Hello! Welcome to the first of (hopefully) many more updates on Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub's Design Maker Space. Here you'll be able to find out about changes to our space, new equipment and highlighting some of the great projects our members have made.
Since the Maker Space launched we have inducted over 70 members on how to use the equipment for themselves, inductions have been completely booked out so we've really only been limited by staff availability. I'll be looking to train up more staff on delivering inductions so we have more sessions available and at different times of the week.
If you've yet to check the space you can book an induction here.
Laser Cutter has been Serviced!
Over the last few months we've noticed a significant decrease in laser power, this basically means it can't cut through material as well as it should. The cause of this can often be the focusing lenses inside the unit that get dirty from smoke or dust particles which cause the laser focus to go "blurry".
There are two lenses inside the laser, one can be unscrewed for easy cleaning and the other is built in and requires disassembling the laser head unit. We took our laser cutter to local manufacturers of the Emblaser, Darkly Labs, for servicing and we're happy to say it's now cutting at full power again.
- Laser has been serviced and cutting power has significantly improved
- Print & Cut PC sleep timeout has been disabled so it won't shutdown if there's been no activity
New Metal Cutting Tray
While our laser cutter was away for servicing we picked up one of the new metal cutting trays as a nice upgrade. It allows for easier alignment of material, a ruler for measuring and less burn marks on the underside.
This cutting tray is available to use in the laser cutter cabinet, just remember that it's thicker than the rubber supports at 26mm.
- New cutting tray available
- You need to change the support height in Lightburn to 26mm for the laser to focus properly!
Did you know we have a Vinyl Cutter too?
You might have seen the Cricut Maker 3 available for bookings on our equipment page. This is a machine that can cut vinyl... and lot's of other things... like paper, cardstock, plastic and thin woods. It can also emboss, draw with pens, score, indent and a lot more. It's a very versatile tool that's popular with crafters too, so there's lots of videos and tutorials on how to complete your project.
You don't need to complete an induction to use this machine! Just supply your own materials and you're good to go. You can read more about the Maker 3 here.
Creator Showcase
Let's take a look at some of the projects members have made this month.
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3D printed tap and die case by Ian |
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Dragons by Jim |
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Electronics case by James |
Diurnal gallery exhibition etched on bark |
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Laser cut art by Magdalena |
We love to see what you've made! Send in a picture of your creations to designmakerspace@yprl.vic.gov.au to be included in our next showcase.
Thanks for reading
- Scott