Makersmiths Newsletter

July 2026 Newsletter

Leesburg Workday: 7/25/2026 9am-1pm

Purcellville Workday: 7/11/2026 9am - 12pm

(There's something for everyone -get those volunteer hours in!)

Monthly Membership Meeting

Meetings are the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 PM. Log to:

http://meet.google.com/ubz-ykxr-kiu

or

Dial-in: (US) +1 304-609-2532

PIN: 114 333 983#

Message from the Board of Directors

James Waldron, Secretary 

The Makersmiths Board of Directors met for its Annual Meeting on June 24, 2026. The meeting was called to order by Brad Hess at 7:15 pm in the Leesburg downstairs classroom and via Google Meet.

Returning Director Jonathan White and newly elected Director, Rob Donahue, began their terms. Minutes of the prior meeting were approved.

The next item of business was Officer appointment for the coming year.

• Jonathan White was appointed as Board Chairman.
  
• Brad Hess was appointed and Board Co-Chair.
  
• Mary Waldron was appointed as Treasurer.
  
• Christa Stern was appointed as Bookkeeper.
  
• James Waldron was appointed as Secretary.
  
• We had no nominees for President.

We need to nominate a new President. If you would like to serve your organization in this capacity, please contact any of our board members. It is a rewarding position that interfaces with the membership and the community at large. The president also receives a small discretionary fund.

In other business:

David Lang was appointed as Co-Steward of the Frame Shop.

The Secretary reported on the results of the Directors Election and a Consent in Lieu item for a new Leesburg Woodshop router that passed in early June.

The Treasurer report contained detailed information on year-to-date activity, including a listing of the detailed expenses for each shop. These details can be found in the Treasurer Financial Report in the Board of Directors Agenda on the Wiki.

Membership has been growing slowly and is slightly up at 321 members.

The Board approved expenditures for renewing First Aid supplies and funding for a Summer party. Targeted date is July 25th at MSL from 1 pm to 5 pm. More details to follow.

Finally, the Board approved the use of the budgeted Marketing funds for the Purcellville Artisan Tour on November 7 and 8 at MSP. This action was necessary because we currently do not have a Marketing Committee Chairperson to approve the expenditure of funds. 

The next Board Meeting will be held July 29th.

News from the 3D Steward

Bryan Daniels

Here are some friendly but very important tips regarding Bambu printers. Please don't touch the Bambu build plates with your bare hands. The oils from our fingers create adhesion issues and lead to print failures. At MSL, I saw two of the build plates have fingerprints. Using rubbing alcohol over time can smooth out the texture on the plates, so instead, use Dawn dish soap, water and a smooth clean cloth to lightly dry the plates or allow them to air dry.   Also, as a gentle reminder, when not actively loading/unloading filament from the AMS, please close and latch the lid in order to maintain the controlled environment within the AMS that keeps humidity down to a minimum.

Updates have been made to the bot to cut down on the number of erroneous alerts. Previously the bot would send an alert for any HMS (Health Management System) error, such as "the front door is open". This has now been changed so that nuisance errors that don't actually impact the print shouldn't be getting through. The bot should now also state the type of error being received, as pictured below. Testing shall continue. The Bambu Alert system is officially live on the printers at Purcellville. They will alert the same way as the ones in Leesburg in the #bambualert channel!

Family Friendly Events

Diane Painter

Jeff Irland is leading a summer electronics course for youth at MSL on Tuesday evenings in June and July. The course is full, but if your youth are interested, please let him know by direct messaging him on Slack. Perhaps he will teach it again!

Diane Painter and Robin Schneck are co-leading Exploring Tinkercad: A Family-Friendly Workshop from 3-5 PM on July 20-23 at MSP in the Green Room. Tinkercad is a nice way to get started with computer-assisted drawing (CAD) software. Tinkercad is used in schools, and it is an Autodesk program. Click on https://makersmiths.org/event-6736139 to enroll. 

When learning how to use the Cricut Maker 3, I took an online workshop from https://www.abbikirstencollections.com Abbi offers a number of free workshops to get you started, but her SVG By Design with Inkscape has a fee. At Makersmiths, we often recommend Inkscape, a free design program. If you are interested in really learning Inkscape in-depth and being able to make SVGs that are used in Design Space software, which is used for creating projects with the Cricut Maker 3, take a look at Abbi Kirsten’s online course called SVG by Design. 

Kenneth Parker is looking for high school students for a project. He states, “I'm looking for 2 (maybe a bit more) high school kids who would like to learn data analysis using Python on Juypter Notebooks.  This would not be super advanced, mostly about how to make scientific graphs, do curve fitting, and the like. Because I only read Slack about once a week, you might please me an email (Kenneth@ParkerTong.net)”.

