Makersmiths Inc. - August 2026 Newsletter

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August 2026 Newsletter

August 2026 Newsletter

Leesburg Workday: 8/29/2026 9am-1pm

Purcellville Workday: 8/01/2026 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

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

PIN: 114 333 983#

Want to submit something to the newsletter?

Please email Jen Reese, Newsletter Editor jluporeese@gmail.com

Message from the Board of Directors

James Waldron, Secretary

The Makersmiths Board of Directors met on July 29, 2026 in the Leesburg Classroom and online. The meeting was called to order by Co-Chairman Jonathan White at 7:04 PM. All Directors except Bo Wernick were in attendance. Minutes of the prior meeting were approved as published (see the Wiki).

The spending deadline for the Fume Room was extended to allow for some finishing purchases to be made, Jen Reese was appointed as Newsletter Editor, and Allie Graves was appointed as the new Marketing Chair. Their bio’s and our Committee Reports may be read in the Board Agenda on the Wiki.

In new business, some changes to the Bylaws were approved and the Board voted to purchase a new Embroidery Machine. There was a decision to hear three last minute motions and all were approved: 1) Purchase of a new slab roller for Ceramics, 2) test a new internet provider for Purcellville, and 3) the removal of some additional obsolete language from the Bylaws.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM. The next Board meeting will be August 26, 2026. As always, details of the meeting may be found in the Board agenda on the Wiki.

News from the Site Managers

John Carter

Thanks to everyone who came out July 25 for the workday, not only to help clean our Leesburg location, but to attend our Makersmiths Summer Party!

Over 30 people came through the door, and we made a day of it. Burgers, brats, and BBQ were just the basis of what turned into quite the buffet. Thank you to those who contributed. We got to know some new members and see a few people that haven't been in for a while. Some people played games, had some laughs, learned new things.

The Fume Room Steward got that Shop up and open for business! With a little help from our regular work horses, we thank those for chipping in. The front steps got cleared bright and early. There's a plan set to refurbish the bench out front. Bathrooms got cleaned. A good bit of clutter got pulled out of the corners and taken to the trash. Overall, it was fun to feel like we got things done, hang out a bit, and shoop the ship!

Dave Painter

This article is all about Good News/Bad News. The good news is that the Purcellville Facility is getting a lot more use. This is good because it means that more members are enjoying the benefit of their membership. The bad news is that we are experiencing a much higher level of required maintenance. I’d like to share a few examples.

A member recently asked me for a “refresher” since she needed to sand her project, and it has been a while since she took the red tool wood shop classes. We discovered that we could not change the sanding spindle in the Oliver spindle sander because someone had grossly overtightened the spindle. Then when trying to change the spindle, the person had backed the lock nut completely off. This allowed the spindle to continue tightening itself so much that it required Herculean effort to finally remove the sanding spindle. We are extremely fortunate that we discovered the problem before the spindle broke. Replacement parts from the manufacturer would have cost $780 plus shipping!

We then moved on to the horizontal belt sander where we discovered that the sanding belt had a tear in it and was unusable. In this case, whoever used this sander should have performed the simple act of installing a fresh sanding belt, or at least, post the problem in the maintenance channel on Slack so someone from maintenance could take care of the problem and avoid having other members inconvenienced. This issue only became more irritating when the belt I replaced that afternoon was left in shreds the very next day!

Then I discovered that the red plastic “OFF” paddle on the new table saw was broken and no one reported the problem. This was a quick and easy fix, but the point is that the machine was damaged and no one reported it.

The blade on the Grizzly 24” Band Saw is another sore topic. We have had to replace the blade four times already in the past six months. Members damage the band saw by forgetting to tension the blade before using it or they try cutting curves! The band saw is set up to do resawing which means straight cuts ONLY! Another damaging move is cutting something that shouldn’t be sawed on this machine, resulting in breaking teeth off the blade. Anything harder than wood or recycled wood with embedded nails or metal bits are examples of materials to avoid. We have spent well over $200 so far this year on this machine alone.

Jim Waldron and I spent several days and something over $300 in parts repairing the Oliver Planer last month.

