We're excited and a little sad about this update!
We're launching a new Laser Engraver Project Track featuring four different projects.
Ella, Daniel, and Ben are moving onto bigger things, they are going to be missed!
Our most recent Shop Improvement + Game Day was a huge success, and we've been having a fantastic turnout with the Kiwanis sponsored (free) Household Tools class, Fix-It-Friday events, and Tours.
Read on for details, and thank you for being a part of our community!
Join Nova and Pam in a hands-on, four-part series designed to teach you to safely use the most popular tool at Maker Works! Beginners and existing users will get a fantastic onboarding learning the 50 Watt Epilog Laser AND a number of accompanying tools and materials!
Day 1: Get checked out on the laser and create a custom hardwood version of our classic 5" ruler.
Day 2: Learn the rotary tool and media blaster to customize your own drinking glass.
Day 3: Create a custom (bring your own photo) wood puzzle and learn the value of a good mask!
Day 4: Explore box making software and create a custom engraved box.
Four projects, plus a month membership to use the tools beyond the class! Class runs Sundays 10:15 am - 12:15 pm, Sep. 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th.
Limited to just six people - register here!
thank you ella, daniel, and ben!
The staff at Maker Works provide an amazing experience for all. While we're always sad to see staff go, we are excited to see them move towards bigger and better things. Thank you so much Ella, Daniel, and Ben!
If there was an award for fastest learner, Ella would have it. In a little over a year she became proficient in, and taught classes on just about every woodshop tool. We're excited to see her move on to a fantastic new job that will greatly benefit from her skill and focus!
Daniel's been a wonderful part of the shop. From developing video games, and building motorcycles, to welding his way through an iridescent powder coated cat-tastic world. He's ready for The Big University, but we're not sure his roommates are ready for him : )
Ben has been a member at Maker Works with the Zebrotics FIRST Robotics Team for over a year. When he offered to volunteer with us for the summer we couldn't say no! While school beckons him away from us, his improvements around the shop will continue to serve many.
Free: Tours, Classes, and Repairs!
Thank you Kiwanis!
Free Tours
Last year Maker Works ran over 150 free tours of the shop. Over the next 12 months we're hoping to double that with support from Kiwanis!
Take a tour as an individual, or request one for your group!
Free household tools class
Maker Works offers an 'Intro to Intro to Household Tools' workshop that typically costs $80 / person. With support from Kiwanis we're able to provide free access for individuals, and make them available on request for groups!
Free Repairs
We estimate over 100 household items were repaired last year. Saving money, reducing waste, and emphasizing repair! Thanks to Kiwanis, we're able to continue running this activity every third Friday of the month!
These opportunities happen thanks to Kiwanis and the volunteers that help! Find out how you can volunteer here, or sign up to be notified about volunteering here!
Cleaning, Pizza, and Game Night
Saturday, september 7th!
A huge THANK YOU to the dozen people that came out in August to improve the loading dock, and Three Little Piggies BBQ for providing some seriously delicious food. Let's do it again!
Shop Cleanup!
It's time for a clean-up in the loading dock! Join us 4pm - 6pm on Saturday, September 7th to get dirty and clean-up the Metal Shop.
Pizza!
We were told that offering pizza increases the likelihood you will sign up to help clean shop!
Rumor has it there may be BBQ as well : )
Game Night!
4pm - 11pm, all ages, all are welcome!
Bring and share a game and snacks, or take advantage of Randy's impressive library. Free and open to all ages!
september CLASSES AND BEYOND
Classes are posted on the website through July! Ready to learn? No membership required!
Choose your class and sign up today.
Don't see a date that works for you? Use the 'Request a Class' button to let us know your availability and we'll match you up with an instructor!
What's YOUR favorite online resource?
Thanks to your feedback, we had some nice additions and updates to our semi-hidden Materials & Resources page!
Next up, tell us your favorite online resource for information! Web sites, articles, youtube channels, tiktok videos, etc. Let us know!
Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor
Thanks to a grant from the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor, Maker Works is able to:
Expanded Community Partnership Support (coming soon!)
Kiwanis has been a huge resource to the Ann Arbor community and beyond for over 100 years. We are thrilled to have their support!
As always, you can also support shared access to resources by:
Taking a class or starting a membership!
Sharing this newsletter with someone you know
New sponsorship opportunities to support the shop are coming soon, let me know if you'd like to be first to know!
Thank you!
Josh Williams