Hey hey!
Exciting news, we’re able to offer free: Tours, Household Tool Workshops, and Fix-It-Friday repair events thanks to a grant from the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation!
We've JUST launched our latest class track for the Metal Shop. Learn how to operate ten of the most popular metal shop tools in four sessions this September!
Last, we're starting a monthly shop clean-up day, coinciding with Game Night! Join us Saturday, August 10th from 4pm - 6pm to clean and organize the loading dock. Stick around after for pizza and tabletop games!
Read on for details, and thank you for being a part of our community of making!
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!
Join Eric and Randy in a hands-on, four-part series designed to teach you to safely use ten of the most popular fabrication tools in the metal shop. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn new skills or an experienced metal fabricator seeking access to these tools, this series offers something for everyone.
We'll get you up to speed on everything from MIG/TIG Welding to the Drill Press, Bandsaw, Abrasive equipment, Plasma Cutter and more!
Additional time with instructors gives you an opportunity to ask questions about your own projects, or where to start!
Class runs Sundays 9am - 12pm Sep. 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th.
Limited to just four people - register here!
Cleaning, Pizza, and Game Night
Saturday, August 10th!
Shop Cleanup!
It's time for a clean-up in the loading dock! Join us 4pm - 6pm on Saturday, August 10th to get dirty and clean-up the loading dock.
We'll tackle a different shop area each month.
Pizza!
We were told that offering pizza would increase the likelihood you would sign up and come out to help clean shop!
We promise the pizza won't be made using AI. This time.
Game Night!
Open to all (even if you don't help clean : ) from 4pm - 11pm.
Bring and share your own game and snacks, or take advantage of Randy's impressive library. Free and open to all ages!
august 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 local resource?
Maker Works has a semi-hidden Materials & Resources page here.
Have a suggestion? We'd love to hear! While local resources are ideal, we're happy to hear about online options as well. Whether it's an amazing discount fabric store, hidden electronics shop, or a place with all the weird components you can't get at the traditional big-box store.
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