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Welcome!
Welcome to the ThinkerSpace! We are currently open: Tuesday 6:00PM – 9:00PM Thursday 6:00PM – 9:00PM Saturday 10:30AM – 3:00PM And by appointment. We are equipped with an Epilog Helix 45W CO2 laser engraver, an Aeon Mira 9 100W CO2 laser, and a 30W fiber laser. Two AnyCubic 3D printers (Vyper and Mega X) A vinyl…
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New opening hours
The ThinkerSpace will be CLOSED September 27th thru Oct 12th as we refresh and restructure. From now, until Sept 26th we will by appointment only, there is no charge to schedule an appointment with us and first-time training sessions are still free. You can schedule an appointment here: Schedule The plan is to re-open October…
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Obstacles to Utilization
We’ve had tons of interest but very few people utilize our MakerSpace at the Blue ridge community center. What are some obstacles to your utilization of this space? Time? Don’t have the time or the times we are open don’t line up with your schedule? We are considering reevaluating our open hours! So please give…
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Saving money by 3D printing parts
We recently purchased around 100 of these parts storage bins to start our small parts store. They cost $1.96/pc…however, the individual divders cost between $0.80 – $1.00/pc online (usually in packs of 24). Each unit has 7 divider slots, but typically you would only use 2-4 dividers per bin. It would cost us between $160…
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Layered Vinyl Sign
After a little bit of practice with the vinyl cutter we received a request to make a couple of car magnets. The customer sent us their business card design. We then drafted several designs based on the original for how it could look as a car magnet. I then focused on the most complex elements…
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3D printing station
We are currently using an AnyCubic Mega X and Vyper. They compliment each other nicely with opposing reel locations allowing them to overhang. If anyone is interested we also have an AnyCubic Kobra Go kit that requires assembly. And it could be a one or two session project! The Mega X is currently set up…
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Vinyl cutter added!
One of the things you absolutely cannot cut with a laser cutter is Vinyl! Mostly, because of the toxic and corrosive fumes vinyl releases when vaporized! So, the only way to add vinyl cutting to the ThinkerSpace was to add a vinyl cutter. After some quick research we decided to go with this 34″ USCutter…
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Replacement parts
In my opinion the most useful aspect of 3D printing is the ability to produce replacement parts. It’s not the prettiest, but here is my very first replacement part. 3D Printed on top, original set on the bottom. I was asked to replace this is a pair of electric guitar pick up plates. I was…
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Vase Mode
Vase mode is a special method of 3D printing, instead of printing the model layer by layer, vase mode uses a continuous string of melted filament to print the object. In order for vase mode to work properly the design should only have one exterior wall. Note: There are techniques for getting around the single…
