Thode Makerspace

Located on the lower level/basement of the Thode Library, the Makerspace is an experiential learning space where the McMaster community can gather for hands-on learning using our equipment and tools, and bring their creativity to life.

The space provides an opportunity for faculty, staff, and students in all faculties to gather to create, invent and learn.

Use of the Makerspace is governed by the code of conduct.

Online training modules must be completed prior to using the Makerspace, tools, and equipment. See the Equipment Training tab below for more information.

Makerspace is open! Visit us in-person or phone us during our open hours (see the Hours tab below).

Equipment

Book in advance:

3D Printers

Prusa MK4

Click above for further details about the 3D printers.

Laser Cutter / Engraver

Trotec Speedy 300

Click above for further details about the laser cutter.

Soldering Station

Weller WES51

Click above for further details about the soldering station.

No booking required

Drill Press

Craftex CT021N drill press

Click above for further details about the drill press.

Cutting Machine

Silhouette Cameo 4 cutting machine

Click above for further details about the cutting machine.

Sewing Machine

Janome HD-1000 sewing machine

Hand tools & measuring cart

Click above for further details about the hand tools & measuring cart.

Woodworking cart

Click above for further details about the woodworking cart.

Soldering cart

Click above for further details about the soldering cart.

Sign out and use

Arduino Uno Kit

Click above for further details about the Arduino.

Raspberry Pi 3B Kit

Info coming.

Motor Driver with Stepper Motor Kit

Info coming.

Breadboards (large & small)

Info coming.

Makerspace Equipment Chart

Note: Any of the linked guides are only accessible to those who have enrolled in the Makerspace training course and are logged into Avenue to Learn.

Equipment	General Online Training & Quiz Required	Equipment- Specific Online Training & Quiz Required	In-person Training Required	Booking requirements	Loan Out	Resources & Software	Expendable Materials	Health & Safety
3D Printers (Prusa MK4S)	ü	ü	ü	1 appointment per day per person, max 4 hours		PrusaSlicer 2.6.0 Guide PrusaSlicer Autodesk Inventor Fusion 360 Meshlab	PLA provided for free	Heat, pinch points
Laser Cutter/Engraver (Trotec Speedy 300)	ü	ü	ü	1 appointment per day per person, max 2 hours		Inventor to Laser Cutter Guide Laser Cutter Design Guide - Kerf Job Control Inkscape Autodesk Inventor Autodesk AutoCAD	Scrap material (limited supply) provided for free Purchase: Wood based materials and acrylic materials (Home Depot). NO METAL.	Heat, fire, smoke
Soldering Station (Weller 1010NA)	ü	ü	ü	1 appointment per day per person, max 2 hours		Threaded Heated Inserts Guide	Lead free solder provided for free	Heat, toxic fumes, splatter
Soldering Hot Plate	ü	ü	ü	1 appointment per day per person, max 2 hours		Hot Plate Guide	Lead free solder provided for free	Heat, toxic fumes
Soldering Reflow Station	ü	ü	ü	1 appointment per day per person, max 2 hours		Reflow Station Guide	Lead free solder provided for free	Heat, toxic fumes
Drill Press (Craftex CT021N)	ü	ü	ü					Heat, sharp, entanglement risks
Cutting Machine (Cricut Maker 4)	ü	ü	ü			Sticker & Heat Transfer Vinyl Cutter Guide Silhouette Studio GIMP	12" x 12" sheet of sticker vinyl or heat transfer vinyl provided for free	Sharp
Sewing Machine (Janome HD-1000)	ü	ü	ü			Sewing Machine Guide	12” x 12” cut of fabric provided for free	Sharp
1.25" Button Press	ü					Button Press Guide	24 buttons provided for free	Pinch points
Hand Tools & Power Tools	ü					Tool Cart List & Guide		Heat, sharp, entanglement risks
Arduino Uno Kit	ü				ü	Arduino IDE		ESD
Raspberry Pi 3B Kit	ü				ü	Raspberry Pi Kit Guide Raspberry Pi Imager Tool VNC Viewer		ESD
Motor Driver with Stepper Motor Kit	ü				ü			ESD
Breadboards (large & small)	ü				ü			ESD

Equipment Training

Users wishing to use the Makerspace and its equipment need to know how to operate things safely. We expect these users to complete our online training course.

The Makerspace Training course is a place for you to:

learn about Thode Makerspace and the equipment available,
learn about your role as a maker and what is expected of you,
and collect stamps on your Makerspace Safety Passport.

