Vinyl Cutting Class

Vinyl Cutting Class

This is a class on how to use the vinyl cutter at the shop. No previous experience necessary. There are many different software packages that can be used for controlling a vinyl cutter like this. For class, we will use the free Inkscape program.

What You Will Learn

Photo of a clock with the Morristown Makers logo on it.
Clock graphics made with the vinyl cutter.
  • to make vinyl stickers for decoration or advertisement
  • the differences in the types of vinyl
  • how to set up a cutting job and control the shop cutter
  • how to choose the right vinyl for a particular purpose

Who is This Class For?

  • Those wanting to use the shop vinyl cutter
  • Those curious about whether a home cutter is a good choice
  • Those wanting to understand how to use Inkscape to control a vinyl cutting machine

What to Bring

  • Computer with Inkscape installed
  • If you don’t have a computer, you can use the shop machine
  • Vinyl will be provided

Bringing your own computer is not a requirement, but doing so gives us a chance to help you work out any kinks in communication between your computer and the cutter. You can always use the shop computer for controlling the cutter, but it is much easier to prepare your files on a machine at home.

Cost: $25

If you are a member and plan to come to class, please let us know so we can prepare for the right number of people.

Quantity:Name:Price:Next Class:
Vinyl Cutter Class25.00 USDApril 15: 10a to Noon
Your eTicket will be emailed after payment to your PayPal email address.
Making Aprons From Shirts

Making Aprons From Shirts

Learn how to make an apron from an old shirt at this class. You don’t have to know how to sew nor bring your own machine. We will provide the shirt, tools and instruction for the class.

Have a Machine?

If you have a sewing machine that you would like to bring, you are welcome to do so. And, if you have a machine that you don’t know how to set up and use, we will have someone at class who can help you get going.

Want to Use Your Own Shirt?

While we will provide shirts for the class, if you have a particular shirt you would like to use, feel free to bring it along.

Ages 13 and up are welcome to attend. Those under the age of 19 must have an adult present with them.

Cost: $25

Quantity:Name:Price:Next Class:
Make an Apron25.00 USDSeptember 19: 10a to Noon
Your eTicket will be emailed after payment to your PayPal email address.

Inkscape Basics

Inkscape Basics

Inkscape logo

Do you want to use the shop’s CNC router, vinyl cutter or laser engraver? Or maybe you can’t afford Adobe Illustrator at $240/year to create vector images? Join us for this Inkscape Basics class which will help you get started into the world of creating vector files for logos and online graphics.

Inkscape is a free, open source tool that runs on almost any computer (even an old Chromebook via an extension). It creates vector images that are infinitely scaleable. And, most relevant to us, is what we use at the shop for creating files for some of our tools.

Who is this class for?

This is a beginner class. You do not need to have previous experience with Inkscape or other graphic tools.

While we will be talking about file creation for the purposes of using the CNC router, laser and vinyl cutter, everything learned in the class is generally applicable for creating vector images. Besides our tools, vector images are used for creating logos, graphics and illustrations.

The class is open to anyone 13 years old and up. Attendees under 19 years old must have a parent or guardian present.

What to bring?

  • A computer.
  • If possible, install Inkscape previous to the class.
  • If you have trouble installing Inkscape before class, come to the Open Shop time on Friday with your computer and we will help get you set up.

Cost: $25

Class is free for members, but please let us know through email or text if you are coming. Class is limited to 8 attendees.

Date and Time: September 12, 10am.

Quantity:Name:Price:Next Class:
Inkscape Basics25.00 USDSeptember 12: 10a to Noon
Your eTicket will be emailed after payment to your PayPal email address.
CNC Router Class

CNC Router Class

In this class you will learn how to control the CNC router, how to create files for it and how to send those files to the machine. This is a basic class, but it is recommended that the student read about how CNC machines work, or watch a few videos. Resources will be listed below.

CNC project examples
CNC projects created on the Morristown Makers CNC router.

