a starting point I cutout a scale model of one of his designs.

(more…)

Share/Bookmark

April 26th, 2013 by otto_pjm

Learn how to use a CNC router to cut 2D and 3D objects out of a variety of materials. TC Maker has 3 CNC routers available at the Hack Factory, come and learn how to use them and start making your own awesome stuff!

The class will have two parts (Machine Check-out, and CAM gcode creation) with the machine introduction and check-out scheduled for 1pm – 5pm Saturday and the CAM workshop from 10am – 2pm on Sunday.

Intro to CNC Class Sign up here. It’s $45 for the 2 days of class

(more…)

Share/Bookmark

April 23rd, 2013 by danbackslide

It’s spring! I know, it’s hard to believe what with all the snow we’ve seen over the past two weeks, but it really is time to think about building cool stuff for your garden. Mike Smieja from We Can Grow is running four classes this weekend, just in time for the warm weather to arrive. Hop over to our Eventbrite page and sign up for a class!

Build Your Own Raised Bed Garden

After this class you will go home with raised bed garden built by your very own hands and the knowledge to use it. We use all natural cedar because it has such a resilience to the elements, lasts for years to come, and it smells great. Along with building your garden the instructor will present a basic small space gardening class. This class is for all skill levels.

Build Your Own Potato Tower

Wanna grow your own potatoes for the year, but don’t have a lot of space? This class will provide the simple solution of a potato tower. In a space as small as 3′x3′ you can grow up to 60 pounds of potatoes.

Build Your Own Backyard Compost Bin

Nothing aids in success in your gardening efforts more that great soil. We have a growing need to reduce the waste that is put into our landfills. We all moan and groan about bagging out leaves every fall. We have a solution that addresses all those problems, it’s simple, backyard composting.

Build Your Own Kitchen Window Herb Garden

Nothing is quite as rewarding as growing and using your very own herbs. In this class we use a simple, attractive design that is very low maintenance. We will be using cedar because it is attractive and lasts for a long time.

Share/Bookmark

January 17th, 2013 by otto_pjm

Learn how to use a CNC router to cut 2D and 3D objects out of a variety of materials.

The classes will be held on February 2nd and 3rd. CNC Introduction and Check-out on Saturday, and CAM / gcode creation on Sunday. The schedule will be 10am – 4pm both days. Intro to CNC Class Sign up here. It’s $25 per class / day or $40 for both classes.

VERY IMPORTANT! if you want to be able to generate your own gcode (so you can cut out something you want) you will need to take both classes, The CNC introduction class is just to demonstrate safe and proficient use of the machines, and everyone will be cutting a pre-selected file that I have prepared. To cut your own creations you will need to take both classes,

Intro to CNC, CNC overview and safe use check-out

Attendees will be provided a 2D gcode file, and need to demonstrate proficiency, by safely cutting the part on the machine.

• Saturday morning: Use and safety training on the machines ( class room, then with the machine(s) )
• Break for Lunch
• Saturday afternoon: individual user check-out on the machines

Intro to CAM, 2D and 3D Computer Aided Machining (CAM)

Attendees will be given an overview on how to use 2D and 3D CAM software to generate the gcode or tools paths that the CNC machines use to cutout parts. Please see the important notice below on how to acquire the software before class so you are ready to go!

• Sunday morning: gcode creation for 2D, and 3D objects.
• Break for Lunch
• Additional instruction, likely classroom and shop.
• Sunday afternoon: individual help with gcode creation, user check-out for those who couldn’t Sat afternoon and cutting of files for the code creation group.

Share/Bookmark

December 10th, 2012 by Orkraider

I’ve decided to sneak in one last bow making class before the world ends on the 21st of December.

This class happens this Sunday, December 16th, from 10 am to 6 pm, at the Hack Factory.

If you want to be ready for the end of the world, prepare for the zombie apocalypse, have the perfect accessory for your Hawkeye or Archer costume, or fancy yourself as the next Katniss Everdeen, this is your chance.