During three afternoons in August, Blair Marendt and Diane Painter will offer KidWind Tinkering Fun Days at Makersmiths Purcellville from 3-5 PM on August 11-13. This is the week before LCPS schools start. These sessions are for any youth in grades 3-12 to come into the Green Room to play with blades, wind turbines, gearboxes, the wind tunnel, or try to create a 3D blade or gearbox for 3D printing or laser cutting. Returning KidWind participants and youths wanting to know what KidWind is all about are invited to come in and “play” and ask questions about KidWind, an initiative that is designed to inform youth in the engineering design process and learn about renewable energy resources. To enroll, go to https://makersmiths.org/event-6751040.

Leesburg and Purcellville Updates

Dave Painter and Mike DeWan

In May, we had quite a storm, and a tree limb pierced the roof of MSP’s blacksmithing shed. The Town of Purcellville responded and sent a tree company out to take down the dead tree culprit! The roof work on the lower building has been completed, but the roofing company needs to come back and work again on the upper building since the storm in May showed us that leaks are still happening.

What is it about the August app and MSP’s blue door in the upper building? Please note, it will relock every thirty minutes, so be sure you have your phone with you to re-enter if you leave the building. There are two locks on the lower gate that we use to enter and leave the MSP property. The town will open the gate and leave it open if trucks are coming and going throughout the day. By 5 PM, their work is done for the day. After 5 PM, if the town lock is open and you are the last one to leave MSP for the day, lock both our lock and the town lock on that gate. 

If you are working in the lower building and are the last to leave, please check the upper building to see if vehicles are gone (no one is working in the building) and lock the lower gate as you leave. Too often, our gate lock is left unlocked, and no one is at MSP. Jim Waldron also advises: “If the lock was on the chain, sometimes I have had to pop it open, even after closing.  Then I checked to be sure it is latched.”

This has been quite a summer of breakages at MSP. Thank you to all who report maintenance issues. Sometimes our maintenance team can make an easy fix, but most of the time, we have to order parts, and getting parts quickly has been a challenge. This is what we are experiencing with needed parts for the minisplits in the woodshop at MSP. Sometimes we cannot find parts. Then, we put our making skills to work and make parts! We are still waiting for new parts for the planer. Thank you for your patience. We know how disappointing it is when machines break down. 

The Leesburg router table is back in full operation. If you have completed the router table sign-off, you are allowed to use the router table. If you don't know if you have completed the sign-off, you can check the list from the members-only section of our website in the tool authorization list. If you have completed the Leesburg woodshop red tool class but have not been signed off for the router, please Direct Message Mike DeWan in Slack. The operation is much the same as the old setup. The wrenches are new but are used in the same manner as the old style. There are now three collects available, 1/2", 1/4", and 8 mm. Please unplug the power to change bits, and when you finish using the router for the day.

Finally, on June 28, smoke detectors at Leesburg were set off on Sunday morning.  John Carter and Ken Fuentecilla resolved the issue. Please note laser cutter users, be absolutely sure that the air compressor is ON and the red knob is cranked to the RIGHT so that the gauge above it reads 90 PSI. Air Assist is mandatory. Should you have any issues with the laser cutter, contact John Carter, the site manager, immediately.

Snack Survey for MSL
Cortney Cline

Leesburg offers snacks to members, but the snack and beverage host for this location needs to learn from members what snacks they would like to see available. Cortney Cline put together a snack survey to help her determine what to buy and stay within a snack budget as effectively as possible. So far, sixteen members have responded to the survery, If you are a snack lover and frequent MSL, please respond to https://forms.gle/eUhrdr4FWW4mzYtQ8

MSP offers soda and water in the fridge located in the Green Room. Diane Painter is in charge of keeping that fridge stocked. Please direct message her to indicate your drink preferences. Snacks are not kept in that location because we have a critter problem when food is around. Sorry about that, but it is what it is!

Now here is something I did not know about Amy. She is a founding member of Empty Bowls that supports Loudoun Hunger Relief and Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter. This event happens in September and brings together artists who donate one-of-a-kind handmade bowls, and people who care about eliminating hunger and injustice in our community. The bowls can be made of ceramics, wood or any material that is safe to use with food. Let’s think about this, are there Makersmiths members who are learning to make bowls that could be donated to this worthy cause? Contact Amy at amyberringer@gmail.com to see how you can help.

Whatcha Making?

Dave Hamrick is busy making pens at MSL. He states, “Haven't posted anything in a while, so here are images of:  We The People twist pens, golf scoring pencils, and key chain Bottle openers!

Who says you have to always make something new at Makersmiths? Lyle Reger was busy re-making! He states, “Classic story of a maker, I suppose. I had these (insanely heavy) old iron chairs that had been... maturing... in the mud and muck under my deck for the last 15 years or so. So, I sandblasted them, repainted them, painted the hardware to match, and picked up some white oak planks, cut them down, and finished them. The bench and two chairs came out really nicely.” Once Lyle put the bench and chairs back on the porch, he realized it was pretty dingy. So, he had to get to work again, scrubbing the siding, sanding, priming, painting the porch and ceiling, repairing the support pillars, installing a slate walkway, and power-washing everything. All this because he revitalized a few chairs!

