Design your own furniture. Learn the workflow used to take a rough idea to final piece by working on your own project.
These classes will take place in a small interactive classroom setting that encourages participation to work on your own ideas. In the first session, we will start by learning the anatomy of furniture and how things are made. Then we will review brief history of furniture design and inspiration for our own projects. In the third session, we review principles of good design and how to sketch even if your not good at drawing. And in the last session, we will explore all the aspects of completing your project. The course is meant as a introduction for people wanting to design what they make in the wood shop.
Desire for self-expression required.
Shop time will be limited, but joinery will be demonstrated in the shop.
Prepare for the class by having a small idea of what you would like to design and make.
Tim Bednar studied at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and was awarded a Merit Design Scholarship. After a career as a web developer, he recently returned to furniture design and wood working. He is an Assistant Wood Shop Manager at TC Maker and teaches the Woodworking 101 Class.
After this class you'll have a general understanding of how to operate the screen printing equipment along with the basic principles of screen printing.
Besides learning about the screen printing equipment, you'll learn about shop policies & safety, practical applications of screen printing, how to chose a good image for screen printing, and acceptable surfaces that will screen print well.
Rick Strohmeyer has been a long time member of Twin Cities Maker. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arets in printmaking, he has enjoyed sharing his knowledge he has learned while being a a print-maker, painter and general designer.
This three-day box-making class introduces core woodworking skills while guidingstudents through the complete process of building a finished hardwood box. Participants will mill rough lumber, cut precise joinery, and assemble a clean, well-fitted project using professional shop tools. Emphasis is placed on good layout, grain awareness, and efficient sequencing so skills carry forward to future work. The class is suitable for beginners and a solid refresher for more experienced woodworkers.
Tools covered include the jointer, planer, table saw, bandsaw, miter saw, and palm sander.
Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and avoid loose-fitting clothing.
This class requires Woodworking 101 or equivalent experience.
Philip O'Toole has over thirty years of hands-on woodworking experience and a strong passion for building both well-crafted objects and a welcoming learning community.
Curious about 3D printing? Want to make organizers, replacement parts, cosplay props, custom brackets, mounts, prototypes, or just something fun you found online? This is your starting point.
No previous 3D printing experience needed. Just bring your curiosity.
After registering, please complete this free Prusa course before class: https://www.prusa3d.com/product/3d-printing-and-modeling-for-beginners-mk3s/
Click the link above. On that page, scroll down to the course description where you will find the coupon code. Enter the code at checkout and then skip to Section 3 of the course. Bring your certificate to class. Showing it on your phone is perfectly fine.
Course completion is REQUIRED so we can check you off for printer access.
No computer or smartphone to take the course? Just email 3D@tcmaker.org and we will make it work.
In this hands-on session, we will walk through how the 3D lab works, go over shared space guidelines, and guide you step-by-step through printing on our Prusa i3 MK3S printer. Bring an STL file if you have one you are excited about, or use one of ours. If your print does not finish during class, you can pick it up later. Filament for training prints is provided.
By the end, you will be officially checked off and ready to use the Prusa printers on your own.
Open to both members and non-members. If you have printed before, you are still welcome to join. You can also email us about scheduling a quick 30-minute check-off session.
Want to go further? After this class, members can take intermediate training to unlock our Bambu X1C with AMS and P1S printers. We also run a monthly resin class for the Anycubic Photon M5S Pro printer. 3D scanner training for the Creality Raptor Pro is available upon request.
If the class is full, reach out and we will try to schedule a 1:1 session depending on availability.
Got any questions or need assistance? Email us at 3D@tcmaker.org and we are happy to help.
We cannot wait to see what you make. Happy making!
*Please Note: Ignore the "Spaces Left" on this Event. It will always show Zero!
MUST BE A MEMBER OF TCMAKER!
Have you been wanting to give sewing a try but don't know where to start? Start Here! The tote bag is a great starting point. No matter your skill level, from never touched a machine before to needing a project cleanser. In this class we will go over:
Sewing Machine Basics
Sewing Basics
Kits will be available at class — you can select from the ones provided. These are all cotton totes.
The purchase of the Wyldwood Creative Tote Bag pattern is required. Proof will need to be shown.
Hello! My name is Kate. I don’t generally exclusively call myself a sewer, I am a crafter. I started sewing in 2020 during lockdown and I have not stopped. I have done quilting, garment making, bag making and a lot of random crafts if they interest me. I enjoy teaching and helping people learn a new skill. I hope you sign up and we get to start your journey together.