How to get trained

Enroll in the Avenue to Learn course "Thode Makerspace Training and Community".
Complete the "General Orientation" module located under "Content" in the course tool bar.
Successfully complete the "General Orientation Quiz" located under "Assessments" in the course tool bar.

Congrats, you may now use the Makerspace and general equipment. Be prepared to show proof of completion to the Makerspace Coordinator before permission is granted to use the equipment.

Tools and equipment must be used inside of the Makerspace during our open hours. They may not be signed out or removed from the Makerspace.

For specialized equipment such as the 3D Printer, Laser Cutter/Engraver, Soldering Iron and Drill Press, the relevant online modules and their quizzes must be successfully completed. In addition, in-person training must also be booked at least 24 hours in advance and completed.

Code of Conduct

All users and visitors in the Makerspace agree to abide by the Makerspace Code of Conduct. Below is the link to the full document.

Code of Conduct (PDF)

Read the full Code of Conduct (PDF) document.

Events

What's happening in the Makerspace? Check out the events below!

Repair Café

Have an item needing repair?

Bring it to the next Repair Café and we will figure it out together!

Workshops

Check for workshops on the Library's event page!

Host an event at the Makerspace!

Want to host an event in the Thode Makerspace?

About Us

The Makerspace is equipped with tools and technology to prototype and create. McMaster students, staff and instructors from all disciplines are welcome to use our equipment!

Book 24 hours in advance:

3D Printers (Prusa MK3S/MK3S+)*
Laser Cutter/Engraver (Trotec Speedy 300)*
Soldering Station (Weller WES51)*

Booking required:

Drill Press (Craftex CT021N)*
Cutting Machine (Silhouette Cameo 4)*
Sewing Machine (Janome HD-1000)*

Sign out and use:

Arduino Uno Kit
Raspberry Pi 3B Kit
Motor Driver with Stepper Motor Kit
Breadboards (small and large)
Hand Tools & Power Tools

* Online and in-person training required

FAQs

I'm not on campus all the time. Can I still get information about the 3D printer, laser cutter, or the other equipment in the Makerspace?

Yes, you can. Email the Makerspace at mkrspace@mcmaster.ca

What types of equipment do you have in the Makerspace?

Current equipment includes:

3D Printers (Prusa Mk3S / MK3S+)
Laser Cutter/Engraver (Trotec Speedy 300)
Soldering Station (Weller WES51)
Drill Press (Craftex CT021N)
Cutting Machine
Sewing Machine
Hand & Power Tools
Arduino Uno Kit
Raspberry Pi 3B Kit
Motor Driver with Servo Motor Kit
Breadboards (large & small)

Get more information on the Equipment tab.

What types of software are available in the Makerspace?

Available software:

Arduino UNO IDE
Autodesk Inventor (CAD)
Autodesk Autocad (CAD)
Inkscape (Graphics Editor)
G.I.M.P. (Graphics Editor)
Job Control
Prusa Slicer
Silhouette Studio

Are tools available to all students?

Yes! All tools can be used by any McMaster staff, student and faculty member, after they have completed their training. Please see the Equipment Training tab for more information about the required training.

Tools and equipment must be used inside of the Makerspace during our open hours. They may not be signed out or removed from the Makerspace.

Do I need to take any training to use the equipment in the Makerspace?

Yes, general training is required prior to using equipment in the Makerspace. Additionally, you need specific training to use the following equipment:

3D Printer (Prusa MK3S / MK3S+)
Laser Cutter/Engraver (Trotec Speedy 300)
Soldering Station (Weller WES51)
Drill press (Craftex CT021N)

Please the Equipment Training tab for further information.

Rhonda Moore

Manager, Lyons New Media Centre and Thode Makerspace

905-525-9140 ext. 20734

moorer@mcmaster.ca

Lyons New Media Centre, Mills Memorial Library, Thode Makerspace

Lynne Serviss

Associate University Librarian, User Services and Community Engagement

905-525-9140 ext. 22077

289 244 9901

servisl@mcmaster.ca

H.G. Thode Library of Science & Engineering, Learning Commons, Library Accessibility Services, Lyons New Media Centre, Mills Memorial Library, Mills Services Desk, Study Zones, Thode Makerspace, Thode Services Desk

Brittany Sostar

Makerspace Coordinator

905-525-9140 ext. 22000

sostarb@mcmaster.ca

H.G. Thode Library of Science & Engineering, Thode Makerspace