To register for a class, click on the class to go to the event details page.
If the class is full, fill out a Request a Class form to request additional classes.
This class is designed for those new to SLA 3D printing. You'll learn how to find, download, prepare, and print files on our resin 3D printers.
Upon completion of this course, you'll be approved to start using the Resin 3D printers at Leesburg and Purcellville on your own.
No prerequisite skills needed. Resin materials are included in the class fee.
This class will be held in the 3D Printing Room at Makersmiths in Leesburg.
New to Makersmiths? Please fill out the online waiver form at https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
Questions? Please contact the instructor Allie Graves.
If the class is full, please here to request additional classes.
Makersmiths, Inc. members wishing to use the tools in the woodworking shop in Purcellville must complete a course of orientation and training and demonstrate competence with each tool before their name will be placed on the approved list of machine operators.
Completion of red tool training in Leesburg does NOT permit you to use the tools or shop in Purcellville. While many of the tools in the two locations perform similar tasks, the tools in Leesburg are homeowner/hobbyist in size while the tools in Purcellville are industrial sized.
Red Tool training for woodworking in Purcellville is divided into three classes: Red Tool Woodworking-Basics; Red Tool Woodworking-Advanced; and Red Tool CNC.
This course covers Red Tool Woodworking – Advanced
Prerequisites - Must be a member of Makersmiths, be 18 or older and have completed Red Tool Woodworking-Basics.
Class size is limited to three students. The class is a minimum of two hours but may take longer depending on attendee’s previous experience.
The class will start in the Green Room with a presentation and discussion covering wood and machine terminology, machine manuals and other resources, rules, and safety. Class will then move into the wood shop where various machines will be demonstrated. Members will get an opportunity to practice on each machine. The machines covered in this class are; 12” Jointer, 22” Planer, 37” Belt Sander, and 20” Band Saw.
New to Makersmiths? Prior to coming to class, please sign this online waiver form: https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
No-shows will not receive a refund or makeup class. If you cannot attend the class and it is at least 3 days before the event, please log in to www.makersmiths.org to cancel your registration and receive a refund, unless otherwise specified in the event description. At the left side of the top menu bar, click on your name. This will take you to your membership profile screen. Click on events under contact details. Click on the registration date of the event you want to cancel. At the top of the screen, click on cancel registration and follow the prompts.
If you cannot attend the class and it is less than 3 days before the event, please contact the instructor; you may be able to request a refund.
If the class is full, click here to request an additional class.
Contact the instructor for questions: John Borden
This is an introduction to the EBF CNC Router. Please meet in the Green Room and then later we will move to the wood shop. Participants will learn how to set up and cut material on this machine. This workshop will feature an overview presentation in the Green Room followed by a hands-on practical experience on the CNC for each attendee in the wood shop. Each attendee will operate the machine to cut a sample job using instructor-supplied materials.
This class will prep participants for Red Tool certification on the machine. Following the class, participants can schedule a short session with the instructor where they bring in their own project and cut it with the instructor present to demonstrate that they can use the machine safely on their own thereafter.
Pre-requisite Skill Level: Please review the "CNC Workshop Pre-Class Materials" presentation on this page:
http://wiki.makersmiths.org/display/MAK/Learning+CNC+Resources prior to the class. Some familiarity with vector drawing, 3D drawing and/or CNC is helpful but not required to take the class. If you don't already have these, attend one of our Adobe Illustrator classes and watch Youtube videos on basic wood CNC topics. Setting up and running the machine is very small part of the overall process of bringing your designs to life.
Click here if interested in a future class.
If you are new to Makersmiths, be sure to fill out the waiver form at https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj.
Questions? Contact the instructor Anthony Lesink
Are you a new Makersmiths member? Are you an older member who needs a refresh? If you said yes to either of these than come on by for our New Member Orientation.
We will go over everything you could possibly ever need to know about the organization and have knowledgeable members on hand to answer questions.
All members must attend a New Member Orientation in order to be granted independent access to the Makersmiths facilities.
Questions: Contact John Carter.
Woodturning is a fun, absorbing activity. Once you learn the basics of turning, you’ll want to develop your skills with the lathe. This sign-off class is necessary to use the lathe independently and a prerequisite for future woodturning project classes.
This course at is NOT a project class, but focuses on spindle turning.
