MakerspaceCT upcoming events

Laser Basics with Erik (Tuesday, May 05, 2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 22:00:00 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.

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.

Wood Shop Safety Certification with Matt (Monday, May 11, 2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 22:00:00 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.

Metal Shop Safety Certification with Peter (Members Only) (Friday, May 15, 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Detailed overview of safety policies and procedures for the Metal Fabrication 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.

Machines covered include: bandsaw, jump shear, finger brake, sheet metal notcher, drill press, grinding station, disk sander and more.

Please note: The Machine Shop, Welding, CNC Plasma and Blacksmithing are covered in separate trainings.

This session may end earlier or later than planned based on the number of students and level of training needed.

Rotary Laser A Drink Tumbler with Erik (MEMBERS ONLY) (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)

Tue, 19 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Laser Tumbler Engraving

About the Class Put a personal touch on your coffee tumbler in this hands-on workshop. Using MakerspaceCT's laser engraver with rotary attachment, you'll engrave your initials, a monogram, or a custom graphic directly onto your tumbler, leaving with a finished, one-of-a-kind piece.

Prerequisites Laser Basics certification required. This class is open to certified members only.

What We'll Cover Topics

Setting up the rotary attachment for cylindrical objects
Preparing artwork and initials in the laser software
Dialing in settings for material type and tumbler finish
Running and monitoring the engrave

Hands-On Project Students set up their design, configure the rotary attachment, and engrave their tumbler from start to finish.

Course Outcomes Students gain:

Hands-on experience with the rotary attachment
Confidence setting up and running a job on the laser independently
A finished engraved tumbler

Provided Coffee tumbler, laser time, and instruction. Bring your own design or choose from templates available in the software.

What to Bring Closed-toe shoes. All other materials provided.

Machine Shop Safety Certification with Greg (Members Only) (Thursday, May 28, 2026)

Thu, 28 May 2026 22:00:00 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.

Metal Shop Safety Certification with Peter (Members Only) (Friday, June 05, 2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Machines covered include: bandsaw, jump shear, finger brake, sheet metal notcher, drill press, grinding station, disk sander and more.

Please note: The Machine Shop, Welding, CNC Plasma and Blacksmithing are covered in separate trainings.

This session may end earlier or later than planned based on the number of students and level of training needed.

Metal Shop Safety Certification with Peter (Members Only) (Friday, June 19, 2026)

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Machines covered include: bandsaw, jump shear, finger brake, sheet metal notcher, drill press, grinding station, disk sander and more.

Please note: The Machine Shop, Welding, CNC Plasma and Blacksmithing are covered in separate trainings.

This session may end earlier or later than planned based on the number of students and level of training needed.

Machine Shop Safety Certification with Greg (Members Only) (Thursday, June 25, 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 22:00:00 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.

Metal Shop Safety Certification with Peter (Members Only) (Friday, July 17, 2026)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Machines covered include: bandsaw, jump shear, finger brake, sheet metal notcher, drill press, grinding station, disk sander and more.

Please note: The Machine Shop, Welding, CNC Plasma and Blacksmithing are covered in separate trainings.

This session may end earlier or later than planned based on the number of students and level of training needed.