I just got word that the cutter inserts on the jointer are damaged. Again.

We are missing a couple of the hold down straps for the Slab Mill.

When I arrived at the shop this past week, the blade guard was off the table saw and the saw was covered in sawdust.

The sandpaper on the 16-32 sander was fouled with what looks like white paint and there are no fresh sandpaper rolls left.

The list just goes on and on.

I haven’t even mentioned the number of times that I arrived at the shop to find machines and the floor covered with wood dust and tools were not put away.

So, what is the solution? Putting lengthy signs on each machine might help a little but in my experience warning and/or instructional signs are universally ignored and soon disappear. Better and/or more comprehensive training should help but we still run into the problem of who is going to teach additional training classes. It also appears that some folks don’t think cleaning up after machine use or simply following our shop rules don’t apply to them. If you see someone doing something they should not be doing, say something, please, and be sure to explain why. It is going to take a village to address these problems.

News from Jon White

Co-Chair of Makersmiths Board of Directors

The air assist pressures have been reset at both Leesburg and Purcellville. Please do not adjust the silver knobs that are right below the green test buttons. Please note the Laser Exhaust notice posted at each space and this image of the air control:

News from the Ceramics Studio

Glenda Skelley and Cricket Pagano

Thanks to Jim Waldron’s willingness and expertise, some budget funding allocated, and a few member donations (monitor, keyboard, mouse +), the Skutt kiln has a newly built electronic controller and is currently being tested & programmed. Thanks to our maker members having the knowledge and motivation to build this versus buying a factory-made one, we saved a lot of money, which can be directed to other priorities. Hopefully studio upgrades can continue to grow.

Having a second operational kiln will expand our capacity to fire more wares as our studio gets busier, especially during the holiday gifts “rush” season, which is rapidly approaching. It will also reduce wear and tear on the L & L kiln we currently use, decreasing the likelihood of the kiln going down in the middle of busy season and stopping all action, which happened for a few weeks last fall.

Studio activity has picked up a lot and just continues to increase. Stay tuned for several different ceramics class offerings starting in September. Some classes will be offered in a series designed to teach techniques and build skills; others will be shorter and project-specific. There will also be some Make & Take classes for the holidays for those interested. If you have specific requests regarding classes, days and times, etc. please let us know. Direct message Glenda Skelley in Slack or leave a message in the ceramics Slack channel.

Educational News

Diane Painter

Fundamentals of Engineering for Youth (with emphasis on robotics) is a new 6-session workshop offered by Makersmiths member, Brian Jo. The dates/times: 3-5 pm beginning Aug 23, 30, Sept 6, 13, 20, 27. The workshop is geared for students entering grades 8-12. Please do not enroll youth in grades less than grade 8. The course curriculum would be an introduction to dimensional analysis, basic mechanics, basic kinematics, control theory, gears and linkages, and robotics. Most of the course material is intended as a foundation for robotics. To register, go to https://www.makersmiths.org/event-6783503

Questions? Contact Brian at bjj2003@gmail.com.

CS Innovators Conference

Sometimes members who like to do electronics and coding projects ask me what schools teach youth regarding coding. Here is a chance to find out. GMU is partnering with Code-VA to host a CS Innovators Conference called 2026: A.I. Literacy in Education on October 16-17, 2026. The conferences will be held at the GMU Science and Technology Campus in Manassas. The registration cost is $100. To register, go to CS Innovators Conference

Who should attend? K–12 educators, instructional coaches, curriculum specialists, and school and division leaders interested in computer science and AI education will find this conference helpful since there will be:a

Hands-on workshops led by experienced educators
Practical classroom strategies and ready-to-use resources
Sessions exploring AI literacy, computer science integration, cybersecurity, physical computing, and more
Opportunities to connect with educators who are navigating the same challenges and opportunities you are navigating.

Conference organizers state: Our goal isn’t to help you chase every new technology. It’s to help you build the confidence and instructional capacity to adapt as technology continues to evolve.

