FreeCAD 101
Knox Makers - Classroom 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesFreeCAD is a free and open source CAD application. This class is intended for people who wish to learn the basics of CAD modeling through the use of FreeCAD. Attendees will learn and follow a basic workflow, draw 2D shapes, convert those 2D shapes to 3D shapes, and combine them to model a coffee cup.
While CAD is useful for 3D printing, machining, metalworking, woodworking, and many other fields, this introductory class will NOT cover specifics on how to apply this knowledge to those fields. Instead, the knowledge obtained in this class acts as a foundation for the attendees to build upon.
FreeCAD is under active development. While the general workflow within FreeCAD stays the same between versions, icons and labels often change. To prevent confusion and to help ensure all attendees are on the same page throughout the class, attendees will use Knox Makers laptops which have FreeCAD installed and configured.
Intro to Jewelry Soldering 101
Knox Makers - Machining 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesIntro to Jewelry Soldering.
This is the Basic startup class for Soldering Jewelry in the Machining Area. We will spend 30 minutes on basic safety and area requirements. Then expect an hour of hands on setup and soldering a copper ring.
I’m going to limit the number of students to 3 , so each person get enough hands on time to be able to feel comfortable soldering with a torch.
No special PPE is required
Please do NOT bring your own jewelry to solder, the time helping you could impact other students.
Intro Arduino: Using Encoders
Knox Makers - Classroom 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesEncoders are useful for user input in a variety of projects. But it can be tricky to get them to work, and work well. Rather than avoid them, embrace them... with our help! In this class attendees will be taught how to hook up and use a rotary encoder with a built-in switch. The concepts…
Learn to Sew
Knox Makers - Fiber Arts 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesThis class covers the basics of using a sewing machine. A discussion on which additional tools are needed to be a successful sewer, how to use some of the most basic stitches, and how to maintain and troubleshoot your machine. Attendees will learn how to change needles and presser feet, wind their bobbins, thread their machine and bobbin and experience the outcome of adjustments to length and width. Everyone leaves with a drawstring bag.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own, personal machines to this class. No machine? No problem. We have one you can use. All other materials for this class will be provided and are included in the fee.
The cost of the event is $39.96 for non Knox Makers members and $29.96 for Knox Makers members. There is a maximum of 4 participants. Class time may run longer depending on the number of students and abilities coming into the class.
There is a maximum of 4 participants. There is a 1 participant minimum.
Machining 100 – Intro To Machining
Knox Makers - Machining 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesBilly will give you a basic introduction to the machining area. This class will begin with a tour of the machining area with a, in-depth discussion of each tool, it’s uses, proper procedures, and safety. At the end of this class, all participating members will be authorized to use the drill press, box pan brake, handtools, and the horizontal bandsaw.
Small Alterations or Mending with a Machine
Knox Makers - Fiber Arts 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesIt’s time to dig deeper into the mending pile. Make that pair of pants that are too short into capris or shorts or simply shorten some jeans with a machine hem. Extend short pockets and add pockets in the seamline to loose skirts or slacks. This technique is not compatible with silhouette hugging skirts or…
Milling 101 – Bridgeport Mill Tool Authorization
Knox Makers - Machining 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United States** Intro to Machining is a prerequisite class. You have to complete the Intro to Machining class before you can take the Milling 101 Class. **
This is a hands on class and is subject to run over the allotted 4 hours. Please make sure your schedule is free accordingly.
In this class you will receive basic hands on experience in operating a Bridgeport Series I J-Head milling machine. During this 3 to 4 hour class, Billy will go over the basics of tramming the head of the mill, tramming the vise, edge finding, work holding and setup, drilling , side milling, and top/end milling operations. You will also learn the basics of the DRO (digital read out), the table power feed, and basic care of the mill. This is a tool authorization class and once completed you will be authorized to use the milling machine and Knox Maker members will receive a key need to operate the mill. Intro to Machining is a prerequisite class.
There will be a fee of $24.96 for members.. There will be a maximum of 4 spots of this class, and a minimum of 1 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.
Metal Turning 101 – MSC Lathe Tool Authorization
Knox Makers - Machining 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United States** Intro to Machining is a prerequisite class. You have to complete the Intro to Machining class before you can take the Metal Turning 101 Class. **
This is a hands on class and is subject to run over the allotted 4 hours. Please make sure your schedule is free accordingly.
In this class you will receive basic hands on experience in operating a MSC 13" x 40" Lathe. During this 3 to 4 hour class, David will go over the basics which include work holding, facing, center drilling, drilling, profile turning, grooving and parting operations. You will also learn the basics of using a dial indicator for more accurate parts, power feed, and basic care of the lathe. This is a tool authorization class and once completed you will be authorized to use the lathe and Knox Maker members will receive a key need to operate the lathe. Intro to Machining is a prerequisite class.
(Not covered in the class: Threading, Boring Knurling, Spherical generation, or tapered turning between centers)
There will be a fee of $24.96 for members.. There will be a maximum of 4 spots of this class, and a minimum of 1 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.
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!
Power Hammer Authorization – LG25 “Thumper”
Knox Makers - Blacksmithing 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesThis class introduces you to the latest addition to the blacksmith shop, Thumper, our 25lb Little Giant PowerHammer! This class will cover operational maintenance, necessary lubrication points, how to swap out dies, things to watch out for on this nearly 80 year old machine, and plenty of forging time to get comfortable with its capabilities.…
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 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.
Moonraker 101
Knox Makers - Classroom 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United States +1 moreThis is an introduction class to our laser cutter, Moonraker. Jondale 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
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.
Scrap Metal Art
Knox Makers - Metalworking 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesLearn to make metal sculptures from recycled metal scrap!
No experience necessary- just use your imagination.
We will begin by covering shop safety and go over some tool basics. After a bit of discussion about scrap materials the class will design and create their own small sculptures to take home.
If you have some scrap material you would like to use, please get in touch with me prior to the class so we can discuss your vision on Mattermost or at joe@knoxmakers.org The metal shop has all the equipment required but you are always welcome to bring your own PPE and welding shield.
Please wear natural fiber clothes such as jeans, cotton shirts, etc. NO acrylics, spandex or "tech" style clothing. Socks and closed toed shoes are also required.
Crossbow 101
Knox Makers - Classroom 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesThis is an introduction class to our Fiber laser cutter, Crossbow. Jondale will lead attendees of this class as they learn the basics of fiber lasers, make a simple design, and then engrave it using Crossbow. This class is intended for members who have not yet been authorized to use Crossbow or need/want a review…
Power Hammer Authorization – LG25 “Thumper”
Knox Makers - Blacksmithing 116 Childress St SW, Knoxville, TN, United StatesThis class introduces you to the latest addition to the blacksmith shop, Thumper, our 25lb Little Giant PowerHammer! This class will cover operational maintenance, necessary lubrication points, how to swap out dies, things to watch out for on this nearly 80 year old machine, and plenty of forging time to get comfortable with its capabilities.…
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.
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.