I removed the cracked lens today and refocused the laser mirrors sans the combiner lens. In my testing the power seems to be normal on both sides of the bed now. Unfortunately, removing this lens means we don’t have red point laser for aiming .
I have ordered a new lens which should be here within a week.
If we still power issues with the laser in the coming weeks, then it probably means the tube is dying and we will have to go through the process of replacing it.
The laser is currently not cutting consistently across the bed, and at severely reduced power on the right of the bed. I think the problem is with one of the lenses and I will hopefully get it replaced shortly. You can still use the laser, but be warned it may not work well for larger designs.
-Rory
Just a quick note: We won’t be doing an open house on Christmas day (12/25). As of right now I’m planning on being at the shop on New Year’s Day, so we’ll have Open House then as usual for a Wednesday night. Have a great holiday everybody!
Join local members of The Replica Prop Forum for a party, with props!
Do you have an interest in building props for cosplay or your own collection? Come in and meet some local prop builders, learn some techniques, find some sources. This event is open to all prop builders, collectors, prop curious, costumers and cosplayers.
TC Maker Members drop in whenever you want, otherwise please register on through our class registration system. See you then!
Twin Cities Maker will be setting up a booth and bringing the life size operation game to the Twin Cities Tool Swap & Expo Oct 19 from 10am-4pm
Stop by to say hi, and test your operation skills 🙂
Location: Bloomington Armory, 3300 W 98th St., Bloomington
Where to Go to See More Info On the Event: https://www.mnwwg.org/
Are you an IT-type person? You know, computers, servers, networks, coding, that sort of thing. If you are, I’m looking for you! TCMaker has a lot of tech-related things to take care of, and we also want some shiny technological wizardry to make various useful things happen. If you’d like to help out, please come by the IT interest group meeting on Thursday 10/24 at 7pm. If you’ve got any questions or ideas please let me know either in person or at it@tcmaker.org. I’ll have an agenda up a few days beforehand.
Jon (Wood Shop Manager) is looking for volunteers to staff an informational booth at the upcoming Tool Swap & Expo being held by the Minnesota WoodWorkers Guild Sat Oct 19, 2019 from 10am to 4pm. If you have interest in sharing your excitement about Twin Cities Maker, please sign up for a time slot by clicking here or emailing WoodShop@TCMaker.org. We are looking for at least 2 people to staff the booth during each 1 hour time slot.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND PARTY
The annual Membership Meeting will be held Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Noon. We need a minimum of approximately 30 people to reach quorum, so your attendance is important. This is your opportunity to talk about organizational and shop issues that are important to you. The meeting will probably be wrapped up by 2pm, if not earlier.
Agenda items of interest:
Board Elections: Two board members will be elected to serve three-year terms on the board of directors. We are still looking for individuals interested in participating in our governing body. If you are interested in running for a board seat, please email board@tcmaker.org.
Dues: Our rent was raised this year. We’re going to talk about raising membership dues and would like to hear your thoughts and questions.
Payment processing: Limiting payment methods may come to a vote by the membership at this meeting, so you might want to attend.
10th Anniversary Shindig: Twin Cities Maker is officially celebrating its 10-Year Anniversary! So, we’re throwing ourselves an anniversary party following the annual meeting. We’re planning to have food, drinks, and live music. Other activities may include a show-and-tell for all your awesome projects, robot demos, and an amateur radio event.
Keep an eye out for more information! Hope to see you all there.
Wench Welding night is back at the Hack Factory! We’ll have a project and get re-acquainted with the space and machines. We’ll meet July 25th @ 6pm in the classroom space at the Hack Factory and transition to the shop! We’ll have jackets, welding hoods, and some spare gloves but if you have your own set, we encourage you to bring it!
If you have any questions, you can email metalshop@tcmaker.org
–Clara and Cory
We have a new donation box and refreshment tray for our classroom.
Please remember to throw some cash in the box when you grab a drink or something to eat. Your contributions allow us to continue provide this, and other amenities for you.