Loudoun Environmental Education Alliance (LEEA)

Two years ago, Makersmiths joined this nonprofit as an affiliate so that our youth could showcase their projects that reflect environmental topics such as conserving energy, preserving natural habitats and sustainability-minded projects in their communities. This year, both our solar teams exhibited their KidWind projects at the SEAS event at the Academies of Loudoun. The high school team won $150.00 for their Solar-Powered Shenandoah Salamander Habitat. To learn more the Loudoun Environmental Education Alliance and its annual Student Environmental Action Showcase (SEAS), visit https://www.loudounnature.org/seas

Using a Cricut Maker to Create a Shadow Box

Diane Painter

For several years at Makersmiths, I taught workshops on how to use our Cricut Maker machines that we have at MSP and MSL. Participants in the workshops made custom cards, Halloween houses, flowers and so much more. I thought I would share with members what I have learned this summer using a Cricut Maker 3.

As a personal user of a Cricut Maker 3, I purchased Cricut Access so that I can use its massive content library and advanced design tools. One tool is Create AI on Canvas. Styles are cut, draw and print and cut. I like to use the background remover when I want to convert a photo to an SVG to use on my Cricut machine. Because I have this subscription, I have the rights to try out BETA versions of new applications with my Cricut. Recently I tried out AI Design Beta on my laptop. Using a chat method where I type in my desired image that I want to create, the program converted a photo of my cats sitting in my lap (image #1) to two different print and cut backgrounds for a shadow box that I wanted to make. I chose image #3 and printed the image off on my Deskjet printer. Then I had Cricut Maker 3 cut out the image as an 8-inch square. From there I searched the Design Space library and cut out flowers and flames for the fireplace and pink and purple frames to give the shadow box depth. This was not a complicated project but it was fun to make.

In doing this project, I learned a lot of different things you can do with AI Project Designer. When creating an image for cut projects, you can select up to 8 layers. I did try that with my cat photo, but I found weeding the different cuts to be tedious. I think a simple photo with less color variation would have been easier to make a cut project.

If you have any questions about how to use a Cricut Maker, let me know. I will be glad to help. Direct Message me in Slack or email diane.painter@makersmiths.org

Insert image catproject.jpeg and catsphotbox.jpeg

Why Be a Makersmiths Volunteer?

Mark Dilallo

Makersmiths is an amazing resource, not just for the extensive tools at the Leesburg and Purcellville facilities, but also for the training and advice our community of members collectively offer.

Aside from several personal projects, I find myself most often utilizing Makersmiths to benefit the multiple animal-oriented non-profit orgs my wife and I support. We volunteer extensively at Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary, LiftMeUp.org and Spirit Open Equestrian therapeutic riding barns, and Lost Dog & Cat Rescue. A common theme amongst organizations like these is a wealth of expertise in animal care/behavior and human therapy, but scarce capabilities in maintenance, facilities, and infrastructure. Of course, they all have marketing and fund-raising needs as well.

Makersmiths wood and metal working capabilities are extensive and offer endless possibilities for creating and repairing much needed items a barn or kennel or gift shop could benefit from. Farms and kennels are in constant need of repair and typically must absorb the high cost of sometimes predatory contractors. Show up with a hammer, drill, and saw and you’re treated like a rock star.

Many woodworking skills translate seamlessly to carpentry. You can use apps like CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to design projects or graphics. You can also use AI to generate amazing graphics and Makersmiths’ dye-sublimation, UV printers, laser cutters, and CNC’s to create fund raising shirts/hats/crafts or much needed functional items. People who know how to create software apps can help solve the unique problems of an organization. Plumbing, electrical, even photography or the ability to administrate IT, Websites, or social media are incredibly valued skills. Whatever you do to contribute, you’re a rock star.

Think about what your Makersmiths superhero skills are and what non-profit missions inspire you. The most amazing friendships and experiences are your take aways.