The class will focus on the following:
Roughing gouge Spindle gouge Parting tool5
You won’t become an expert with one course, but I hope you will (re)discover that turning is fun and adds a new dimension to your portfolio of woodworking skills.
No prerequisites to fulfill prior to this class, but it is important to follow these safety requirements: Wear closed-toed shoes, short sleeves, and eye protection (bring yours or use ours).
We will meet in the woodturning shop at the Leesburg location.
Optional (we have some you can use if needed): Hearing protection, particle filter, or dust mask.
If you are new to Makersmiths, fill out an online waiver form prior to coming to class: https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
Questions? Please contact the instructor Dave Hamrick.
If the class is full, click here to request additional classes.
We are an all-volunteer-run, non-profit organization providing knowledge, space, equipment, community & programs to enable you to learn, design, make, launch, work and play. We are adult enthusiasts, young adults and kids learning, playing and making, entrepreneurs prototyping new products and concepts, and finally, community organizations taking part in the maker movement. Our members share over 3,000 square feet of workrooms with a CNC mill, 3D printers, ceramics studio, welding, blacksmithing, woodworking and metalworking tools, meeting space and more. We are also gearing back up to offer classes and project workshops on a variety of topics such as blacksmithing and welding. Come tell us what you'd like to see! We'd like to invite you to come by for a mini-tour and chat during Open House hours on Tuesday nights from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Come poke around, ask questions, see what other members are working on. We're friendly and casual.
We're at 785 S. 20th Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. Enter at the 2nd gate, drive down the hill, past the Lower Building, and up the hill to the main entrance of the Upper Building.
If you want to get going right away, you can join us by visiting this page: Makersmiths Join Us Page Hope to see you soon, maybe next Tuesday. In the meantime, if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask! Contact info@makersmiths.org
This red tool CnC course basic will cover the safety and operation of our "Big Red" CnC machine in Makersmiths Leesburg. During the session, students will make a take-home plaque. Upon completion of this course, you'll be authorized to start using Big Red on your own.
We will meet in the classroom and the Big Red Room.
Pre-requisites: Bring a laptop with the program VCarve installed (optional, but it will be very helpful). You should have knowledge of vector graphics. This class will cover their conversion to G-code and safety/setup and operation of Big Red to make the object.
New to Makersmiths? Please fill out the Waiver form at https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
Questions? Contact the instructor Tom Hill.
Woodturning is a fun, absorbing activity. Once you learn the basics of turning, you’ll want to develop your skills with the lathe. This sign-off class is necessary to use the lathe and a prerequisite for future woodturning project classes.
This course at Makersmiths-Leesburg is NOT a project class, but focuses on spindle turning.
We will meet in the woodturning shop.
Roughing gouge Spindle gouge Parting tool
Questions? Please contact the instructor Ken Fuentecilla.
If the class is full, click here if you're interested in a future class.
This is a monthly meeting of the Scheduling Committee.
The Scheduling Committee is responsible for:
The monthly meetings are open to all Makersmiths members.
If you are interested in joining the Scheduling Committee, please attend a meeting to see how you can lend a hand.
We will meet in person in the basement classroom at Leesburg. To attend virtually,
Questions? Please email the Scheduling Committee chairperson Jennifer Chu.
Learn how to make your own wooden pen from start to finish!
In this class, students will receive an introduction to the process of making a turned pen. You will turn a pen on a lathe and take the pen home with you. All materials for this class will be provided.
Class fee includes all tools and supplies (e.g., pen kit, wood) for turning a pen.
Prerequisites: Red Tool class for the Wood Lathe and Leesburg Wood Shop.
Safety: Wear closed-toed shoes and short sleeves. Bring eye and hearing protection (bring yours or use ours).
We will meet in the woodturning shop at the Leesburg location. We will use the woodturning shop and the woodshop.
We are an all-volunteer-run, non-profit organization providing knowledge, space, equipment, community & programs to enable you to learn, design, make, launch, work and play. We are adult enthusiasts, young adults and kids learning, playing and making, entrepreneurs prototyping new products and concepts, and finally, community organizations taking part in the maker movement. Our members share over 3,000 square feet of workrooms with CNC mills, 3D printers, a 100 watt laser cutter, woodworking and metalworking tools, meeting space, storage space and more. We are also gearing back up to offer classes and project workshops on a variety of topics such as butcher block cutting board building, Arduino and RaspberryPi programming, and sewing. Come tell us what you'd like to see! We'd like to invite you to come by for a mini-tour and chat during Open House hours on Thursday nights from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Come poke around, ask questions, see what other members are working on. We're friendly and casual. We're at 106 Royal St SW, Leesburg, VA 20175 or search Google Maps for "Makersmiths" for directions.
