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.

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February 15th, 2012 by Judeling

The Monsters Under the Bed Art Shanty will be making an appearance at the April 14th Minne-Faire.

This is possibly the last chance to see “Monsters” in the wild.

“With their unique spatial and dietary requirements, under-the-bed Monsters rarely get to visit and socialize with other Monsters…until now. Visitors to Monster Under the Bed Shanty can release their inner monsteryness while exploring the size and scope of being human in a unique visual and interactive space. In addition to providing an outlet for Monsters of all shapes, sizes, and artistic inclination, Monsters Under the Bed Shanty provides continuity within the Art Shanty Project; where Tiny Shanty allowed humans to feel huge in a tiny world Monsters Under the Bed Shanty will allow participants to feel tiny under and on a giant a bed.” Monsters Shanty Blog

This is a coming home for the Monsters team as much of the construction and preparation took place right here at the Hack Factory.

It is not too late to include your project in this year’s Minne-Faire.

Contact us at fair@tcmaker.or or fill out the form!

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February 5th, 2012 by Judeling

Our third annual Minne-Faire is on the calendar for Saturday, April 14.

To reflect our explosive growth, this year’s fair will be bigger and better then ever!

Old favorites are returning and new friends coming.

We will have music, food, exhibits, and demonstrations.

Schedule for Saturday, April 14

12:00-5:00 PM: Open maker displays and demos

7:00PM: Music performances and socializing

We can use your help building this event.

Calling all makers!

It is not to late  if you would like to show at this year’s Minne-Faire. Contact us by sending email to faire@tcmaker.org

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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

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January 26th, 2012 by Paul Sobczak

A collection of some of the happenings of the Open Hack at 1/25/12 @ the Hack Factory in Minneapolis. Every Wednesday is open to the public, 7 – ~11pm. Bring project to show, work on your projects, talk about robots or moon shovels…

And pictures from the latest Handmade Music: Minneapolis Introduction to Pure Data

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December 9th, 2011 by Paul Sobczak

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December 9th, 2011 by Paul Sobczak

RABBLE ROUSE THE WORLD TOUR

HACK FACTORY STOP

SATURDAY 12.10.11

7:00 – 8:30

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC | FREE

After college Luke Maguire Armstrong joyfully committed financial suicide by taking out a last minute student loan so he could hitchhike from Chile to Alaska. Fodder from these shenanigans, which include narrowly escaping muggers in Peru and visiting a FARC run cocaine factory in Colombia, are part of the inspiration inspirations for his award winning fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

For the last four years he has been hiding from the Student Loan Debt Monsters in Guatemala where he directs the humanitarian development organization Nuestros Ahijados. Through schools, clinics, a homeless shelter, a malnourished infant center, and other sustainable programs, this project works to “break the bitter chains of
poverty.” These efforts have been featured in The Huffington Post and ABC News 20/20 amongst others.

December 2011 is Luke’s multi-city Rabble Rousing Tour to recite poetry from his book iPoems for the Dolphins to Click Home About, sing songs (some about potatoes and chicken patties), promote social justice and spread awareness about issues ranging from human trafficking, infant malnutrition, illiteracy and the troubling lack of education opportunities for parrots and dogs.

Rabble Rousing Tour 2011 Flyer 

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November 26th, 2011 by Paul Sobczak

One new member on Wednesday, welcome! Shots from the night are up, enjoy!

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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.

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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)

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November 4th, 2011 by karinf22

550 cord (aka paracord) is strong, relatively inexpensive and versatile. Our “101″ course will teach you to make useful, decorative and interesting things using this material. No prior experience necessary. We’ll use a few basic (and surprisingly simple) knots to tie a variety of bracelets, belts, tool lanyards, handle wraps, key fobs and holsters.

The course will cover the basics of working with cord, design and measurement considerations and pro tips of executing and finishing your projects.  Practical “lifehacker” applications for rope and cord and a few extra knots that everyone should know will also be shared. Don’t worry if you can’t even tie your shoes (we’ll teach you a superior knot for that too).

This course is very hands-on. All materials and tools will be provided. We’ll complete several projects in class and students will go home with extra cord and a basic tool kit to continue their exploration of cordcraft.

Jeff “Rigger” Berg will be the instructor. Jeff’s been fooling around with rope for over a decade. His resumé includes a stint as a yacht rigger.

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November 1st, 2011 by karinf22

Make sure to check out our upcoming classes for the month of November!  We have some exciting topics that will be covered this month. Sign up today!