The 2026 Purcellville Artisan Tour

Diane Painter

Glenda Skelley and I volunteered again to host Makersmiths Purcellville as Tour Stop #2 on the 2026 Purcellville Artisan Tour November 7 & 8 from 11am to 5pm. This year Makersmiths will have nine members showing their “artistic” work at our tour stop. In the lower building classroom, ceramics studio and frame shop visitors will find exhibits by Melinda Gretsinger, Lucille Weschler, Cricket Pagnano, Cortney Cline, Diane Bollinger, Dawn Martin, Kiran Martin, Glenda Skelley and Diane Painter. Amy Berringer will show also her work but in her own studio, Tour Stop #9. For a list of all the tour stops and examples of what the artisans will be showing, visit https://purcellvilleartisantour.com/artisans

In September and October, the Town of Purcellville will host a Sneak Peek gallery of some of the artists’ works. The gallery is on the first floor of the Town Hall located at 221 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville, VA 20132. The Town Hall is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Please ask your family and friends to check The Town of Purcellville’s Facebook and Instagram about the tour. In October, each artist participant will be featured. Please follow the tour on Instagram and Facebook, comment and share this event to help spread the word! See https://purcellvilleartisantour.com for the social media weblinks.

Whatcha - Making?

During the month of July, members were busy as woodworkers, wood turners, and artists completing ceramics pieces. Here are just a few examples:

Gary Dufour made a rolling pin rack and his wife, Sheryl, made mugs for the kitchen.

Dave Hamrick is really getting creative with his pens. Using hickory, he made a new set of pens as a driver, wedge and putter.

For a friend’s birthday, Robin Schneck made game piece storage containers and a dice holder for the game, Catan.

Ken Fuentecilla turned more chess trophies for upcoming tournaments at the Green Tree Tavern. He made a Bishop for the upper Whiskey Division and a Pawn for the lower Bourbon Division (Spalted Tamarind on Canary and Walnut on Mango). John Carter assisted Ken on the laser to make the name plates.

Herb Regensburger created this bench using pressure-treated knot-free (or strategically hidden) and kiln-dried pine.

MS-L

Aug 4 UVL-R100: UV Printer Red Tool

Aug 5 MSL-M000: Open House

Aug 8 WTL-T103: Wood Bowl Turning

Aug 8 3DL-R100: FDM 3D Printing (Bambu) Red Tool

Aug 10 DSL-9100: Dye Sublimation Red Tool

Aug 10 WWL-R100: Woodworking Red Tool

Aug 10 MSL-R100: New Member Orientation

Aug 11 SWL-G000: Sewing Social

Aug 13 MSL-G000: Open House

Aug 15 3DL-R200: Resin 3D Printing Red Tool

Aug 18 WTL-R100: Wood Lathe Red Tool

Aug 18 BRL-R100: Big Red CNC Red Tool

Aug 20 WTL-T101: Pen Turning

Aug 20 3DL-R100: FDM 3D Printing (Bambu) Red Tool

Aug 20 MSL-M000: Open House

Aug 21 BNL-R100: BN2-20 Print Vinyl Stickers Red Tool

Aug 22 LCL-R100: CO2 Laser Basic Red Tool

Aug 22 UVL-R100: UV Printer Red Tool

Aug 23 ELL-W104: Fundamentals of Engineering for Youth

Aug 24 MSL-R100: New Member Orientation

Aug 26 MSL-M000: Board of Directors Meeting

Aug 27 MSL-M000: Open House

Aug 29 MSL: G000: Work Day

MS-P

Aug 4 MSP-G000: Open House

Aug 8 EXP-G000: Gourd Group Meeting

Aug 11-13 KWP-W104: Kidwind Tinkering Fun Days

Aug 11 MSP-G000: Open House

Aug 12 MWP: R100: Metal-Working Basics Red Tool

Aug 13 3DP-R100: FDM 3D Printing (Bambu) Red Tool

Aug 13 WWP-R100: Woodworking Basics Red Tool

Aug 16 WWP-R200: Woodworking Advanced Red Tool

Aug 18 MSP-G000: Open House

Aug 21 FRP-R100: Frame Shop Red Tool

Aug 22 FRP-R100: Frame Shop Red Tool

Aug 25 MSP-G000: Open House

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.

The chat below is 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:

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 - 2028

Mike Brady | Web Admin | 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