FREE February Tool Trainings

[Bissrat Melakeberhan]

FREE workshops with Parts and Crafts in 3D printing, Lasercutting, and Web Programming (Django and Python.  

We are running a series of FREE workshops --  covering design, tool setup, and hands-on practice -- to introduce people to our basic toolset.  Drop in or take both sessions to get your tool certification. 

Intro to Lasercutting:  2 sessions

Learn how to use a high-powered laser to cut and etch different types of materials, including acrylic, wood, and fabric.  This is a two-session tool training designed to give people an introduction to use this tool safely for your own projects.

• Design with Inkscape: Tuesday Feb 5, 6:30-8 pm.  Whether your're creating ornaments, making your own signs, or etching a picture, the first step to using the lasercutter is being able to set up the file.  Our first class will be an introduction to Inkscape, an open source tool that is one of the main platforms we use to design for the lasercutter.  REGISTER HERE
• Setting up the Tool (Black Cat Labs lasercutter): Tuesday Feb 12, 6:30-8 pm.   Set up a file and send it to cut!  We'll go over speed and power settings for etching glass, cutting plywood, etching acrylic, and more.   Participants will have an opportunity to experiment with different materials and go over basic safety practices that are required to use the Black Cat Labs lasercutter independently.   REGISTER HERE

Intro to 3D printing:  2 sessions

3D-printing is an additive manufacturing technology that can be used to produce rapid prototypes based on three dimensional models designed in Computer Assisted Design software such as Fusion 360. This is a two-session tool training designed to give people an introduction to use this tool safely for your own projects. 

• Design with Fusion 360:  Wednesday  Feb 6, 6:30-8 pm.  Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D modeling software tool that combines organic shapes modeling with basic principles of mechanical design. It is a go-to CAD program for people who have outgrown resources like TinkerCAD and want to develop high-quality designs for the 3D printer.  REGISTER HERE
• Setting up the Tool:  Wednesday Feb 13, 6:30-8 pm.   Learn how to use Simplify3D and PreForm to set up your design file for printing. This workshop will cover different types of filament, and basic safety practices for how to operate and use both types of 3D printers that are located at the Fab Lab.  REGISTER HERE

Intro to Web Programming (with Django and Python): 6 sessions

A six-session introduction to programming websites using a popular web development framework called Django.  Django is a free and open source web application framework written in Python. A software framework is a set of standard, connected tools to make the development of certain kinds of software projects easier.  

In this class we will learn the basics of how static web sites are constructed, interpreted, and hosted using HTML and CSS and how dynamic websites are created using server-side software and data.  We will use an online software development environment called PaizaCloud to write, share, and deploy our projects.

The course will be ongoing and progressive.  Over the six weeks we will work together to build a simple database-backed website and become familiar with the basics of how the web works.  While some familiarity with computer use and basic keyboarding skills will be helpful, this class will be targeted to students with no technical background and will be suitable for beginning programmers.

Because each week will be built off of work from the previous week, the following session breakdown is just a summary and overview of how the course will generally go.  What we cover exactly from week to week will likely be somewhat different

• Intro to Web Programming Session 5: Using data to generate dynamic web pages :  Thursday Feb 7, 7:00-8:30 ..   REGISTER HERE
• Intro to Web Programming  Session 6: Putting it all together, wrapping it all up:  Thursday Feb 14, 7:00-8:30. REGISTER HERE

Fabville Open Shop!

Monday - Thursday 

83 Highland Ave

www.fabville.net

The Fab Lab is open to the public Monday through Thursday.  It is FREE and anyone is allowed to come!   You do not have to be a Somerville Public School student or even live in Somerville.  Open shop hours are as follows:

• Monday: 3-5:30
  
• Tuesday:  3-5:30
  
• Wednesday:  3-8 pm
  
• Thursday:  3-8 pm

Where are you located?   FabVille is located on the far east side of the Somerville High school campus  (library side).  To get to the Fab Lab, enter near the gym and go down the stairs to your right, turn left and head to the end of the hallway.  We're at the very end of the Voc Ed department, last door on the right.

Who can come?  Anyone is welcome, but the Fab Lab is primarily geared toward late middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults.  It's a professional toolset, and there's less of the "pull something out and build it!" that we have at Parts and Crafts.  Kids 13 and under should plan to come with a grown-up.  

Does it cost anything?  All classes and workshops are offered free of charge.  This includes advanced classes like Arduino robotics, lasercutting and 3D printing, and materials for small-scale manufacturing. 

Who runs the Fab Lab?  The Fab Lab is run by the City of Somerville in partnership with Parts and Crafts, a kid workshop and community  makerspace located at 577 Somerville Ave.   To find out more about our programs, visit www.partsandcrafts.org. 

Stop by Saturday Open Shop!

Every Saturday from 12-2 pm

@ Parts and Crafts, 577 Somerville Ave

https://www.partsandcrafts.org/makerspace/open-shop/

Every Saturday we open up our shop, from 12:00 p.m. to 2 p.m. to families and other curious folks who want to come in, look around, and make something (or make something happen!)  People are encouraged to bring projects they’d like to work on and explore, but we’ll always have something in mind to get you started if you’re suffering from maker’s block.  Participation is free / by donation.

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