Autonomous Vehicles In The Rear View Mirror
Knox Makers - Classroom 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesThis talk will share my experience as a contender in the DARPA Urban Challenge, an autonomous car race that took place in 2007. This event helped set the stage for the current state of autonomous vehicles. The talk will include my team's progression through the competition, lessons learned, and will be mostly non-technical. While the…
Woodworking 302 – Pen Turning
Knox Makers - Woodworking 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesYou MUST have completed Woodworking 102 - Woodturning Basics prior to taking this class. This class is a continuation of basic woodturning skills beyond spindles and it will include a brief safety reminder.
Learn how to make a ball-point pen using wood or plastic resin barrel blanks. This class will cover how to prepare the materials for the pen’s barrel, discuss and demonstrate additional materials and accessories, and the final assembly and finishing methods commonly used. Pen kits and additional materials will be provided and participants will leave with a completed pen.
Class members are encouraged to bring eye protection (full face shields are ideal. Do not wear any long, loose-fitting clothing, long sleeve shirts, bracelets, rings or low hanging neck chains. A hat would be appropriate if you don’t want to be picking woods chips out of your hair.
There is a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 attendees. If the minimum is not met 24 hours before class starts, the class will be canceled and ticket purchases refunded.
Embroidery Machine Auth
Knox Makers - Fiber Arts 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesThis is the authorization class needed to use the Brother Innov-is NQ1700E Embroidery Machine. The general format of the class covers choosing the right stabilizer and needle for your project, hooping, designing and stitching it. A hands-on approach will show the basics of how to turn the preloaded text and images into fabric art.
For the more advanced, loading up a pes file format embroidery design of your own will be covered. Class time will vary depending on number of questions and skill level of participants.
Woodworking 101
Knox Makers - Woodworking 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesThis class will cover topics related to safe and correct operation of equipment within the woodworking area, as well as some shop etiquette guidelines. This is the authorization class for the area and is required prior to using the equipment. Safe practices will be demonstrated and learned by a hands on approach in the context of taking rough lumber through the process of milling and operation of all equipment in the space. If you have previously paid and attended a wood authorization class then we encourage you to audit the class free of charge at any time.
The cost is $24.96 for Knox Makers members, $39.96 for General Public. There will be a maximum of 10 spots of this class, and a minimum of 3 tickets must be sold. If the class minimum is not met 48 hours prior to class start time, the class we be canceled and all tickets will be refunded.
Intro to the Silhouette
Knox Makers - Classroom 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesUsing Inkscape's add-on for the Silhouette, you will print and cut your own sticker using registration marks. We will walk through the trace commands and create two cut lines at different depths. The first will cut sticker paper, the second cuts all the way through. If time allows, we will explore using other materials like cardstock, vinyl and felt.
There will be a fee of $9.96 for members.. There will be a maximum of 4 spots of this class, and a minimum of 2 tickets must be sold. If the class minimum is not met 48 hours prior to class start time, the class we be canceled and all tickets will be refunded.
Directions- Knox Makers parking and entrance is located around the back of the SPARK building in the fenced in area.
Knox Makers is a place for the Knoxville area’s engineers, artists, hobbyists, innovators, educators and entrepreneurs to work and play. We are a technology and art collective dedicated to the promotion of creativity enabled and informed by science. Our lectures, workshops, and outreach programs inspire and educate both members and the general public. Our workshop provides members with both the space for large projects and the tools to complete them. We are a non-profit educational organization supported by member dues and staffed by volunteers.
Intro to Knitting
Knox Makers 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesMake things from string! Learn to cast on, knit, purl and cast off while making a mug rug. Yarn and Needles will be provided during class.