Sean Adams is learning more than just blacksmithing! He learned to turn cherry wood into bowls with Ken Fuentecilla! 

Dawn Martin created these flower scenes using dried flowers, crushed glass, and resin.

Tom Hill, Lane Waldron, and Isaac Bowser created Makersmiths’ 4th of July float for the Town of Purcellville’s parade that happened on June 27. When asked to describe the float, Lane stated: It is a super-sized papercraft version of the recent Artemis II mission spacecraft, featuring the Orion capsule and the hand-painted quote from NASA Mission Control, 'Copy, Moon Joy."

Dave Painter worked with his daughter, Elizabeth, to design a laptop stand to better suit her workspace. She works from home, where her primary workspace is a small corner table in her kitchen. She wanted something that could be adjusted for standing or sitting. She also needed storage for her writing journal, a folder, pencils, and pens. Oak was chosen to match the cabinets; a pair of drawers organizes supplies, and a space was provided under the bottom drawer so she can slide her keyboard under the stand when she needs more space at the table.
 

MS-L

July 7 WWL-R100: Woodworking Red Tool

July 7  3DL-R200: Resin 3D Printing Red Tool

July 9 ELL-G100: Electronics, AI, & Cloud Night

July 16  3DL-R100: FDM 3D printing Bambu Red Tool 

July 23 ELL-G100: Electronics, AI, & Cloud Night

June 10 SWL-G000: Sewing Social

June 11 WTL-T101: Pen Turning

June 14 3DL-R100: FDM 3D Printing (Bambu) Red Tool

July 25 MSL: G000: Work Day and Makersmiths Summer Party

MS-P

July 6 3DP-R100: FDM 3D Printing (Bambu) Red Tool

July 8  MWP: R100: Metal-Working Basics Red Tool

July 9 WWP-R100: Woodworking Basics Red Tool

July 10 MSP-R100: Metal-Working Basics Red Tool

July 11 MSP-G000: Work Day

July 11 EXP-G000: Gourd Group Meeting

July 12 WWP-R200: Woodworking Advanced Red Tool

July 13 EBP-R100: CNC Big Blue EBF Introduction

July 16 WWP-T107: Learn to Make Your Own, Unique Cutting Board

July 20 3DP-W100 Exploring Tinkercad

Makersmiths runs on volunteers!

Consider teaching a class or holding a workshop! check out the #class_planning_and_requests channel on Slack and join a meeting to get some help with your idea!

MONTHLY OPEN HOUSES

Every Tuesday In Purcellville from 6pm-8pm

785 South 20th Street Purcellville, Va 20132

Every Thursday In Leesburg from 6pm-8pm

106 South Royal Street SW Leesburg, Va 20175

Tool Authorization Groups

Dean Williamson

Makersmiths has lots of cool and useful tools, machines, and equipment.  Many of them require training or authorization before you can use the equipment.  The training can be as simple as an orientation, to a more formal “red tool” class, to demonstrating proficiency to the tool steward. Such mandatory training helps ensure that all users understand how to use the equipment properly and safely, thus helping to keep the equipment running smoothly and minimize maintenance downtime as well as ensuring the safety of our members.

Below is a link to the list of tools which require training and authorization from a Steward. Please contact the steward for more information about each tool. This list is not exhaustive of the tools available at Makersmiths and is updated regularly as we get new equipment or as needed:

By clicking above, you can view the most current list posted on the Makersmiths wiki. Consider checking it out, you might discover a new tool that you didn’t realize Makersmiths had.

Makersmith Board Officers

Board Name/Officer | Position | Term

Brad Hess | Board Member, Vice Chair | 2025 - 2028

Bo Wernick | Board Member| 2024 - 2027

Evin Grano | Board Member/Chairperson | 2024 - 2027

Jennifer Chu | Board Member | 2024 - 2027

Jon White | Board Member, Chairperson | 2026 - 2029

Rob Donahue | Board Member | 2026 - 2029

Mary Waldron | Treasurer | 2025 - 2026

Jim Waldron | Board Member/Secretary | 2025 - 2026

Mike Brady | Webmaster | 2026

Rob Donahue | IT Steward | 2026

Makersmiths President | Open Position| Need Nominations

Did You Know...

You can find the newsletters from the last several years archived on our website?

Makersmiths also has a Blog, Instagram, and YouTube!

The Newsletter could always use some new blood - share your projects, pitch some article ideas, tell us about something cool you've seen in your Maker travels!

Makersmiths Leesburg: 106 Royal St SW, Leesburg, VA 20175

Makersmiths Purcellville: 785 S. 20th St, Purcellville, VA 20132