No signup needed, just show up!

GO-Tech - formerly notbago - is a tech group that meets monthly at Maker Works every second Tuesday of the month from 7pm - 9pm. These meetings are free and open to the public.

Attendees are invited to give 5 minute presentations on the topic or project of their choice. If you have a longer presentation, or are a commercial entity, please clear it ahead of time ( via the mailing list: http://groups.io/g/gotech/ )

Arrive early and ask for a free tour of Maker Works!

No signup needed, just show up!

The Southeast Michigan Woodworkers (SEMIWW) is a club open to all who share an interest in woodworking. Our members have widely varied skill levels, experience, and "specialties" - our goal is to provide a way for the members to share those skills and experiences, learn from others, and have fun doing it.

No signup needed, just show up!

The Ann Abor Modern Quilt Guild meets at Maker Works every last Wednesday of the month at 6pm. The first meeting is free, with subsequent meetings costing $10 up to the amount of a membership.

Guild meetings and events are always a place to socialize with other quilters, find a place to ask questions or get help on your quilting or share your expertise with others.

Learn more about the Ann Arbor Modern Quilt Guild here: https://www.a2mqg.org/

Thank you for registered for Fix-It-Friday! We're excited to see you.

Please plan on arriving no later than 5:30pm as the shop closes at 6:00pm.

If this is your first time here, it can be difficult locating our building. Please see this page for details: https://maker-works.com/about#directions

Learn to maintain your sewing machine by cleaning it, oiling it, and troubleshooting minor problems. Attendees should bring their own working sewing machine and everything needed to run it (power cord, bobbin, etc.).

This class is hands-on and will be of most value to owners of mechanical machines, but computerized machines are welcome. No sergers at this time.

Your instructor is Barbara Keys of “Sewing Crazy”, a traveling sewing machine repair and maintenance business!

Learn the Amaya CNC embroidery machine and commercial embroidery software (DesignShop). Be authorized to use the embroidery machine with membership. This machine is great for monogramming clothes or towels, decorating bags and accessories, making patches, and customizing baseball caps. Each student walks through the process step-by-step to learn the basics of creating a sew file and embroidering.

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Learn the Consew 206RB-1 Industrial Sewing Machine, designed for sewing heavy fabrics like canvas, leather, denim, upholstery fabric, nylon webbing, and more. This class covers basic operation and safety, after which you can tackle tougher sewing projects. If you don't have recent experience using a traditional sewing machine, we recommend taking our Intro to Machine Sewing class first.

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Learn the Formlabs Form 2 resin 3D printer and slicing software (PreForm). Be authorized to use the Form 2 with membership. This machine is great for high-detail prints like engineering/jewelry prototypes, miniatures/figurines, medical models, and more. Each student learns the basics of preparing a file, washing the print in an isopropyl alcohol bath, and curing the print in a UV curing chamber (Form Cure).

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Learn the Epilog laser cutter/engraver, our most popular tool! Be authorized to use the laser with membership. This machine is great for engraving and cutting a wide range of materials: woods, plastics, papers, fabrics, foams, foods, and more. This tool has spawned several businesses! Each student walks through customizing a design file, operating the laser, and engraving/cutting their own ruler to take home.

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Get introduced to sewing with a machine in this beginner-friendly class. Learn the basics of sewing machine operation, including threading, bobbin loading, changing the needle, adjusting tension, and sewing fundamental stitches. This class provides a solid foundation if you're interested in advancing your sewing skills and taking classes like our Zippered Tote Bag and Industrial Sewing!

Ages 9-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

This class will introduce you to the Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D Printer. This machine is great for making 3D models of prototypes and fun and useful objects. You will learn basic tool operation with an emphasis on safety and how to use the associated software, PrusaSlicer. With the successful completion of this class you will be certified to use the Prusa 3D Printer with membership on your own.

Ages 9-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Soldering is a skill that everyone should know! Participants will learn to solder a simple circuit board with two color-changing LEDs, battery case, and battery.

In this class you’ll learn how to prepare models, create a sand mold, melt pewter, pour the molten pewter into the mold, and clean up the resulting casting. We will also mention different ways one might cast objects with pewter. 16+ (12-15 WITH GUARDIAN)

Learn the Bridgeport manual mill and Tormach CNC mill. Be authorized to use them with membership. The Bridgeport manual mill is great for precise, hands-on machining of metal parts, while the Tormach CNC mill offers automated precision for complex, repeatable projects. This class covers setup, tool installation, workholding, changing jaws, feeds and speeds, and touching off X/Y/Z — all with an emphasis on safety.

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Learn the angle grinder, belt sander, pedestal grinder, and wire wheel. Be authorized to use them with membership. These tools are great for welding prep, clean-up, and deburring (especially pieces that are plasma-cut). This class covers basic operation with an emphasis on safety. Each student gains hands-on experience while being closely observed by the instructor to ensure the student develops proper techniques.