If you want to get going right away, you can join us by visiting this page: Makersmiths Join Us Page Hope to see you soon, maybe next Thursday. In the meantime, if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask! Please email: info@makersmiths.org
Welcome to the world of 3D Printing at Makersmiths, whether you have been printing for years or this is your first foray into the topic, you will leave with the ability to send prints to our Bambu X1C machines.
This class will introduce you to the Bambu X1C printers, powerful all in one machines that can print a variety of materials and multicolor printing. We will go over Bambu studio and Bambu Handy as well as what materials your can print with. Suitable for beginners and a great refresh for those who haven't printed in a while.
On completion of this red tool class, you will be authorized to use the Bambu X1C Printers at both Leesburg and Purcellville unsupervised.
This class will meet in the 3D Printing room at the Leesburg location.
Please note
New to Makersmiths? Please fill out the Waiver form prior to class - https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
No refunds will be given to cancellations within 3 days prior to the event.
Questions: Contact the instructor John Carter.
Frame Shop Red Tool Class
This red tool workshop will be held in the Craft Room, lower building at Makersmiths-Purcellville. We will go over safety and basic operation of the frame shop tools including the multi-material cutter, frame chopper, and underpinner.
Participants will need to bring a pencil/pen, eye protection, and gloves for handling glass. No previous experience is needed. The instructor will provide molding, acrylic, and glass.
If parents want to register minors for this class, they need to contact the instructor prior to registering to ask for permission.
Additional courses on mat cutting, glass cutting, and finish framing can be taken after completing the red tool course.
If new to Makersmiths, please fill out the Waiver form at https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
General Public members completing this class must be with a Makersmiths member as a guest in order to use the frame shop equipment in the future.
Future classes will include finish framing and picture mat cutting.
If this red tool class is full, click here to request an additional class.
To cancel your registration for this class, you must contact the instructor. Refunds will only be given for extenuating/unforeseen circumstances, which does not include forgetting the class time/date/location. No-shows will not receive a refund or makeup class. If you cannot attend the class and it is at least 3 days before the event, please log in to www.makersmiths.org to cancel your registration and receive a refund, unless otherwise specified in the event description. If you cannot attend the class and it is less than 3 days before the event, please contact the instructor. You may be able to request a refund.
Questions? Contact the instructor, Dawn Martin.
This is the red tool class for our newest printer, the BN2-20! The BN2-20 is a commercial quality sticker printer but also so much more.
In this class you will learn the basics of using the machine safely and what it is capable of. You will learn to print stickers using white vinyl and how to laminate for durability. We will go over the print and cut feature, kiss cut, perf cut, lamination, and file setup using Adobe illustrator. Files can also be prepped in additional programs which we will go over including Flexi design studio which is a specialized program installed on the computer.
In this class, each student will print a set of stickers (about 5-6) using Versaworks. Each student will prep, print, laminate, and cut their stickers.
After this class, students will be authorized to use the BN2-20 independently.
A separate, advanced red tool class will cover additional media, such as heat transfer vinyl, banners, printable fabric, clear and holographic sticker material, as well as using the white ink available and when it's useful.
The instructor will provide images to choose from. There are a variety of images and more may be added. If you would like to bring your own artwork, please bring a computer with Adobe Illustrator or a flash drive with the image and the instructor can prep the file during the class for you. You can use the computer at the main room while other students are working and the instructor will be available to assist. Please note that those using the prepared files will get first priority to print.
You will receive a handout with steps that will also be available anytime after and will be updated occasionally. You will also be given access to the sample sticker library files and a prep file that will assist with easier prep in Adobe Illustrator.
You will take home a set of durable waterproof stickers that can be put on just about anything.
Prerequisites: None. Be ready to participate and learn!
The class will meet in the main room at the Leesburg location.
No refunds will be given to cancellations within 3 days prior to the class.
New to Makersmiths? Prior to coming to class, please sign this online waiver form: https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj.
Questions? Contact the instructor John Carter.
This Red Tool class is a prerequisite for anyone looking to use the Thunder Laser Nova 51 (at Leesburg) or Thunder Laser Nova 24 (at Purcellville) CO2 laser cutters.