Below is a link to the class:

http://bowyer.eventbrite.com

You can be like this guy:

All the details about the class:
Introduction to Bow Making

Learn to make a fully functional American flat bow!
(more…)

Share/Bookmark

October 19th, 2012 by danbackslide

 Sign up for the class at Eventbrite!

Ever wanted to make something blink or buzz, but don’t know where to start?  This is the class that will teach you the basics of what an Arduino can do, and how microcontrollers are awesome!

The November class runs on Thursdays, 11/8 and 11/15, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. 

Cost is $50, which includes a parts kit we’ll be using in class (it’s yours to keep!). Students will need to supply their own Arduino board and laptop. 

• The class focuses on the Arduino Uno model, but everything works with the Arduino Mega as well. The Arduino Leonardo is new and I haven’t had a chance to play with it, but I expect it’ll play nicely.
• Arduino-compatible boards/Arduino clones might cause some issues — pin layouts may be different, and in some cases they’re not 100% code-compatible. If you already have one, feel free to bring it in, but if you’re just getting started I recommend buying an official Arduino board.
• If you don’t have an Arduino, they’re available at most local Radio Shack stores, and also at Micro Center in St. Louis Park. Or you can check the Vend-A-Kit machine at the Hack Factory! (And of course you can mail-order one, but where’s the instant gratification in that?)
• If you haven’t got a laptop, please get in touch. We can possibly work something out.

Share/Bookmark

September 15th, 2012 by danbackslide

New classes posted!  Fun with metal Check out: http://tcmaker.eventbrite.com/ to register for the classes.

Fun with Metal – October 2012 Welding class

This is the beginning welding class.  If you don’t have experience, this the class to take.
October class: October 16th & 23rd, 6:30-9:30pm
November class: November 10th & 17th, 10am-2:30pm

Share/Bookmark

August 27th, 2012 by danbackslide

 Sign up for the class at Eventbrite!

Ever wanted to make something blink or buzz, but don’t know where to start?  This is the class that will teach you the basics of what an Arduino can do, and how microcontrollers are awesome!

The September class runs on Thursdays, 9/20 and 9/27, from 6:30pm – 9:00pm. 

The class cost includes a parts kit, which will be used in class. Students will need to supply their own Arduino board and laptop. 

• The class focuses on the Arduino Uno model, but everything works with the Arduino Mega as well. The Arduino Leonardo is new and I haven’t had a chance to play with it, but I expect it’ll play nicely.
• Arduino-compatible boards/Arduino clones might cause some issues — pin layouts may be different, and in some cases they’re not 100% code-compatible. If you already have one, feel free to bring it in, but if you’re just getting started I recommend buying an official Arduino board.
• If you don’t have an Arduino, they’re available at most local Radio Shack stores, and also at Micro Center in St. Louis Park. Or you can check the Vend-A-Kit machine at the Hack Factory! (And of course you can mail-order one, but where’s the instant gratification in that?)
• If you haven’t got a laptop, please get in touch. We can possibly work something out.

Share/Bookmark

August 1st, 2012 by danbackslide

Everyone loves lasers. Doug’s been proving that, he’s been filling up the laser cutter classes. So much so that he’s added two more classes, on 8/20 and 9/11.

This class will teach the basics on the laser, safety and all sorts of fun things!  Graduates of this class will be authorized to use the laser cutter at the Hack Factory.  Practice using the laser cutter will be provided.

For more background information on the laser cutter see the information on the TC Maker Wiki’s Laser Engraver page, and the TC Maker Forum laser cutter discussion.

Sign up for one of the classes at Eventbrite!

Share/Bookmark

August 1st, 2012 by danbackslide

Holy cats, more bowmaking classes! Riley’s set up three more classes, on 8/12, 8/19 and 8/26. These classes have been pretty popular (I know my daughter had a blast!). Sign up soon before the tickets are gone!