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Learn to operate the CNC plasma cutter to create precise cuts in sheet metal using computer-aided design. Be authorized to use this tool with membership. This class covers basic operation. Students will gain hands-on experience cutting their own steel item to take home. See our Metal Abrasives class for tools that you can use to easily remove dross from plasma-cut pieces.

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Learn the Millermatic 211 MIG welder and Syncrowave 180SD TIG welder. Be authorized to use them (and the spot welder) with membership. These machines are great for welding various materials — mainly steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. This class covers basic operation and setup with an emphasis on safety. Each student gains hands-on experience practicing on steel and being observed by the instructor.

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Learn the powder coating process. Be authorized to use it at Maker Works with membership. This class covers media blasting, powder application in our application booth, and part curing in our 28"x32"x37" oven. Each student gains hands-on experience in creating a professional and environmentally-friendly finish that is more durable than conventional paint, all with instructor guidance and advice. At the end, take home your own powder-coated piece!

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Learn the Scotchman 45-ton Ironworker. Be authorized to use it with membership. This tool is capable of two functions: punching holes in up to 1/2" thick mild steel; and shearing plate, rod, and angle iron mild steel (no aluminum). This class covers basic operation with an emphasis on safety and is Maker Works' shortest class. Each student gets to punch holes!

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Help us clean the shop! Each month we'll be focusing on one area of the shop to help clean and organize. Expect to get dirty! Pizza provided towards the end.

We're introducing hand tools to a small group of makers to build their first coat rack! If you're comfortable with a hammer, hand saw, drill, and tape measure, and would like to help someone else learn, join us!

Maker Works' staff will lead the workshop, but it makes a huge difference (and helps keep the class accessible) to have a couple people checking in and offering direct 1-on-1 assistance as needed.

Thank you!

Come join us to help with repairs at Fix-It-Friday!

Repairs may include lamp sockets, toasters, chair legs, and the occasional pachinko machine. It -is- expected that an attendee will peer over your shoulder! We don't expect you to bring anything, though many volunteers often bring their own personal toolbox.

Make your own poplar hook rack by using a tape measure, saw, combination square, claw hammer, nail set, clamps, screwdriver, electric drill, stud finder, drywall anchor, drywall knife, drywall compound, and wood glue. This class is recommended for those interested in learning how they can make and fix things around the house.

Each spot purchased is one hook rack kit (two people are free to work on one hook rack).

Ages 12-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Learn the miter, table, and panel saws. Be authorized to use them with membership. Students complete various cuts on each saw as they learn basic operation with an emphasis on safety. This class is often the first in a prospective woodworker's journey!

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Learn our drill presses and bandsaws, for both wood and metal (6 tools total!). Be authorized to use the wood drill press, metal drill presses, wood resaw bandsaw, small wood bandsaw, vertical metal bandsaw, and horizontal metal bandsaw (with membership). Students focus on essential safety concepts like feeds, speeds, and workholding strategies. This class is one of the most critical for wood- and metal-working.

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Learn to use the jointer, planer, and drum sander for creating smooth, flat, and dimensioned wood surfaces. Be authorized to use them with membership. This class covers the basics of each tool and emphasizes safe operation. Students will practice flattening and smoothing rough lumber, preparing it for furniture building, cabinetry, or other fine woodworking projects.

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Learn to use the router table (with a spacious 42" x 24" surface) to shape, groove, and detail wood edges. Be authorized to use the tool with membership. This class covers the basics of router bits, speed settings, and safe operation techniques. The large table surface offers stability for a range of wood sizes, perfect for furniture building, cabinetry, and other woodworking projects.

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Learn the 4ft x 8ft ShopBot CNC Router and VCarve software. Be authorized to use the ShopBot with membership. Students learn how to design paths in VCarve to cut or engrave wood, plastic, or foam, gaining hands-on experience with a focus on safety. This class enables you to make almost anything — giant signs, furniture, decorations, and more. Look up "what can you make with a CNC router" and be amazed.

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Learn to use the wood lathe to "turn" wood into bowls, spindles, and other rounded objects up to 12" in diameter. Be authorized to use the lathe with membership. This class covers safety and essential techniques for shaping, smoothing, and finishing. Students gain hands-on experience and are given time and support after class to turn and take home their own completed bowl.

Ages 13-15 with a guardian, 16+ solo

Click on a date to take a free tour of Maker Works!

Bringing more than 8 people? Register here and then give us a call 734-222-4911 or email frontdesk@maker-works.com.

Tours typically take 30-60 minutes, much depends on how curious you are : )

We look forward to seeing you!