Reminder: Watch City Steampunk Festival is Coming on May 11th!

Just a quick reminder folks that the Watch City Steampunk Festival is coming on May 11th!

We already have volunteers for our exciting Robot Rumpus event (thanks to all who volunteered!). The main Steampunk festival could also use some volunteers to help out. To learn more, please visit https://www.watchcityfestival.com/volunteer.

Another way people can help is to give blood at the blood drive which is also happening: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Waltham

Thanks and I hope to see you there!

New Class Offering: Introduction to Woodworking!

I am pleased to announce that Revolution Makerspace is offering a new Introduction to Woodworking class!

This 3-week beginning machine woodworking class will teach the proper use and daily care of primary woodworking machine. Students will learn shop safety procedures, and how to select and prepare lumber for safe and accurate fine woodworking. This is a skill building class intended to prepare a novice woodworker to use the machinery safely. This class fulfills the safety class requirement for using the CU300 jointer, planer, table saw, and router table.

New Equipment at the Space - Milling Machine, 3D Printers, Vacuum Former

Please join me in welcoming several new pieces of equipment to the space!

JET JVM-948K Manual Vertical Milling Machine

The JET JVM-948K Vertical Milling Machine is a robust and versatile tool designed for precision machining tasks. This machine features a sturdy cast iron construction, ensuring stability and durability during operation. Equipped with a powerful motor, the JET 948K offers variable speeds to accommodate a wide range of milling applications.

The JET JVM-948K Vertical Milling Machine comes with a large worktable that provides ample space for securing workpieces of various sizes. This machine also offers adjustable quill depth for accurate drilling and milling operations. Additionally, the JET JVM-948K is equipped with a digital readout system for enhanced precision and control.

With its user-friendly design and reliable performance, the JET 948K Vertical Milling Machine is an excellent choice for machining metal, wood, and other materials with precision and efficiency

Formlabs 3 Resin Printer

The Formlabs 3 Resin printer is a popular option among designers and engineers for its high-quality output and user-friendly features. This printer utilizes SLA (stereolithography) technology to create precise and detailed prints with smooth surfaces. Its build volume of 145 x 145 x 185 mm allows for the production of relatively large parts.

One of the key advantages of the Formlabs 3 is its intuitive touchscreen interface, which makes it easy to control and monitor the printing process. Additionally, the printer is known for its reliability and consistency in producing accurate prints time after time.

Users appreciate the wide range of resin options available for the Formlabs 3, allowing them to choose the material that best suits their specific project requirements. Whether it's for rapid prototyping, end-use parts, or intricate models, this printer offers versatility in material selection.

Overall, the Formlabs 3 Resin printer is a dependable choice for professionals seeking high-resolution prints with a user-friendly experience.

Bambu Lab X1-Carbon

Equipped with advanced features, the X1-Carbon offers a substantial build volume, allowing users to bring their designs to life on a larger scale. Its precision engineering ensures intricate details are accurately reproduced, making it ideal for complex projects and prototyping.

Users can expect seamless connectivity options, including wireless capabilities and compatibility with various design software. The intuitive interface enhances user experience, enabling smooth operation and control over the printing process.

Overall, the Bambu Lab X1-Carbon 3D printer is a versatile and reliable tool that delivers exceptional results, making it a valuable asset for those looking to explore the possibilities of additive manufacturing

Mayku FormBox

The Mayku FormBox is a versatile and user-friendly vacuum forming machine that empowers makers to easily create molds, prototypes, and unique objects with precision and speed. This desktop-sized device is designed to bring professional-grade vacuum forming capabilities to enthusiasts, hobbyists, and businesses alike.

The Mayku FormBox utilizes a simple process where a heated sheet of material is placed over the desired mold or object, and the vacuum is triggered to form the material around the shape. This results in detailed and accurate reproductions of the original object, making it an ideal tool for rapid prototyping, small-scale production, and custom creations.

With its compact size and intuitive operation, the Mayku FormBox is perfect for makers of all skill levels looking to bring their ideas to life. Whether you're a designer, engineer, artist, or educator, this machine offers endless possibilities for innovation and creativity in a variety of fields.

Experience the power of vacuum forming technology with the Mayku FormBox at Revolution Makerspace and unleash your imagination today

Request for Volunteers for Robot Rumpus 2024 - Robot Combat Event

© Copyright 2004-2024 - Dale A. Heatherington. Image used under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 United States

Revolution Makerspace is pleased to present

ROBOT RUMPUS 2024

As part of the upcoming Watch City Steampunk Festival here in Waltham, Revolution Makerspace is pleased to host Robot Rumpus 2024, a robot combat event. Many robots will enter, only some will leave (in one piece at least)!

Come join the fun on May 11th! The Steampunk Festival is always a good time, and robot combat makes it even better! It is going to be the cats pajamas!

If you are interested in participating as a contestant, please sign up! Space is limited and running out fast!

In addition, we are looking for a few volunteers to help run the event. In exchange for helping out from 9-5 on Saturday, May 11th, I can offer a one month free membership to volunteers, starting June 1st. If anyone is interested in helping out, even for just part of the day, please email me at help@revolutionmakerpace.com.