The class covers:

• A brief review of the types of traditional wood bows and focus on the American Flatbow, it’s origin and design (This is the type of bow that participants will be making)
• An intro on the types of designs and modifications that can improve the look and performance of an american flatbow.
• Types of wood used for wood bows, and their characteristics
• The pros and cons of working with red oak wood.
• Tools used for bowmaking, including hand tools and power tools
• Each participant will be provided with all the materials and tools needed to make this bow.
• Class materials will include exactly one red oak board per student, of dimensions 1.5″ by .75″ by 6′, selected by the teacher.

The class will include a brief description of what archery “tackle”, or gear, is needed to actually use a bow, including bow strings, arrows, forearm protection (vambraces), finger protection (archery tabs or shooting gloves), quivers, and bow cases. Sign up for the class at Eventbrite!

Share/Bookmark

July 19th, 2012 by danbackslide

Get checked out and up to speed to “fire the laser!”  (As Dr. Evil Says)

This class will teach the basics on the laser, safety and all sorts of fun things!  Graduates of this class will be authorized to use the laser cutter at the Hack Factory.  Practice using the laser cutter will be provided.

Two classes are scheduled:

• Monday, July 23, 6:30PM – 8:30PM
• Tuesday, August 14, 6:30PM – 8:30PM

For more background information on the laser cutter see the information on the TC Maker Wiki’s Laser Engraver page, and the TC Maker Forum laser cutter discussion.

Sign up for one of the classes at Eventbrite!

Share/Bookmark

July 19th, 2012 by danbackslide

Learn to make a fully functional american flat bow! Two classes are being offered, on 7/22 and 7/29. The class covers:

• A brief review of the types of traditional wood bows and focus on the American Flatbow, it’s origin and design (This is the type of bow that participants will be making)

• An intro on the types of designs and modifications that can improve the look and performance of an american flatbow.
• Types of wood used for wood bows, and their characteristics
• The pros and cons of working with red oak wood.
• Tools used for bowmaking, including hand tools and power tools
• Each participant will be provided with all the materials and tools needed to make this bow.
• Class materials will include exactly one red oak board per student, of dimensions 1.5″ by .75″ by 6′, selected by the teacher.

The class will include a brief description of what archery “tackle”, or gear, is needed to actually use a bow, including bow strings, arrows, forearm protection (vambraces), finger protection (archery tabs or shooting gloves), quivers, and bow cases. Sign up for the class at Eventbrite!

Share/Bookmark

May 7th, 2012 by swinkdaddy

Beginning Luthier Workshop – Electric Guitar
Details
Mondays 7pm
May 7th-28th
Class Sign Up
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3267082933

Tonight kicks off the first class of DIY guitar building. Still 2 tickets left.

Share/Bookmark

March 4th, 2012 by danbackslide

Lots of people have been asking when we’re doing our next Arduino class. The answer is soon! Arduino 101 is a two-night class in the basics of the Arduino and electronics. It’s designed for people with no background in electronics or programming. This class should get you moving down the road to microcontroller nirvana!

The cost includes a nice little parts kit, some of which we’ll be using in class.

There are two classes scheduled:

• Session 1: March 15 and March 22, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
• Session 2: April 19 and April 26, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Both sessions are listed on the registration page, so make sure you only sign up for one. (Unless you really want to take the class twice. We’d be more than happy to see you at both sessions!)

Students will need to provide their own Arduino board, and a laptop for running the software. Details and prices are on the course registration page.

Share/Bookmark

February 19th, 2012 by Paul Sobczak

Every Wednesday we have an open house @ The Hack Factory, it’s a time for members and new comers alike to socialize and get to know Twin Cities Maker. If you have never been to the Hack Factory before, Wednesday night is the best time to come. There are usually people working on various project, and definitely people willing to help out or give some insight into what you are trying to accomplish with your own projects. It’s a great time, check out some of the pictures to see a bit of what it is like.

