About
Learn more about NextFab, our services, and the future of making.
Makerspace
A place with all the tools you need for your creativity and hands-on-learning.
Membership
Our Members
Events
For the CNC curious and woodworking hobbyist looking to add a new skill to their toolbox, this class is a great introduction. Learn the CNC process to make a fun beginner sign project of your own custom design. Over the six weeks, you will learn about the capabilities of our CNC machines and the software, tools, and techniques required to make them bring your designs to life. In the classroom, vector drawing tools will be demonstrated and practiced in the V-Carve Pro software to draft your sign, and we will discuss materials, router bit types, and cutting parameters to program our toolpaths. In the shop, masking, painting, and finishing techniques will be explored to bring color and effect to your designs. Together, we will cut out your signs on our ShopBot CNC router and talk about process optimization. Note that some independent work outside of class hours is expected. By the end of this series, walk away with a custom sign, the CNC skills to make countless more, and knowledge you can apply to many other CNC designs!
All materials are included in the price, but custom paint and finish options are Bring Your Own.
NextFab’s Maker Series is a two-month program that gives you up to 5 classes, unlimited shop access, and a cohort to learn alongside. This Maker Series is currently closed. To be the first to know when our next series opens for enrollment, fill out the Maker Series Interest Form here.
Q. What is included in the Maker Series package?
A. Registration in a Maker Series grants you:
Q: Is the Maker Series right for me? I have ZERO experience!
A: Yes! The Maker Series programming was developed with the true beginner in mind. In six weeks, you could go from zero experience to confidently navigating an active studio and future projects.
Not only is NextFab’s Maker Series designed to teach you how to use the most common equipment within the area of your program, but also how to think about design when creating something from scratch. Knowing how to follow a blueprint or plan is incredibly valuable, but designing your own project plans is what will differentiate you from the hobbyist who is “just winging it.”
Q: If I am a previous member of NextFab, can I join the Maker Series?
A: Absolutely! If you are a previous member and looking to complete the class project or get a major refresh of skills you haven’t used for a while, the Maker Series is a perfect way to get your feet wet again. To receive the discounted pricing for members, please register through our Q-Reserve system available on the Member Portal.
Q: I have a schedule conflict with one of the class dates. Can I make it up?
A: While we understand things can occasionally come up, please do your best to stick to the scheduled dates. Participants in the Maker Series will be charged a rate of $60 per hour for any required make-up sessions. Your instructor will work with you to arrange a make-up session based on their availability. To ensure you remain on track with the program’s objectives, please provide as much advance notice as possible if a make-up session is needed.
Q: Should I join the Maker Series or join as a regular member and take classes?
A: This depends on your goals. If you are feeling inspired and want to learn new skills but don’t have a particular project in mind, the Maker Series is perfectly suited to get your feet wet and help you find your way in the craft.
What’s Next:
Let us know your prefered dates and times, and we’ll work with you to put something on the calendar. Please note we need at least 48 hours notice to schedule classes.