10% off Revolutions Makerspace + Common Good Co. membership

Many members and potential members have expressed in an interest in some office space where they can get some work done, which unfortunately, Revolution Makerspace cannot currently provide.

I’m very pleased to announce that Revolution Makerspace is partnering with Common Good Co. to help facilitate a great place for members to work!

Common Good Co. is a wonderful co-working space located right here in Waltham. I am a proud co-working member myself, and particularly enjoy their wonderful coffee, cruffin's, and quiet desks where I can get some work done.

Starting today, Makerspace Members who are also Common Good co-working members can get 10% off each membership!

Common Good coworking members can signup here to get the 10% discount off their Revolution Makerspace membership!

Revolution Makerspace members who would like the 10% off their Common Good Co. membership should reach out to Common Good Co. to apply for the discount!

Cheers to our Members and Friends!

It’s been a productive season so far. In June, Revolution Makerspace held a Members and Friends event at The Mighty Squirrel Brewing Company in Waltham to celebrate one year of being open. We are so thankful for all of the support we have received from the community.

It was excellent to catch up with members, talk about their projects, and get some feedback about their experience at the makerspace. One of our members, Dan, emailed us the nicest thank you note after the event: “I cannot appreciate enough the kindness and community you have shared while organizing the beer get-together and moreover, the community makerspace.”

We are so touched by that feedback. That’s the heart of what we are at Revolution Makerspace: we’re a friendly, inclusive place where people can get creative and share their talents. Speaking of getting creative and sharing talents, some of the projects being worked on in the space are amazing. Dan recently created great shelves for plants made out of reclaimed wood (check out the photo). Arthur, a former member, is creating a MIDI instrument–it’s a flute that’s electronically modified to sense the amount of breath pressure and speed of the airflow. How awesome is that!

Dan’s shelves made from reclaimed wood.

The event at Mighty Squirrel was so good that I’m kicking around the thought of having another get together for members and friends in the fall. Sign up for the Revolution Makerspace newsletter to get occasional updates about what’s happening in the space and our events. Cheers!

Get Creative at Revolution Makerspace this Spring

Allergies aside, are you itching to get creative at Revolution Makerspace this spring? It’s been busy in the workshop, and members are creating all sorts of unique projects. One person is using the laser cutter, our most popular tool, for engraving and cutting leather. Another is using the laser cutter to create little wood cut out signs with fun sayings like “Water me!”

Courtesy of John MacDonald

And another member is refinishing hardwood boards from old beat up furniture. He’s using the bandsaw, jointer and planer make the boards flat again and usable in new projects. There are lots of artisans in the shop, and it’s amazing to see the creation process from concept to finished product. One person is even making a chair out of a tree!

I’ve been busy making sure that all of the machines at Revolution Makerspace are in tip top shape. I’m installing a new Griffin print-head for the 3D printer and going through the rather lengthy process of squaring the SCM Minimax CU 300c, the European machine that can function as a table saw, a jointer, a planer, a shaper, and a mortiser. I’m halfway through the seven steps it takes to make sure the machine is as perfectly square and level as possible. Maintaining the space matters a great deal to me, and I get peace of mind knowing that users will stay safe and the machines are in good working order.

Please reach out if you have any questions, and you can also check out our Frequently Asked Questions. Also, tours of Revolution Makerspace are offered on Tuesdays and I encourage you to sign up here!

We’re on the Cool Tools Podcast

Tune in to a Show and Tell episode of the Cool Tools podcast and learn about lots of the tools at Revolution Makerspace and some of the projects that are being worked on! Cool tools from the makerspace that are featured on this podcast include:

• Thunder Laser Nova 51 laser cutter

• SCM Minimax CU 300

• LMS 3990 HiTorque Mini Mill

• Modix BIG-60 3D printer

• Nova Voyager DVR drill press

• X-CARVE CNC

• Metal bandsaw and large wood bandsaw

If this piques your interest and you’d like to take a tour of Revolution Makerspace, sign up here. Thanks to Kevin Kelly for providing an opportunity to showcase the space!

Revolution Makerspace is Now Open and Accepting New Members

I am pleased to announce that the Revolution Makerspace is now open for business!

We have a large format 3D printer, a laser cutter, a metal cutting bandsaw, a kiln, a drill press, a mini-lathe, a table saw, a jointer, a planer, an edge sander, and many more tools. I recorded a short video (embedded below) to give you some idea about what the makerspace has to offer.

In addition, classes will be offered at the makerspace soon. Stay tuned!

If you are interested in signing up for a membership, please register for a tour. Tours are offered most Tuesday evenings at 8 PM. I hope to see you soon!

We are Go for Launch!

I am pleased to announce that I have leased a space for the planned launch of the Revolution Makerspace in Waltham, MA!

The address is 39 Emerson Road, Unit 112. There is not much there right now, but I have big plans for this small 1,111 square foot space.

I have reached out to Mix Design and Development LLC who has kindly agreed to draft the plans; the image above is from them. We are now reaching out to contractors to get quotes for fitting out the space.

After that will be applying for building permits, completing the fit out, buying equipment, and applying for an occupancy permit, so there is a long ways away from anyone being able to use the space.

But it is a beginning!

In related news, I am hoping to commission a local area muralist to decorate the interior of the space. If anyone is or knows a muralist who might be interested and wants to email me their details, please feel free.