This training will show you the basic usage of the Thunder Laser Nova 51 and the Thunder Laser Nova 24 along with safety considerations. After this class you will be authorized to use either CO2 laser cutter - Nova 51 in Leesburg and Nova 24 in Purcellville.
This class will NOT cover the rotary tool or the advanced features of the CO2 laser cutter. These will be covered in separate red tool classes.
This class will NOT cover the fiber laser located in the Purcellville lower building. This will be covered in a separate red tool class.
This class will go over how to use the machines safely, but does not go into detail on project designs or the advanced features of LightBurn.
While not necessary, it is highly recommended that participants familiarize themselves with vector drawing and LightBurn to help them get more out of the class. Participants will learn to make a material test swatch or key ring.
During the class, the following will be addressed:
Prerequisite: None, though watching some YouTube videos about LightBurn will help you get more out of the class:
In this red tool training class in the main room at Makersmiths Leesburg, Makersmiths members will learn how to use the Roland LEF2-200 UV Printer and print on a 4x4 ceramic coaster.
After completing this class, you will be authorized to use the UV Printer independently.
No prerequisite skills are required and all materials will be provided.
You will learn how to:
You are welcome to bring an image you would like on your coaster! Just make sure it’s on a portable USB drive!
New to Makersmiths? If you have not filled out the online waiver form, please go to https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
Fundamentals of Engineering (with an Emphasis on Robotics)
This six session workshop is for students entering grades 8 through 12. The course curriculum will be an introduction to dimensional analysis, basic mechanics, basic kinematics, control theory, gears and linkages, and introduction to robotics. Most of the information and material presented in this workshop is a foundation for robotics.
We will meet in the electronics lab in the basement of Makersmiths Leesburg.
No-shows will not receive a refund or makeup class. If you cannot attend the class and it is at least 3 days before the event, please log in to www.makersmiths.org to cancel your registration and receive a refund, unless otherwise specified in the event description. If you cannot attend the class and it is less than 3 days before the event, please contact the instructor; you may be able to request a refund.
New to Makersmiths? Participants are required to fill out a waiver form - https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj or have a completed waiver form on file.
Questions? Contact the instructor, Brian Jo
The monthly Board of Directors meeting is open to all Makersmiths Members.
All Members are welcome and encouraged to attend, but motions, votes, participation in discussion are for Board Members.
Please join the meeting if you’re interested in what we’re voting on, committee reports, etc.
The meeting google code is https://meet.google.com/cih-ehxi-wbc.
The meeting agenda as well as minutes from past meetings can be found on the wiki - http://wiki.makersmiths.org/display/MAK/2023+Board+Meetings.
Questions: Contact the chairman of the Board - Evin Grano.
Come lend a hand at our monthly work party in Leesburg. Many hands make lite work, and that gives us more time to meet new friends and see what each other are making. What are we working on? Often something new, but you can bet it's gonna include -
Be a part of it! We'd love for you to register for this event so we can better organize for projects and lunch plans, but we are also 100% fine with you just dropping by.
This is a great way to contribute your mandatory 2 hours of volunteer time per month. With good company, the time flies by!
If you have any questions, please email John Carter.
Purcellville Work Day
On the first Saturday of each month, Makersmiths Purcellville has a work day. This is a great opportunity for Makersmiths members to complete their monthly volunteer hours. It is also a chance to meet other members!
Please arrive at 9am and we should wind down our work at 12:00PM (noon). The list of jobs that need to be completed are posted in Slack (General) a day or two before the work day- so be sure to check the Makersmiths Slack General Slack channel. There are times we need people to come with string trimmers or other maintenance items.
For specific questions, please contact Dave Painter.
Makersmiths, Inc. members wishing to use the tools in the metal shop in Purcellville must complete a course of orientation and training and demonstrate competence with each tool before their name will be placed on the approved list of machine operators.
This course covers Red Tool Metalworking – Basics
Prerequisites - Must be 18 or older and have an interest in metal working.
Class size is limited to four students. The class is a minimum of two hours but may take longer depending on attendee’s previous experience.
The class will be held in the metal working room at Makersmiths in Purcellville. Members will have an introduction to the metal working room and will be introduced to each of the tools in the metal working room. A handout will be provided.