Whether you are a brand new member of Twin Cities Maker, or have been a member for a really long time but haven't been in the shop for awhile, attending a new member orientation will get you up to speed on the policies, guidelines, and culture of Twin Cities Maker.
Signup, download a copy of our handbook, and come to session. During orientation you get to meet some new people, have all your questions answered, and get acquainted with Twin Cities Maker policies, guidelines, and culture.
Orientation lasts for about 1 hour with time after for questions and support for any issues.
After you have completed orientation you will receive your fob to access the facility, which will be activated once have paid all membership fees.
If you are going to be working in the woodshop be sure to sign up for woodshop orientation immediately following this class. Check our orientations calendar to register.
All New Members are required to Pre-Register for this Orientation.
If you cannot attend an in person orientation, please reach out to membership@tcmaker.org so that we can work out special arrangements.
Wood Shop Orientation is a required orientation for all woodworkers.
During Orientation we will cover basic shop safety guidelines along with best practices that are necessary to use the wood shop at Twin Cities Maker!
https://wiki.tcmaker.org/en/shop_departments/wood_shop
NOTE: This event is open to studio members and non-studio members alike.
Questions or trouble signing up? Email ceramics@tcmaker.org
Become a steward of the ceramics studio! Help us foster an environment of collective care as we clean the studio, maintain tools, and complete studio improvements. We are all volunteers, and appreciate your time and effort to maintain the space we love.
- Your TCM Ceramics Managers
Learn how to use an Oxy-Acetylene torch to braze non-ferrous materials together for your art project, repairs, home improvement plan, or just for fun. Materials we'll be using in class include copper, a couple types of brazing rod, and mild steel. Feel free to bring in projects from home to work on in class, or just to play around with. We'll review how to properly clean and select materials as well as our always important safety steps. Great for beginners or those looking to brush-up.
Participants should be wearing close-toed shoes and clothing that is 100% cotton or wool. Jeans or similar material without holes are also required. No synthetic fibers. Improper attire may require participants to withdraw at time of class without refund. If you have questions regarding proper attire, please reach out to the instructor.
Welding jackets are provided.
Cory Due is a local 539 pipefitter who focuses on service work and HVAC. They have both a welding degree and HVAC degree and largely work on commercial systems. They enjoy teaching and making mechanical concepts more accessible to all. When they aren't teaching they're scheming about house projects, tending to their garden, or spending time with their family and menagerie of animals.
This class will provide wood shop users with foundational skills in woodworking including planning, materials, marking, skills, and tool use.
Students will be introduced to the TC Maker wood shop mindset and safety expectations. Learn how to plan a successful project with a focus on construction methods and joinery. Select wood, measure and mill materials, and learn order of operations and assembly. Finally, we'll cover wood finishing including finish options and technique.
Each of the four sessions will last two hours and start with a lesson portion. If we have any extra time, the instructors can help answer questions and consult on projects.
The workbench, clamps, vices, measuring tools, squares, chisel, hand plane, bandsaw, table saw, jointer, planer, sanding station, and more.
Clothing suitable to the wood shop. Wear close-toed shoes and avoid loose, dangling clothing and accessories.
Eye and hearing protection is required. Dust masks and eye/ear protection are available to borrow but bringing your own is recommended.
Ready to take your prints to the next level on our Bambu X1C (with AMS) and P1S printers? If you’re excited about faster prints, multi-color projects, smoother workflows, and learning more advanced 3D printing settings, this class is for you.
This session builds on the Beginner training. You should feel comfortable slicing a file and starting a basic filament print before attending.
After registering, please complete the free Bambu Lab Academy course before class: https://bambulab.com/en/support/academy
Complete all modules under the Beginner section for the X1C printer.
Completion of the Beginner X1C course is REQUIRED so we can check you off for Bambu printer access.
You do not need to review the Bambu Handy app.
In this hands-on session, we’ll explore the Bambu X1C (with AMS) and P1S printers together. We’ll go over the hardware, walk through Bambu Studio workflows, talk through real-world troubleshooting, and experiment with multi-color printing using AMS.
For TCM Members: This training will also set up each member with their own accounts to get access to the printers and show them how to use the farming software.
By the end, you’ll be officially checked off and ready to use the Bambu printers on your own.
New to 3D printing? Start with our 3D Printing Lab Orientation and Beginner Class to unlock the Prusa i3 MK3S+ printers.
