MAKE II at Library 21c

Make II is where we offer hand tools, power tools, and machines for more advanced projects like 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC milling. For safety purposes, staff is in the room while machines are in use.
Make II can only be used during Open Hours. Please check the calendar before dropping in. Call (719) 531-6333, x1539 with any questions.

ABOUT THE SPACE

  • The general policy, waivers, and cost information are available on the main Makerspace page.
  • During Open Hours patrons can use the machinery in Make II with limited guidance. You must be badged in advance to use Make II machinery. Access to the various machines is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
    • The laser cutter is available for advanced reservation for one hour up to one week in advance.
    • The laser cutter and CNC are available for up to an hour of use. More time may be available if no one is waiting to use the machine.
    • Reserve the Laser Cutter

OPEN HOURS

  • Mondays: Closed
  • Tuesdays: 2 - 8 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 2 - 6 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 2 - 8 p.m.
  • Fridays: Closed
  • Saturdays: 1 - 5 p.m.
  • Sundays: Closed

PAPERWORK

DROP OFF 3D PRINTING

The makerspace at Library 21c offers drop-off 3D printing. Bring an STL file to the Make desk to have us 3D Print an item for you. We’ll run it when the printers are available, and email you when it’s done.

  • Print time will be estimated when you drop off your print, and every patron is limited to 10 hours of total print time per quarter for drop-off printing.
  • File submissions must be done in person.
  • We can only assist with 3D modeling, file conversion, or editing during a scheduled Machinery Appointment.
  • The Library reserves the right to refuse assisting with a project if the file is deemed to be a weapon, pornographic material, or a potential violation of copyright, patent, or trademark law.

EQUIPMENT

Machines

  • Epilog Helix 75 Watt Laser Engraver/Cutter
  • Lulzbot Mini 3D printer (4)
  • Lulzbot TAZ 6 3D printer (2)
  • ShopBot Desktop CNC

Tools

  • 3D Printing Pens
  • Allen Wrenches
  • Box Cutter
  • C Clamp
  • Claw Hammers
  • Claw Knife
  • Dremel Tool with Accessories
  • Hand Reaming Tool
  • Heat Guns
  • Hobby Knives
  • Power Drill
  • Rubber Mallet
  • Saw
  • Screwdrivers, electrical and woodworking
  • Socket Wrench Set
  • Staple Gun
  • Tape Measure
  • Various Pliers

SOFTWARE

Comments

Tara Butcher replied on

Hi, I was wondering if I need to do anything, like take a class, to be able to use any equipment (cameras, tripods, computers, etc.) and if the editing softwares are available on the laptop? thank you!

Jamey replied on

Hi,

In order to utilize the equipment either in the studio or for checkout you'll need to take the C³ Studio Orientation Class. There is also a required camera course that certifies you to use the cameras. As far as editing goes, you don't need a special class. You can stop at the C³ desk outside of the makerspaces, and they'll get you going on one of the editing stations. Currently, we don't have the software available on any laptops.

Andy Rusk replied on

Hello, I was curious if there are flatbed scanners in the makerspace, and if so, how large are they? Thanks.

Will O'Hearn replied on

Hello Andy,

We do not have flatbed scanners in the Makerspace but we do have a flatbed scanner for public use at East, Library 21c, and Penrose. The scanning area is 17" x 11" for these machines, they are free to use! Thanks for thinking of PPLD, let us know if we can do anything else to help.

Erin Smalley replied on

I am working with enable ...an organization that uses a 3 D printer to make a plastic hand attachment. I'm wondering if someone can help me do this at the library ? Thanks for any help!

Becca replied on

If you could please email us at askc3@ppld.org with more information about what you need to accomplish, we can talk with you about the capabilities of the makerspace machinery.

Jason replied on

My son was born with Poland syndrome and I saw information about enable, a group that makes prosthetic hands. My son is 6 and has a smaller right hand. If anyone can help please let me know. Thanks

Jason replied on

Hello,

We do have soldering irons, as well as solder, available in the Makerspace at Library 21C. It is generally available whenever the library is open, as long as there is no class or program going on in the Makerspace. You will need to have a makerspace user agreement on file, which you can pick up at any time at the desk. If you have any questions or would like to reserve at time to use the equipment, please call us at 719-531-6333. Thank you.

Kelley replied on

What are the approved materials for cutting/etching?

Jason replied on

Hello,

Approved materials include wood, some plastics, glass, leather, fabric, cork, ceramic, stone, paper, rubber, acrylics, paper, and fabric. The only material we cannot use is vinyl (which includes sheets of vinyl, PVC, as well as some plastics) as it releases toxic fumes. Additionally, metals generally do not work as the laser isn't strong enough to engrave them; the exception is anodized metals. Some materials, such as glass and ceramic, can be engraved but cannot be cut.