Oxyacetylene this Saturday Nov 5 http://introtooxynov.eventbrite.com

Arduino for English Majors Nov 10 and Nov 17 http://arduino4em.eventbrite.com

Intro to Stick Welding Nov 12 http://introtosmaw.eventbrite.com

550 101 Fun with Paracord Nov 19 http://550101.eventbrite.com

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October 24th, 2011 by pyrodogg

Come out to the Hack Factory this evening for a few hours of electronic hackery.

• Have questions on an electronics project or looking for inspiration?
• Need help getting something soldered together?
• Need fresh eyes on a problem that’s been driving you nuts?
• Just looking to get things done along with other electronics folks?

Then this night is for you!

We’ll be set-up in the classroom between 7pm and 10pm. Come on out and explore your electronic hacking skills.

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October 18th, 2011 by karinf22

This Thursday, Oct 20, 2011 7:00 – 11:00 PM

Come out to the hack factory to enjoy an evening of tabletop gaming. Please bring a game, a snack to share and a couple dollars if you would like pizza.  Event itself is free and open to all ages.  Bring friends and family and enjoy some great social time.

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September 25th, 2011 by Paul Sobczak

HMMM is back building again, HMMM 10 will be a build night.

Twin Cities Maker Member and founder of Crazy But Able, John Wilson will be hosting a building of his new kit the Stella Amp. There are a limited number of seats available for the class so sign up early. Handmade Music will be providing the soldering stations and solder, you can bring your own irons if you would like as well.

No prior knowledge of soldering is needed there will be some people to help you along the way if this is your first time around the iron.

Due to the soldering irons this class is limited to persons of 8 years of age or older.

Details:
Date: 10/7/11 7:00 to 9:30pm

Location: The Hack Factory

Cost: $35,

Open to the Public

Register: Via Eventbrite

# of seats: 8 total for current count see the eventbrite site.

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September 15th, 2011 by wammie

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye!

Twin Cities Maker shall be appearing at the illustrious King’s Fair in Minneapolis this coming Saturday!

At the behest of the King, His Court, and a Jester’s mirthful bidding, we beseech thee to join us for fun, food, and game, at the Park of Matthews.

The merriment commences at 12 noon and shall persist until 5 PM. For the goodness and sake of our beloved Sewardship, we plead thee also to partake of the historical makings of our fair affair.

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August 21st, 2011 by Paul Sobczak

Modeled after SparkFun’s Soldering class, TC Maker is offering a soldering class. The kit and the price is all the same but the location is a not Denver, it’s Minneapolis.

Description: 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 Simon game, 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 8 students. You’ll be soldering the Simon PTH Kit. By the end of the night, you will have a functioning game to take home and show off to your friends (we get funny looks all the time).

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!

The class is expected to take around 1 hour to complete, there is a buffer built in in case we go a bit longer.

Prerequisites: None! Just bring you. The class price includes the cost of the Simon Kit. The class is open to the public and to members.

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

Proceeds above will go to help keep TC Maker electronics area, we want to get some decent components for the place. We will also be accepting other donations, including components if you have any around. If you are so inclined please do donate.

Time and Place: Friday Aug 26th 7:00pm to 10:00pm at the Hack Factory.

Who is Teaching: Paul Sobczak, Electrical Engineer, and other TC Maker members.

The class is $40. Sign up on theEventbrite page.

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August 21st, 2011 by Paul Sobczak

Thanks to all who came in and helped clean up the Hack Factory over the last two weekends. Here are a few pictures from the first time around.

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August 21st, 2011 by Paul Sobczak

Handmade Music 9
Sunday, August 28 at 8:00pm
Location: Hack Factory, Minneapolis

facebook page

Birthday Party for Leon Theremin!!

Ice Cream
Theremins
Documentary
Paul Metzger
Kevin Cosgrove
Dustbuns

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August 6th, 2011 by swinkdaddy

Hey got any stuff that you’d like to put in a garage sale, but dont want to bother with actually having a garage sale?

Well, your in luck! we will take care of that for you.

First Annual TC MAKERS Garage Sale at the Hack Factory

We need to raise some funds for a couple of infrastructure projects that benefit all the members.
Hows this sound?

- shop-wide dust collection
- refurbished bathrooms and member locker space
- air-conditioning more of the shop
- air power for the entire space

Now that we have your attention. we need all that stuff sitting in your garage and basement that you could donate to a fundraiser garage sale for the Hack Factory “Make the Hack Factory Nicer For All” Fund.

Tentative Sale date Sept 17-18st
Tentative Setup and pack in Sept 14th

Note- date changed to allow more collection time and announce at wen meeting.

The plan is to clean out/up the hack factory the previous weekend and identify items we no longer want. Those items will either be thrown out or designated as garage sale items.

Bring your stuff to the hack factory with prices/name attached. The plan is to advertise the garage sale as a geek/maker centric sale.

Any questions or comments, please post to the forum.

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