Interested in high-detail prints like miniatures or resin models? We also run a monthly Resin class for the Anycubic Photon M5S Pro. 3D scanner training for the Creality Raptor Pro is available upon request.
If the class is full, reach out, and we’ll try to schedule a 1:1 session depending on availability.
Got any questions or need assistance? Email us at 3D@tcmaker.org and we’re happy to help.
We can’t wait to see what you create. Happy printing!
This hands-on workshop introduces students to the ancient art of enameling on copper. Participants will learn fundamental techniques including surface preparation, enamel application, firing processes, and finishing methods. By the end of the class, each student will have created a coordinated jewelry set featuring their own color choices and design aesthetic.
Beginner — no prior experience required.
Surface preparation, enamel application, sifting technique, kiln firing, edge finishing, jewelry assembly.
Closed-toe shoes, hair tie if you have long hair, and clothing made of natural materials (avoid synthetics near the kiln).
Up To 7 Days Before the Event Starts.
This hands-on workshop teaches you how to use a biscuit joiner to cut perfect oval slots for fast, repeatable, and hidden wood alignment.
Learn a clever joinery technique that uses oval "biscuits" that makes the glue-up process simple and precise. This is a great improvement to a plain edge-to-edge joint and simpler than dowels or Dominos. You will learn how to dial in the biscuit joiner for flush surfaces that require minimal sanding and offer a professional, gap-free finish. Whether your project requires a tabletop, shelf or panel, this class provides a technical foundation for efficient use of expensive wood.
Some experience using a table saw is required.
(1) We will learn why biscuits keep panels flush during glue-ups, (2) dive into referencing the machine fence versus the baseplate for repeatable slot depth and height, (3) and the safe execution of plunge cuts to ensure your joints stay exactly where you marked them. After the class, you will be able to tackle your next glue-up with confidence and get precise results.
Tim Bednar is an Assistant Wood Shop Manager at TC Maker and also teaches the Woodworking 101 class. After studying at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, he spent many years as a minister and then web developer before returning to furniture design and woodcraft.
This is for folks who have screen printing experience. If you want the full class please sign up for Screen Printing 101.
This class covers:
Rick Strohmeyer has been a long time member of Twin Cities Maker. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking, he has enjoyed sharing his knowledge he has learned while being a a print-maker, painter and general designer.
Questions or trouble signing up for this class? Email ceramics@tcmaker.org.
Orientation will be a half-hour session covering space changes, equipment and material locations, donations, cleanliness protocols, and safety procedures for new members and those who haven't been down to the Artifactory in a while.
Come learn about the jewelry bench! We have tools to support fabrication workflows as well as casting (red sand and investment casting). The instructor's subject area is silversmithing, but all interest areas are welcomed as we seek to expand our jewelry-making offerings.
In this orientation, you will learn each tool's role in the jewelry-making process, from cutting and forming to soldering and polishing. This department is distinct from the Lapidary department, but the skills go hand-in-hand!
Measuring and Marking
Forming
Cutting and Reducing
Joining
Polishing
Various Jigs and Miscellaneous
We will end by discussing what's next for the jewelry department, how to get involved, and where to find resources for learning more.
Happy making! ~Abby
This hands-on workshop teaches you how to use our INCRA I-Box jig on the table saw to create repeatable box or finger joints without gaps.
Learn the art of the classic box or finger joint—a technique prized for its mechanical strength and beauty. Unlike miter joints, finger joints showcase corners making them the perfect choice for your next project. By mastering the setup and execution of these joints, you’ll be able to create gap-free corners that are as beautiful as they are durable. Whether you're building a delicate jewelry box or robust shop storage, this class provides the technical foundation you need to make heirloom quality work.
Confident use of a table saw is required.
(1) We will learn why finger joints offer superior mechanical strength compared to other corner joints, (2) dive into joint spacing, (3) and practice safe vertical cuts to ensure perfectly flush corners every time. After the class, you will be able to produce gap-free finger joinery that adds a professional, custom look to any project.
NOTE: *You must attend the general Twin Cities Maker Orientation ("New Member Orientation") in addition to our Ceramics Studio Orientation.*
Questions or trouble signing up for this orientation? Email ceramics@tcmaker.org
The general orientation will orient you with the makerspace as a whole, while our ceramics studio orientation will focus specifically on the processes and procedures in our shop. We recommend completing the general orientation before the ceramics orientation. You do not need to attend orientation before taking a class or workshop. However, orientation is a requirement to keep using the studio after a class or workshop ends.