If you would like to discus a specific material or your project, please give the Makerspace a call at 719-531-6333.

Rhoni G replied on

I was wondering if your media converters are able to convert home video tapes into DVD's. If so, is there some kind of charge or limit to how many videos a library card holder can convert?

Melissa S replied on

Hello, at Library 21c we have several types of conversion machines. The VHS to DVD video converter would be able to convert your home VHS tapes to DVD. You will need to bring in your own DVD-R for transferring to. The transfer process is in "real-time," meaning if the VHS is 2 hours long, it will take 2 hours to transfer to a DVD. If you would like to reserve time to use the Video Converter, please call the Make Desk 719-531-6333.

Daniel replied on

What are the size restraints for the CNC machine and the Laser cutters? I'm working on a few projects and want to make sure I don't go over the limits.

Jason replied on

Hello,

The bed size for both the CNC and the laser cutter is 24"x18". The maximum thickness for the CNC is 3.5", however certain bits may have more restrictive size limits. As for the laser cutter, the maximum thickness for an object to fit into the machine is 8.5". However if you are planning on cutting through the material, as opposed to doing a surface engraving, the maximum thickness will be significantly thinner. It will depend on the exact material, but for most things it is between 1/4" and 1/2".

You can find more information at http://ppld.org/c3/equipment#makeII and if you would like to discuss your projects in more detail, please call us at 719-531-6333.

Ray replied on

Do you have a way to print onto neoprene mats, like mouse pads?

Anonymous replied on

Thank you for your question. We do not currently support printing onto any materials other than the build plates on our machines. This is just to prevent potential damage to the machines.

Taylor Jones replied on

Hi I've been getting custom 3d printed medallions done recently and they don't seem to be working out. Would yall be able to mill my medallions design into a graphite slab?

Ben replied on

Hello, the only materials we can mill are woods and plastics. If you use one of those materials we could probably mill your design for you.

Tim replied on

Just a "heads up" the form for reserving time mistakenly (I believe) prevents me from reserving time next week because I have reserved time this week. I think the correct behavior should be a single 1-hr reservation in a single given week. Seems likely it is just a programming glitch...

vfranklyn replied on

Hi there. If you are talking about the laser cutter, reservations can be made once per week, one week in advance, for up to one hour. Maybe your second reservation wasn't a week away? If this isn't the case, let us know and we'll investigate further.

Mike replied on

What is the limit to the size an object can be 3D printed? I have an item I am designing that is currently approx 10 inches long. Future customization may be larger and smaller.

Anonymous replied on

Here is a link to the information on the 3D printers we have (bed size included).
https://ppld.org/c3/equipment#makeII. However, just because the bed is technically big enough doesn't mean it will work. Size is also limited by our time limits. For printing during open hours the print has to be done before the end of open hours. For a drop-off we have a max time limit of 10 hours per quarter, that can be one large print or multiple smaller ones. We'll try any print once or twice if you do a drop-off but can't guarantee every print will work.

Jean Muller replied on

Do you still offer video/TV equipment for “professional” filming? Are there people to help with scripting a Public Service Announcement about recycling? Thanks!

Anonymous replied on

Studio 21c does offer equipment for checkout, however you must first attend our orientation class which can be found online at ppld.org/studio under the Class Calendar link. Once you've taken the class you'll also be able to schedule time with our staff and we'll see how we can help with your script.

Robert Brown replied on

What specific CAD software do you offer? Also, do you offer slicing software for 3D printing?
Which of your four 3D printers has been the most reliable and accurate (in your experience)?

Anonymous replied on

We have SolidWorks on our CAD PC in the edit bay area. You can also use Fusion 360 and Tinkercad on our computers as well. As for slicing software we use Cura for Lulzbot for our Taz's and Makerbot Desktop for our Makerbots. I would suggest getting badged on our Taz printers as we have more of those and they are working great.

Taylor replied on

Hello,
Has the Epilog Helix Laser ever been used to cut shaped confetti from paper? I know the machine could have issues with reflective materials, but is metallic paper okay?

Melissa replied on

Hello, it is fine to cut out reflective paper on the laser cutter. However, the paper must be cardstock, and you will only be able to cut about two sheets of paper at a time. There is a higher risk of small pieces of paper catching on fire, so you will need to be extra vigilant with cutting out such small shapes. The other issue that you will run into, is that these small pieces may just fall through the grate of the laser bed and on to the crumb tray underneath. I would highly suggest caution if this project is attempted.

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