To prepare for class, please do the following:
No-shows will not receive a refund or makeup class. If you cannot attend the class and it is at least 3 days before the event, please log in to www.makersmiths.org to cancel your registrationto ask for a refund. At the left side of the top menu bar, click on your name. This will take you to your membership profile screen. Click on events under contact details. Click on the registration date of the event you want to cancel. At the top of the screen, click on cancel registration and follow the prompts.
If the class is full, Click here to wait list a class.
Contact the instructor for questions: Dave Painter
While many of the tools in the two locations perform similar tasks, the tools in Leesburg are homeowner/hobbyist in size while the tools in Purcellville are industrial sized. Red Tool training for woodworking in Purcellville is divided into three classes: Red Tool Woodworking-Basics; Red Tool Woodworking-Advanced; and, Red Tool CNC. We will meet in both the Green Room and woodshop for this event.
This course covers Red Tool Woodworking – Basics
Prerequisites - Must be 18 or older and have an interest in woodworking.
The class will start in the Green Room with a presentation and discussion covering shop etiquette, layout, hours, rules, material storage, and safety. Class will then move into the wood shop where various machines will be demonstrated. Members will get an opportunity to practice on each machine. The machines covered in this class are; Panel Saw, Table Saw, Miter Saw, Drill Press, Spindle sander, 12” Disk Sander, Downdraft Sanding Table, and Dust Collector.
The Gourd Group hosted by Makersmiths' member, Glenda Skelley, will meet the second Saturday of every month in the Purcellville lower building classroom.
This group is dedicated to educating others on on growing, drying, and crafting with gourds. Look for future workshops and educational demonstrations for our members.
Questions? Contact Glenda Skelly.
Get to Know Your Cricut by Making a Haunted Halloween House
There are so many fun things you can make with a Cricut cutting machine. In this family-friendly Cricut class, we will learn how to select, download and cut out a haunted house template to make a haunted house for Halloween. We will use templates for mini houses that are free from Lucy Foxcroft's website.
This is a family-friendly event so for every registered adult, bring a child or two as helpers. A variety of paper and glue craft resources will be available to help you design and build your haunted house. Feel free to bring items such as fairy lights, and Halloween-themed objects from the Dollar Store. For those that want to enter their completed project on Lucy Foxcroft's contest website, there are prizes to be won! You will learn more about that in this workshop.
We will meet in the classroom of the lower building. If you are new to Makersmiths, please fill out the form online, go to:
https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
If the class is full, click here if you’re interested in a future class.
Questions? Contact the instructor: Diane.Painter@makersmiths.org
We are looking for youth in grades 3-5 to join our elementary wind turbine team. The Makersmiths KidWind wind turbine team will be coached by Makersmiths member, Blair Marendt. The team will meet on Saturday mornings in Makersmiths' Purcellville lower classroom and will participate in the Northern VA Regional KidWind Challenge, an all-day event, TBD.
Parents must sign this waiver form and indicate the student's name and grade. To fill out the form online, go to: https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
Questions? Contact Blair Marendt
Since 2018, Makersmiths has sponsored KidWind teams. What is KidWind? It is an initiative to teach youth about renewable energies as they go through an engineering process of designing, building and testing wind turbines or solar projects. PBS filmed our teams a year ago and we were featured on the This American Land TV series. Meet our teams by viewing: https://vimeo.com/995471444
We are looking for youth in grades 6-8 to join our middle school wind turbine team. The Makersmiths KidWind wind turbine team will be coached by Makersmiths member, Chris Rodgers. The team will meet on Saturday afternoons in Makersmiths' Purcellville lower classroom and will participate in the Northern VA Regional KidWind Challenge, an all-day event- TBD in March.
Questions? Contact Chris Rodgers
Members of Clarke County Economic Development and Tourism will meet with members of Makersmiths to learn about the structure and governance of our nonprofit organization. They will also tour the Makersmiths Purcellville site.
For those coming to this meeting, please note that all participants are required to fill out a waiver form - https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj or have a completed waiver form on file before visiting Makersmiths-Purcellville.
For questions, contact: Diane.Painter@makersmiths.org mailto:Diane.Painter@makersmiths.org or Michelle Ridings Director of Economic Development & Tourism
Make sure to check out next months class options as well!
Leesburg Location106 Royal St SWLeesburg, VA 20175
Open House Every Thursday 6 - 8 PM
Purcellville Location785 S. 20th St.Purcellville, VA 20132
Open House Every Tuesday 6 - 8 PM
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Makersmiths is a 501(c) non-profit organization