Makerspace Class Project

 Hi Everyone!

If you've been following along on my blogging journey, you'll know that I started this blog as part of a course called Libraries and the Maker Movement.  

Part of the course requirement is a project made at a library makerspace.  I thought you might enjoy seeing what I came up with and learning a little about the process.  I'm not doing a step by step walk through here, but if you need one you see if your local library offers training.

My local library does not have a makerspace, so I had to look for other options. Both the Ives Squared Tinker Lab at New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL) and the Collaboratory at the Wallingford Public Library are within a half hour of me, so I looked into what they offer.​

I toured both makerspaces and I had several ideas for a final project. However, after seeing what some of the machines can do, I decided to go for the laser cutter and etcher because of its versatility.​  I like that you can etch or cut a variety of materials, such as wood, glass or acrylic.  I was also intrigued that you can etch on a flat surface or a round object like a cup or rolling pin.  

It is also one of the machines that both libraries have on site. The machine uses a certain type of computer file to etch and cut. To make these files, you need access to the computer programs that make them. At the Wallingford Public Library, you can access CorelDRAW and at the NHFPL you can access Adobe Illustrator. Files can be converted from either program for use on the laser etcher/cutter. My husband has an Adobe Creative subscription, so I have access to this program at home which was convenient.

As I said in a previous post, I chose to schedule an appointment at the NHFPL to have a one-on-one session with a librarian to learn how to use the machine and get my card registered to use it on my own. I actually learned how to use the rotary attachment at a second appointment too, but that was not used for the projects I'll show you here.

Rose, the librarian who taught me to use the machine, was very patient and helpful. Since I had not Adobe Illustrator experience, she gave me a quick overview of the basics. That short tutorial was enough for me to create 2 simple projects.

Rule 1
Don't leave the machine unattended

Rule 2 

Turn on the air filter before use.​

One thing I like is that it's easy to preview where the laser will etch and cut using the red laser pointer on the machine.  You essentially set it up to print, but leave the machine open.  This is an important step so you don't waste materials.

Remember that making is a process of trial and error.  Not everything will work out, even if you set things up properly, preview, etc. 

Part of my learning curve included the materials I was using.  In the first project I worked on I used acrylic.  The acrylic sheets I bought have paper affixed to prevent scratching in transport.  I originally took the paper off and etched/cut on a dark green translucent acrylic.  It was hard to photograph that color while in process, so I've included a photo of one I made  another day later.  ​

Then the librarian told me you can leave the paper on and remove later, so I tried it that way.

Something to note is that one sheet of six keychains took just over 12 minutes to etch and cut.  Times vary dependent on what you create. It's a lot of fun to watch the machine etch and cut, but eventually the novelty wears off.  Bring something else to do while you wait.  Make sure it is portable and don't get too engrossed, because you still need to keep an eye out for issues.

Now back to the learning curve. I discovered that if the paper is left on, it sticks and causes issues.

The paper is tacky and when you add heat from the machine the adhesive melts.

The acrylic also melts around the cut edges, which you can see at the bottom.

It is really difficult to remove the paper/adhesive.

When the pieces without the paper come out of the machine, I just had to give a quick wipe to remove any dust. However, it took me almost 10 minutes to get one piece that had paper on it clean.

In a side by side view, you can also see that the one etched with the paper on looses all the detail in the eyes and the lines are generally less crisp overall.

Printed with paper

Printed without paper

All in all, I lost six pieces (one piece of acrylic) and completed thirty over 2 days.

I also completed a second, spur of the moment, project.  I had 2 craft sales upcoming and thought about business cards too late.  I had already purchased acrylic and wood to try on the laser etcher, so I copied my Instagram QR Code and made up a quick file.  I was able to test the QR code while the printer was still going, so it was exciting to see that it worked.   I won't do the whole run through, but I wanted to show you that it is easy to switch to different materials once you know how to use the machine.  I'm looking forward to trying the rotary attachment to make some rolling pins and etched mason jars soon.

This course has inspired me to learn more about all the different offerings that my local library makerspaces have to offer.  I already have a  bunch of ideas to create on the laser cutter/etcher and learning how to use other machines and services will only expand the possibilities.  I hope that my journey so far has inspired you to go out and visit a library makerspace near you!  I will do my best to continue to share via my blog once my class is over.  Please feel free to reach out if you have any suggestions on what library I should visit next or a machine that I need to try.