October 3rd, 2013 by danbackslide
Sign up for this class on our Eventbrite page!
Always wanted to learn to sew but don’t know where to start? Have you been sewing on your own but feel you need some guidance? In this class you’ll learn the basics for sewing of all kinds of objects; useful hand sewing stitches, how to operate a machine sewing, and construction techniques, etc. In class you will make a simple tote bag. It will act as a sampler, providing a set of basic construction techniques that should leave you ready to tackle your next project!
- Owning a sewing machine will be helpful, but not necessary. If you have one, leave it at home for the first class. Do bring it for the second class.
- Be ready to purchase some basic sewing supplies and fabric, if you don’t already own them. See materials list.
- This is not an industrial sewing machine class.
- Skill level: Beginner
- When: This is a four class series that will be held on Sundays from 6pm to 8pm, November 3 – 24.
- Instructor: Lindsey Strange
May 20th, 2013 by danbackslide
Arduino 101 is back for one one more round, just in time for summer vacation monkeying about. This will more than likely be the last Arduino 101 class until September, so if you’ve been looking for the intro course you’ll want to sign up!
This round runs on Friday nights, 5/31 and 6/7, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.
Ever wanted to make something blink or buzz, but don’t know where to start? This is the class that will teach you the basics of what an Arduino can do, and how microcontrollers are awesome!
Cost is $50, which includes a parts kit we’ll be using in class (it’s yours to keep!). Students will need to supply their own Arduino board and laptop.
- The class focuses on the Arduino Uno model, but everything works with the Arduino Mega as well. The Arduino Leonardo is new and I haven’t had a chance to play with it, but I expect it’ll play nicely.
- Arduino-compatible boards/Arduino clones might cause some issues — pin layouts may be different, and in some cases they’re not 100% code-compatible. If you already have one, feel free to bring it in, but if you’re just getting started I recommend buying an official Arduino board.
- If you don’t have an Arduino, they’re available at most local Radio Shack stores, and also at Micro Center in St. Louis Park. Or you can check the Vend-A-Kit machine at the Hack Factory! (And of course you can mail-order one, but where’s the instant gratification in that?)
- If you haven’t got a laptop, please get in touch. We can possibly work something out.
May 16th, 2013 by otto_pjm
Following the most recent CNC Class, which I think was a great success on many levels, I was inspired to make a project that has been on the back burner for awhile. I want to use a CNC to make some furniture. I’ve been inspired by the work of Gregg Fleishman, and as a starting point I cutout a scale model of one of his designs.
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April 26th, 2013 by otto_pjm
Learn how to use a CNC router to cut 2D and 3D objects out of a variety of materials. TC Maker has 3 CNC routers available at the Hack Factory, come and learn how to use them and start making your own awesome stuff!
The class will have two parts (Machine Check-out, and CAM gcode creation) with the machine introduction and check-out scheduled for 1pm – 5pm Saturday and the CAM workshop from 10am – 2pm on Sunday.
Intro to CNC Class Sign up here. It’s $45 for the 2 days of class
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April 23rd, 2013 by danbackslide
It’s spring! I know, it’s hard to believe what with all the snow we’ve seen over the past two weeks, but it really is time to think about building cool stuff for your garden. Mike Smieja from We Can Grow is running four classes this weekend, just in time for the warm weather to arrive. Hop over to our Eventbrite page and sign up for a class!
After this class you will go home with raised bed garden built by your very own hands and the knowledge to use it. We use all natural cedar because it has such a resilience to the elements, lasts for years to come, and it smells great. Along with building your garden the instructor will present a basic small space gardening class. This class is for all skill levels.
Wanna grow your own potatoes for the year, but don’t have a lot of space? This class will provide the simple solution of a potato tower. In a space as small as 3’x3′ you can grow up to 60 pounds of potatoes.
Nothing aids in success in your gardening efforts more that great soil. We have a growing need to reduce the waste that is put into our landfills. We all moan and groan about bagging out leaves every fall. We have a solution that addresses all those problems, it’s simple, backyard composting.
Nothing is quite as rewarding as growing and using your very own herbs. In this class we use a simple, attractive design that is very low maintenance. We will be using cedar because it is attractive and lasts for a long time.