Class will be held August 1 at 10am. We request that everyone wear a mask for classes and public shop activities during this time.

Software Used for Class

We will create some basic shapes with Inkscape. You do not have to be an advanced user. It would be helpful for you to create a free account with Easel before class. Universal Gcode Sender will already be installed on the shop machine that is used to control the CNC router.

Resources

Like using a laser or 3D printer, the CNC router will require a good amount of practice, patience and learning to get right. It is recommended that you plan to practice on small jobs before tackling an important project.

Cost: $25

If you are a member coming to the class, please send us a text or email to let us know.

Quantity:Name:Price:Description:
CNC Router Class25.00 USDJanuary 6: 10a to Noon
Your eTicket will be emailed after payment to your PayPal email address.
Class: Shelf With Bent Metal Brackets

Class: Shelf With Bent Metal Brackets

Saturday, July 11, come learn how to use the metal bending tool by making this simple shelf with metal brackets. You will make a wooden shelf about 30″ long (customizable for your needs).

During the class you will learn to use the tools safely while building this beautiful shelf unit. If you know where you will put the shelf, you can choose your self length and finish it with paint or stain while at the class.

Tools You Will Use

  • Metal cutting chop saw
  • Metal bender
  • Grinder
  • Drill press
  • Jointer
  • Planer
  • Sander

Skills You Will Learn

  • Preparing, drilling and bending metal stock
  • Using the jointer to square up two sides of a board
  • Using a planer and drum sander to square up other two sides

This is not necessarily an advanced class (difficulty wise), but many of the tools should be considered advanced tools. Suggested age is 15 years old and up. Those under 19 must have a parent or guardian present during the class.

Cost: $35

Quantity:Name:Price:Metal Bracket Shelf:
Metal Bracket Shelf35.00 USDJuly 11: 10a to Noon
Your eTicket will be emailed after payment to your PayPal email address.

Members can send an email to let us know if you are planning to attend.

Intro to Stained Glass

Have you ever been curious as to how stained glass art is made? Here’s your chance to learn and give it a try.

Stained glass window with Christ praying at a rock.
Window from the Top O’ The World Chapel in Tennessee

This class will cover some basic history of stained glass, followed by demonstrations and experimentation with cutting glass, foiling, and soldering a very simple design. We will discuss both leaded and Tiffany styles, and the various things you can do with both styles.

What You Will Learn

  • Different stained glass methods
  • How to cut and shape glass
  • How glass is made
  • Where to get supplies
  • Finding designs
  • Making your own designs

What to Bring

If you have safety glasses or goggles, you can bring them. We have a limited supply at the shop if you don’t have your own.

Event Information

This class will be held from 10a to 12 (noon) on Saturday, February 29, 2020.

The class is limited to 10 participants. Ages 13 and up are welcome to attend. Students under 19 years of age must have a parent or guardian with them at class.

Cost: $25

Intro to Stained Glass25.00 USDNext class: February 29, 2020
Your eTicket will be emailed after payment to your PayPal email address.

Table and Miter Saw Class: Hexagon Shelf

Do you want to learn how to use a table and miter saw while building a great project? This class is what you are looking for!

No photo description available.

The class will be held Saturday morning December 14 from 10a to noon. During the class you will build a honeybee inspired hexagon shelf.

Who Should Attend

The class is targeted towards the beginning power tools user who wants more than just a nice shelf at the end of the class. But rather, is looking to actually learn how to use woodworking equipment properly and safely.

Young people ages 13 and up are welcome to attend. Anyone under the age of 19 must have a parent or guardian with them.

Skills You Will Learn

  • Using a table saw to cut down lumber into properly sized strips
  • Using a miter saw to cut boards to length
  • Using different types of sanders to achieve finished results
  • Use of a nail or screw gun

What to Bring

You won’t need to bring anything to the class other than yourself and your desire to learn some new skills. All materials will be provided at class.