Build a Macro Keypad
Knox Makers - Classroom 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesPaul and Ray have put together a delicious custom macro keypad build class to keep you entertained during the cold winter months. The PCB, enclosure and firmware are all custom, of our own design with an eye towards producing a great finished project that is approachable by any of our members. You'll leave class with…
Open Hack Night – Public Welcome
Knox Makers 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesOpen hack nights are a chance for people to come out to Knox Makers and hack on anything at any skill level. You can come out to practice a new programming language, get help working on your personal projects, or try your hand at using the 3d printer. You might just come out to see what other folks are working on and lend a hand. If you know anyone who has been curious to come out to Knox Makers, please invite them along!
Like all other Tuesday nights, this event is free and open to the public. Our night will begin with a Show and Share where attendees are encouraged to bring out the projects they have been working on. This is a great time to request feedback for the future direction of your project, or you can just bring out something you want to show off. We hope to see you there!
Lightning Talk: How to Make Paint
Knox Makers - Classroom 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesDiscover the art of making paint just like Renaissance masters! In this quick lecture, learn how artists transformed minerals, plants, and even insects into vibrant pigments. Explore traditional binders like egg yolk and linseed oil, and see how these historical recipes created timeless masterpieces. Join us for a fascinating dive into the craftsmanship behind classic…
Intro to TIG Welding (GTAW 201)
Knox Makers - Metalworking 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesYou MUST have completed Introduction to Metalworking (MIG 101) or already be a non-novice welder before taking this class. This is not an intro to the metal shop, but the next step focusing on beginning TIG.
This is the next class in the welding series granting authorization on the TIG Welders and Hand Plasma Cutter.
We will spend just a few minutes refreshing basic safety and area requirements, then we will go over the plasma cutter. We’ll also learn how to set up a TIG machine and have shared welding time practicing technique.
Students are welcome bring their own PPE, shield and gloves if they have them, but this is NOT required- we have setups available to use.
Heat Press Auth (Includes Sublimation Printer)
Knox Makers - Fiber Arts 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesSublimation printing is soft on fabric like silk screening and not stiff like HTV (heat transfer vinyl.) Come learn how to print your favorite image on special paper then use the heat press to transfer it to a shirt, hat, mug, tumbler or plate. We will also demonstrate how to incorporate white. While this class is focused on sublimation, the heat press is not limited to only sublimation prints. You can press HTV designs cut out on the Silhouette or vinyl cutter.
There will be a short talks on how to and not to press each item integrated with hands on time. Every student will press their name onto the auth shirt and leave with a coffee cup or tumbler printed with a design of their choice.
Pre-requisites: Create an image of your name for the shirt and up to a 4" x 9.5" image for your mug or 7.75" tall x 8.75" wide image for your tumbler. Please send your images to sim1blanket in Mattermost prior to class.
Intro to Metalworking (MIG 101)
Knox Makers - Metalworking 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesThis is the Basic authorization class for using the Metalworking Shop and the MIG Welder. We will cover lots of safety and learn the metal shop tools. Expect an hour or so of hands-on setup and shared MIG welding time (more if needed.)The class may run a bit short or long depending on students' needs.
Proper attire is natural fiber clothing such as cotton jeans and T-shirts. Cotton/polyester blend is OK but synthetic clothing or other materials that can melt are unsafe. Students can bring their own PPE (Personal Protective Equipment,) shield and gloves if they have them. but these are NOT required as we have setups for everyone to use.
Please do NOT bring your own welding machines to use, the setup and testing time could impact other students.
Blacksmithing Authorization – Intro to Forging
Knox Makers - Blacksmithing 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesThis class introduces you to the new blacksmithing zone. We cover propane forge operation, zone safety, basic hand forging, and nail making. At the completion of the class, members will receive a key to access the forge and foundry building.
Proper attire is natural fiber clothing such as cotton jeans and T-shirts. Cotton/polyester blend is OK but synthetic clothing or other materials that can melt are unsafe. We have eye protection available but suggest you bring your own if you have them.
This class is for members only and costs $11.96. There will be a 5 person maximum and a 2 person minimum. If the minimum isn’t met 24 hours in advance the class will be canceled.
