This video shows our members, ReFab Studio, using the Epilog laser cutter to do some quick prototyping.  The laser easily cuts right through plywood making it an easy choice for prototyping different shapes.  Check out the classes we offer that show you how to use this amazing and easy to use tool.

Classroom and hands on topics will include:

• Safety – for you and the machine.
• Overview of compatible materials including wood, plastics, glass, stone, leather, paper and textiles. NO PVC!
• File Setup – what you need to know about setting up raster and vector files for the effect you want.
• Print Configuration – defining the speed, power and other parameters for producing the desired result.
• Machine setup – cleaning, focusing, material loading, etc.
• Basic Cutting and Engraving of plastic and wood.
• Options for marking metals – anodized aluminum, brass, stainless and steel.

Map and Directions | Register

Instructor: Adlai Stein

Attendees will make a full tang knife from start to finish over 3 day long class.

Day 1 is Wednesday, May 2 from 6:30 – 9:30

Day 2 is Wednesday, May 9 from 6:30 – 9:30

Day 3 is Wednesday, May 16 from 6:30 – 9:30

Participants will forge, grind, temper and finish a knife from a bar of high carbon steel. The knife will be finished using a wooden slab handle on the knife attached with brass rivets.

Please bring safety glasses and an apron if you have them. Natural fiber clothing is a must.

Reminder this is a 3 day class. Please make sure you are available for all 3 days.

Register

1158 Corrugated Way

Map and Directions | Register

Description:

Instructors: Richard Kenneth Merrick II and Wesley James Yoder

Description:  Attendees will learn the historical context and value of Black & White silver gelatin printing; view examples of B&W prints; gain firsthand experience in the technical aspects of making B&W prints; take home at least one print. Tongs will be provided so there is no need to have skin contact with any chemistry. Participants will provide their own 35mm, Black & White negative.  For participants who do not already have B&W negatives, the instructors will develop  Kodak TRI-X 400 film (Midwest Part # KOD1005 $4.00) and/or Kodak Plus-X 125 (Midwest Part # KOD1056 $4.99) at the lab located at CIF for $4.50 per roll. Results may vary with other brands/types of film at this time. Please contact Wes Yoder at wes@wesyoder.com or Richard Kenneth Merrick II at merrickphotography@gmail.com to submit your film. Participants using this option must have their film for development at the lab at least 1 week in advance of the class! The ability to obtain a good exposure with film; an open mind; an interest in the medium; and the ability to bake brownies are the goals for the class. Members may use the darkroom during open lab hours to continue exploring, learning and creating skills to add to the other mediums available at CIF.

To view additional examples and explore this topic, please follow these links:

www.wesyoder.com

www.rickmerrick.com

www.facebook.com/TheDarkroomBus

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Technically, Springfield. I moved around so much growing up, you could throw a dart on a map of Ohio and I’ve lived there. Columbus has been home since I moved out at 17.

Education/Background

I have a degree in Automotive Technology from CSCC. I’ve also taken some great welding courses at Columbus State. Most of what I’ve learned, though, has come from diving in head-first and trying things. The Idea Foundry has sort of become a DIY institution for me, where I’ve learned things I’d never thought to try, just by watching others or taking a class… or just experimenting with something until it works. I feel like it’s a lot less important to have a formal education these days. At one time I really wished I’d taken a more traditional path with my college education, but I did what I enjoyed and I’m pretty happy about that. I also learned a lot from working in body shops and garages. Old car guys aren’t always the best teachers, but they have a tremendous amount of knowledge. If you can get them to open up and share it, it’s priceless.

What do you make/do?

I’m a welder, primarily. I build furniture and sculpture out of scrap metal and vintage auto parts. I also paint, write, do photography and various other things.  There’s not much I haven’t tried, though I find the most enjoyment out of welding and building things out of metal. I also love to teach welding. The new women’s welding classes at the CIF has been so much fun… I look forward to teaching more people and sharing my passion.