Cost: $25

Quantity:Name:Price:Next Class:
Table Saw Class25.00 USDDecember 14: 10a to 12p
Your eTicket will be emailed after payment to your PayPal email address.

Laser Cutter Class and Project: Thanksgiving

Come learn how to use our laser cutter! This machine can be used to engrave wood, glass, paper and many other items. It can also cut various thicknesses of wood, acrylic, paper and cardboard.

A picture of a laser cut pumpkin like we will create in class.

What You Will Learn

This class will teach you how to use the Morristown Makers’ laser cutter. In the process we will also make a neat Thanksgiving project that you can use as a decoration in your house or on your table.

  • Create files for the laser cutter using
    • Inkscape
    • GIMP
    • K40 Whisperer
  • Use the machine safely
  • Adjust the speed and power of the laser

Who?

This class is for anyone who wants to learn to use the laser to engrave or cut various projects. Adults and young people 13 and up are welcome to come to the class but we ask that a parent or guardian be with anyone under the age of 19.

What To Bring

In this class we are working on a project that will utilize the laser to cut out a Thanksgiving decoration (but we will also learn how to use it as an engraver). We will apply glue and glitter to the final project. We have gold and red glitter. If you would like to use some other color in your project, then please bring your own glitter to class.

You are also welcome to bring your own computer and we can make sure the software is set up correctly.

Cost: $20

Quantity:Name:Price:Next Class Date:
Laser Cutter Class20.00 USDMarch 27: 10a to 12p
Your eTicket will be emailed after payment to your PayPal email address.

Sewing Class: Cutting

This sewing class builds on the basics we learned in the previous class. This time we will continue to practice our sewing skills but add information about cutting material down to the sizes you need for your project.

Skills You Will Learn

  • Cutting fabric
  • Machine setup
  • Cutting tool options and use

Who Should Attend

This is still a basic sewing class; therefore, it is appropriate for anyone who feels like they need a bit more instruction before being turned loose on a machine by themselves. Or, you may be curious about how to sew but have never even tried it. This class is for you.

You do not have to have attended the previous class to attend this one.

What to Bring

Bring a sewing machine if you have one available to you. We will try to have an extra machine or two, but our preference would be that you practice on the machine you will actually be using at home. If your machine does not work, or does not work well, bring it along and we will try to help you get it up and running.

If your machine does not run, send us an email or a message through our contact form and we will see if we can get together for a short time before class to get everything working properly before class begins.

Cost: $25

Sewing Class: Cutting25.00 USDNovember 14: 7-9p
Your eTicket will be emailed to your email address after payment.
3D Printing Class: Preparing the Machine

3D Printing Class: Preparing the Machine

This is the third class in our three-class series on 3D printing. While it is helpful to have attended the slicing class, it is not necessary.

What You Will Learn

This class is focused on the machine setup side of 3D printing. You will learn:

  • How to level the bed
  • How to prepare the print surface (glue, tape, slurry, hairspray, etc)
  • How to load or change filament
  • How to load a file for printing
  • Troubleshooting through each of the steps

Who Should Attend

3D printer at Morristown Makers

Certainly if you have taken the design and slicing classes previously, you will want to learn this final step in the printing process. However, you can come to this class and learn this critical part of the process without having attended the previous classes.

While we will use the Morristown Makers’ printer for this class, almost all of these steps will be similar on any other filament-based 3D printer. If you have access to another machine that you are wanting to learn how to use, this class will be a great benefit to you.

Note: We will not be talking about resin-based printing or laser-sintering machines.

What To Bring

There is nothing required for this class other than a willingness to learn how 3D printing works. You won’t even need hearing protection or safety glasses for this activity.

Cost: $20

Quantity:Name:Price:Next Class Date::
Preparing the 3D Printer20.00 USDNovember 8: 7-9p
Your eTicket will be emailed after payment to your PayPal email address.