MakerspaceCT upcoming events

Wood Shop Safety Certification with Matt (Monday, November 16, 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Detailed overview of safety policies and procedures for the Wood Shop. Safety Certifications at MakerspaceCT are designed to ensure that you know the basics to work safely within the shop of your choice. These classes are a mixture of classroom instruction and hands-on learning. Please register in advance for Safety Certifications at the links below and be sure to dress appropriately when you come to class.

NOTE: you must be a member in good standing to take Safety Certification classes.

All people are welcome in this class and an active effort will be made to be inclusive to all people. This class will not tolerate sexism, ableism, racism, homophobia, or transphobia. MakerspaceCT is for everyone.

Laser Basics with Erik (Tuesday, November 17, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Cost: Members $65/Non-members $89

Age: 18+

Prerequisites: N/A

Credentials: Laser Cutter Safety

Recommended Follow Up Classes: Inkscape for CNC, Plasma Cutter, Intro to Wood Shop

Laser engraving is a fun and interesting skill that can range from an enjoyable hobby to a lucrative business opportunity. Engraving can be used to personalize everyday objects, such as coasters, keychains, and barware. Lasers can even cut materials with details that are impossible for other tools! This is the perfect launching point into larger CNC operations, such as the plasma cutter or the techno router table. This is the perfect course for dipping your toes into the world of CNC machines!

The course content includes:

Startup Procedure
Overview of what CAD is
Overview of what CAM is
Quick overview of what gcode is
How the laser cutter functions
How to prep a file for the laser cutter
Cutting versus engraving and vector versus raster
What materials can be cut
Tolerances
Kerf of the cut
Power and Speeds calculations
Troubleshooting
Where to source materials

Materials Included: A variety of acrylic, plywood, and paper to experiment on, as well as all machines, consumables, and accessories. Participants are welcome to bring their own supplies to cut! Be aware that several types of plastics are not safe to cut on the laser, so ensure that you know exactly what material you are bringing.

Machine Shop Safety Certification with Greg (Members Only) (Thursday, November 19, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Detailed overview of safety policies and procedures for the Machine Shop. Safety Certifications at MakerspaceCT are designed to ensure that you know the basics to work safely within the shop of your choice. These classes are a mixture of classroom instruction and hands-on learning. Please register in advance for Safety Certifications at the links below and be sure to dress appropriately when you come to class.

This safety class covers the lathe and bridgeport in the Machine Shop. A separate training for the Haas is required for those interested in CNC Milling. This training DOES NOT cover any machines in the Metal Fabrication Shop.

This machine shop program at MakerspaceCT is currently limited to no more than three (3) participants at a time.

NOTE: You must be a member in good standing to take Safety Certification classes.

3D Printing Certification (Members Only) (Tuesday, December 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Prerequisites: Members Only

Credentials: 3D Printing Certification

Learn to print successfully more often! 3D printing or "Additive Manufacturing," is useful for hobbyists and professionals alike. Learn to slice a 3D file using a slicer/CAM software and put the code onto a printer to create incredible designs.

The course content includes:

Best practices for slicing
Where to find models for printing
Overview of what can and cannot be printed on our machines
Policies for machine use
Basic troubleshooting

This program allows for one hour of instruction and one hour of printing and troubleshooting with the 3D Printers.

Materials Included: We have a variety colors and brands of PLA/PLA+ plastic and our computers are equipped with software such as UltiMaker Cura and PrusaSlicer. You're welcome to bring a laptop, or bring your own PLA/PLA+. For this basics class, do not bring other filament types, as this class does not cover alternate styles of filament plastics.

Laser Basics with Erik (Tuesday, December 08, 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Cost: Members $65/Non-members $89

Age: 18+

Prerequisites: N/A

Credentials: Laser Cutter Safety

Recommended Follow Up Classes: Inkscape for CNC, Plasma Cutter, Intro to Wood Shop

The course content includes:

Startup Procedure
Overview of what CAD is
Overview of what CAM is
Quick overview of what gcode is
How the laser cutter functions
How to prep a file for the laser cutter
Cutting versus engraving and vector versus raster
What materials can be cut
Tolerances
Kerf of the cut
Power and Speeds calculations
Troubleshooting
Where to source materials

Machine Shop Safety Certification with Greg (Members Only) (Thursday, December 17, 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

This machine shop program at MakerspaceCT is currently limited to no more than three (3) participants at a time.

NOTE: You must be a member in good standing to take Safety Certification classes.

3D Printing Certification (Members Only) (Tuesday, January 05, 2027)

Tue, 05 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Prerequisites: Members Only

Credentials: 3D Printing Certification

The course content includes:

Best practices for slicing
Where to find models for printing
Overview of what can and cannot be printed on our machines
Policies for machine use
Basic troubleshooting

This program allows for one hour of instruction and one hour of printing and troubleshooting with the 3D Printers.

Laser Basics with Erik (Tuesday, January 12, 2027)

Tue, 12 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Cost: Members $65/Non-members $89

Age: 18+

Prerequisites: N/A

Credentials: Laser Cutter Safety

Recommended Follow Up Classes: Inkscape for CNC, Plasma Cutter, Intro to Wood Shop

The course content includes:

Startup Procedure
Overview of what CAD is
Overview of what CAM is
Quick overview of what gcode is
How the laser cutter functions
How to prep a file for the laser cutter
Cutting versus engraving and vector versus raster
What materials can be cut
Tolerances
Kerf of the cut
Power and Speeds calculations
Troubleshooting
Where to source materials

3D Printing Certification (Members Only) (Tuesday, January 26, 2027)

Tue, 26 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Prerequisites: Members Only

Credentials: 3D Printing Certification

The course content includes:

Best practices for slicing
Where to find models for printing
Overview of what can and cannot be printed on our machines
Policies for machine use
Basic troubleshooting

This program allows for one hour of instruction and one hour of printing and troubleshooting with the 3D Printers.