What is your favorite project?

So far my favorite new project is my aluminum handbags. They were a huge challenge to create, but I’m glad I worked outside my comfort zone and figured it all out. They turned out pretty awesome and I’ve had a lot of folks interested in purchasing them.

Describe your process?

For the handbags, I used aluminum, leather, and rivets. After shearing the aluminum to the appropriate size, each side was engraved on the ShopBot CNC router at the CIF. The aluminum was spray painted and sanded to enhance the engraving. I then cut the leather sides and handles to fit the shape of the bag, and riveted them to the aluminum. It sounds pretty simple, but it is labor-intensive. I’m really excited to start producing these on a larger scale and filling custom orders.

What inspires you?

Old decaying cars in junkyards, street art, things/ people/ experiences from my past… However, I also find a lot of inspiration in everyday life. Simple awareness can bring a lot of unexpected inspiration. Living downtown is entertaining and always inspiring if you really pay attention to your surroundings.

What project do you have in the back of your mind that you really want to do “someday”?

A scrap metal sculpture of Tom Waits has been on my mind for some time. He’s my hero and the man is a machine. He deserves to be honored in a way that only rusty old gears and barbed wire can do justice. I should start that soon…

Alli’s business is Old Soul Studio located at The Columbus Idea Foundry

She also teaches the all female welding classes.

How to Shopbot Aluminum: We did some experiments with machining aluminum with The Columbus Idea Foundry’s Shopbot CNC machine. We had both success and failure (which itself is a success, when experimenting).

Here are the settings you may find useful when finding information on How to Shopbot Aluminum:
BIT USED Onsrud 63-622 (1/4″ diameter, single flute, upward spiral)
DEPTH OF PASS USED .109 (7/64″)
ROUTER SPEED USED 10,000 RPM
PLUNGE SPEED USED .10 IPS
TRAVEL SPEED USED .25 IPS

We have noticed that the alloy makes a big difference. Here is a guide to aluminum alloys from McMaster-carr:

Aluminum Machinability
Machinability
Machinable alloys can be cut, drilled, shaved, turned, reamed, tapped, threaded, or otherwise machined.
Excellent—These alloys are ideal for machining. When cut, they will not require extensive post-machining cleaning and will produce very small broken chips.
Good—These alloys will have a good to excellent finish after machining and will produce curled or easily broken chips.
Fair—Alloys have a satisfactory post-machining finish and will produce continuous chips.
Poor—Difficult to get clean part after machining.

Reference: Mcmaster-carr website http://www.mcmaster.com/#about-aluminum/=fczose

The edges were fantastic, what you see in the pictures is straight off the Shopbot spoil-board with no modifications other than filing the tabs off.

Our lone mistake involved getting the bit too hot. We increased the depth of pass too high and it quickly got too hot. The basic rules to follow are that it should be relatively quiet, and the bit should not get hot and should even be cool to the touch shortly after the cut. I would change your settings at any signs of heat, like smell or discoloration.

• Modified power tools racing down a 75 foot long plywood track.
• Art Party Tables filled with handcrafted goods for sale.
• Columbus Maker Fair events including many exciting tool demonstrations.
• FOOD
• Prizes!

The event starts at 4pm Saturday August 21st

For more information on the event visit the website: toolraces.com

For a segment about the event featured on the local news visit out youtube page: here

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month.
In addition to the usual collection of bots and banter, Rick
Pollack will be coming out to give us a look at Makergear’s
new Mosaic 3D printer.

Makergear is already well known for their line of 3D printer
upgrades and accessories, so the Mosaic has a lot of
proven technology behind it.  Come on down to the
Columbus Idea Foundry this Wednesday and be one
of the first in the world to see it in person.

The meetings are free and open to all with an interest in the
technology regardless of prior experience.  Bring your
enthusiasm down to the Columbus Idea Foundry, and if you
know someone who wants to learn more, bring them along, too.

Thanks and Regards,
Columbus Idea Foundry