Blacksmithing Authorization – Intro to Forging
Knox Makers - Blacksmithing 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesThis class introduces you to the new blacksmithing zone. We cover propane forge operation, zone safety, basic hand forging, and nail making. At the completion of the class, members will receive a key to access the forge and foundry building.
Proper attire is natural fiber clothing such as cotton jeans and T-shirts. Cotton/polyester blend is OK but synthetic clothing or other materials that can melt are unsafe. We have eye protection available but suggest you bring your own if you have them.
This class is for members only and costs $11.96. There will be a 5 person maximum and a 2 person minimum. If the minimum isn’t met 24 hours in advance the class will be canceled.
Moonraker 101
Knox Makers - Classroom 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesThis is an introduction class to our laser cutter, Moonraker. Tracy will lead attendees of this class as they learn the basics of laser cutting, make a simple design, and then engrave and cut out the design using the laser cutter in our space. This class is intended for members who have not yet been authorized to use Moonraker or need/want a review of its operation.Laptops will be provided for this class.
Help installing the software on your own laptop can be provided outside of class.In class we will be using Inkscape and the laser cutting extension bundle we’ve put together for it. There is a minimum of two participant and maximum of six participants.
You can find Inkscape at: https://inkscape.org/
You can find the KM-Laser bundle at: https://github.com/KnoxMakers/KM-Laser
Open Hack Night – Public Welcome
Knox Makers 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesOpen hack nights are a chance for people to come out to Knox Makers and hack on anything at any skill level. You can come out to practice a new programming language, get help working on your personal projects, or try your hand at using the 3d printer. You might just come out to see what other folks are working on and lend a hand. If you know anyone who has been curious to come out to Knox Makers, please invite them along!
Like all other Tuesday nights, this event is free and open to the public. Our night will begin with a Show and Share where attendees are encouraged to bring out the projects they have been working on. This is a great time to request feedback for the future direction of your project, or you can just bring out something you want to show off. We hope to see you there!
New Members Onboarding
Knox Makers - Classroom 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesWhether you’re a current member, trial member, or prospective member, you’re welcome to join us at this month’s New Member Onboarding!
We’ll start with a brief overview of Knox Makers’ origins and purpose and talk about how the organization works. You’ll learn a bit about the resources available to members and about the path to membership. Afterwards, we’ll hang out and socialize.
The focus is on new members, but longer-term members are encouraged to come and meet new folks.
Woodworking 103 – bandsaw authorization
Knox Makers - Woodworking 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesLearn how to use the three bandsaws in the woodworking zone safely and effectively. Operation will include: how to avoid damaging the bandsaw blade, when it requires replacement and how to do that; how to adjust the blade guard and guides. Which materials can be cut and the appropriate type/size blade to use and those which must never be cut on these bandsaws. There will be discussions and demonstrations regarding how to re-saw thick wood into thinner boards and how to safely cut round and odd-shaped pieces of wood. Participants will have the opportunity for hands-on experience bandsawing a piece of wood. Dust masks are recommended.
The cost is $24.96 for Knox Makers members, $39.96 for General Public. There will be a maximum of 6 spots of this class, and a minimum of 2 tickets must be sold. If the class minimum is not met 48 hours prior to class start time, the class we be canceled and all tickets will be refunded.
Monsters Made with Love – Sewing with a Self-Love Twist
Knox Makers 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesLet's celebrate Valentine's Monster Style! Bring your partner, bring a friend, or come alone. Everyone is welcome! Have you ever wanted to learn to sew? Do you think that sewing needs to be perfect? Do you know how to sew, but just want to make something fun? Do you just want to do something special…
Steel Heart Valentine’s Event
Knox Makers - Metalworking 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesThe only thing more romantic than candle light is the glow of a welding arc.
Come spend a fun Valentine's evening creating a steel sculpture symbolic of the day!
No previous metalworking experience necessary- we will set up all the tools and guide you safely through the process as you bend, shape and weld your project.
This is a perfect couples Valentine's date... you can work together to make a lasting symbol of your feelings!