The Hack Factory is located at:

3119 E. 26th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406

Twin Cities Maker a collective of people that together rent The Hack Factory, we all pay dues and luckily it’s just about enough to cover the expenses of our space, we are currently a bit light and are looking for a few new members to get us into the black, and into a place where we can start saving for the next tool, or event budgets. If you are interested in becoming a member it’s easy there are few different ways, and a few different types of memberships, check out the Membership page for more information. Also if this is something that you think is valuable in the community and would like to see it continue, and grow consider giving Twin Cities Maker a donation, we also take equipment donations depending on what you have and what we have.

Share/Bookmark

January 27th, 2012 by Paul Sobczak

Adam Wolf of Wayne and Layne, and Twin Cities Maker Member will be hosting a class on how to solder one of his popular kits the blinky POV.

If you’ve never soldered before, this is the class for you! This course teaches through-hole (90% of electronic kits) soldering and is recommended for the beginner. This is a hands-on class where the students learn techniques to help them solder through-hole components. Soldering can be daunting for the first solder joint, then the 2nd solder joint is not so bad, and by the time you’ve assembled the blinky grid, you will be quite confident and proficient in basic soldering skills.

Classes take place at The Hack Factory. We provide all the tools, irons, solder, parts, and seats for up to 8 students.

There is a minimum age requirement of 8 years old, but other than that, anyone is encouraged to sign up. We teach people all the time with no previous soldering experience! You do not need to be a member of Twin Cities Maker to attend.

The class is expected to take around 1.5 hour to complete, there is a buffer built in in case we go a bit longer.

Prerequisites: None! Just bring yourself. The class price includes the cost of the blinky POV kit.

What to bring: TC Maker will provide all the tools, irons and solder.

Proceeds above will go to help keep TC Maker, support the space.

Time and Place: Tuesday Feb 7th 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Hack Factory

Cost: $16 (This is a great deal, the retail price is also $16, but with out the hack factory to solder at, and no Adam to be taught by.)

Sign up on Event Brite

Share/Bookmark

December 4th, 2011 by swinkdaddy

Welcome to the first couple members of the Big Blue Club. Or in other words, those that have gone through the Miller TIG orientation and are authorized to use the Miller 330A/BP.

Share/Bookmark

November 17th, 2011 by Paul Sobczak

Pictures from the open Hack Night!

Welcome to the 4 new members that signed up on Wednesday! Our total right now is at 91, we update the bar which is currently at 81 at the start of each month so, there is a really good chance next month we will exceed our goal which will be really great. Thanks to all of our new and continuing members, you are TC Maker!

Also our starving hacker fund has been depleted so if you are so inclined to donate some money to help out fellow members that have fallen on tough times you can do so by talking with Brandon our treasurer@tcmaker.org.

Share/Bookmark

November 6th, 2011 by swinkdaddy

http://firsttigclass.eventbrite.com

Date: Sunday, Dec 4th
Time: 12pm – 4pm

The big Mill-er TIG is up and running. And talk about power, this thing has juice to spare. That being said, we are having an orientation class to familiarize members with this machine. The class is mandatory for anyone using the machine. We need to be SURE everyone has been given the proper startup and shutdown procedures to keep from damaging the machine. Also for simplicity sake, we want everyone to use the same collet/tungsten electrode kit rated for this welder, so you will be getting your own kit as part of the orientation materials (dont worry we get a good discount on bulk orders so its cheaper than getting it yourself). Also this unit uses quite a bit of argon. We want to make sure we can keep this thing in gas, so we trying to get a shop sized tank. The rest of the orientation cost goes right back into feeding this beast a steady diet of argon.

This will not be an introduction to welding class. You will need to have had a mig or gas welding class before signing up and be a member in good standing of the Hack Factory. You can also test out of the prerequisite classes by finding either Dave or I and showing off your wicked welding skills.

Videoman testing the big TIG

You can also register in person with Karin (class/events coordinator) up til nov 25th (we need a week to order kits)

Share/Bookmark