Our ceramics orientation will cover:
Come prepared to ask questions and have fun!
Learn enough metalworking to double your project list!
Curious about how to begin your metalworking journey? Have a project idea that you'd like to use metal in? Join us as we explore how to MIG weld, braze, solder, use hand tools, angle grinders, and cover the shear, drill press, and box and pan brake tools in the shop. Feel more confident using the space safely, add more skills to your tool belt, and walk away with a small completed class project. Participants are encouraged to bring in their own project ideas but not required.
Class One: We'll start with the basics—safety, handy tools to use and how to use them, thinking about fabrication layout, and how to use the oxy-acetylene torch and plasma cutter. We'll also go over the shear and horizontal bandsaw as we begin our class project.
Class Two: Our second class will go over how to MIG weld, use of the drill press, review the oxy-acetylene torch, and continue to fabricate pieces for our class project.
Class Three: We'll learn how to MIG weld and use an angle grinder. We'll use the box and pan brake, small hand tools in the metal shop, and finish our small shop project. We'll also cover some basic finishing techniques.
Class Four: Class four is an open work class. Participants can come and work on their individual project with support from the instructor.
Suited to beginners but all levels welcome.
MIG Welding, Oxy-Acetylene, plasma cutting, angle grinder, shear, drill press, bandsaw.
Cory Due is a local 539 pipefitter who focuses on service work and HVAC. They have both a welding degree and HVAC degree and largely work on commercial systems. They enjoy teaching and making welding less intimidating. When they aren't teaching they're scheming about house projects, tending to their garden, or spending time with their family and menagerie of animals.
Add welding to your DIY skillset with this introductory course.
Learn the basics of MIG welding and walk away with your own small wall-mounted coat hanger. In this class you will learn a basic welding framework to use on your own projects at home or in the TC Maker shop. Safety, machine basics, gas choice and set-up, as well as basic tools will all be covered. For folks starting from zero knowledge to those who have welded in the past and would like to brush-up, this class emphasizes that everyone can be a welder and make their own project dreams come true. Class size is kept small to encourage participation and time with the instructor.
Participants should be wearing close-toed shoes and clothing that is 100% cotton or wool. Jeans or similar material without holes are also recommended. No synthetic fibers. Improper attire may require participants to withdraw at time of class without refund. If you have questions regarding proper attire, please reach out to the instructor.
Cory Due is a local 539 pipefitter who focuses on service work and HVAC after earning a welding degree at MCTC and working in a fabrication shop and on the construction side of the pipefitters union. They have both a welding degree and HVAC degree and largely work on commercial systems. They enjoy teaching and making mechanical concepts more accessible to all. When they aren't teaching they're scheming about house projects, tending to their garden, or spending time with their family and menagerie of animals.
Never let your plants get thirsty again!
Do you love gardening but lack the energy for watering all your enthusiastic plant purchases? Are you like me and the phrase "just one more tomato plant, I'm sure I have room for it" haunt you by August? Join us as we explore the wonderful world of creating your own irrigation system. Schedule or manually turn on your spigot and away it goes!
This class has two parts.
In part one we'll cover types of irrigation you can use, the pro's and cons, and what material is ideal. We'll also include some piping best practices and how to prepare your system for winter.
Part two participants are encouraged to bring in their garden layout and start planning their system. We will also be learning how to solder, use some basic piping tools, and making out own manifolds for our irrigation system.
Participants will take home a PVC manifold, if participants would prefer a copper one, please reach out to the instructor at cory.due@tcmaker.org.
Cory Due is an over-enthusiastic gardener who is still learning the meaning of "no we cannot add one more plant to this bed". They are a pipefitter during the day (and sometimes night) and love spending time with their family. Their enthusiasm for food and gardening is only ever tempered by time and space.
Feel more confident in understanding how your home AC works and learn how to identify and fix issues on your own.
This class is for every homeowner who would like to have a better working understanding of their home AC unit and learn basic troubleshooting and maintenance skills. Learn the steps you can take before you call a company to solve simple issues. We will be working on a demonstration condensing unit and evaporator.
Skills we'll learn in the class together: How does your refrigeration system work? Major components. How to use an electrical meter to look for problems. How to change out the most common components. Summer maintenance items. How to spot an issue that will need a professional. When to change your system.
Participants are welcome to bring pictures and model/serial numbers of their current home systems. You are also welcome to bring your own electrical meter. Fluke is the industry standard but Klein are a good choice for homeowners.
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