Use of Makerspace equipment requires the completion of the Melrose General Orientation, as well as an additional Orientation and Assessment for each of the machine types. Once you have gained credentials for a machine, you will be able to apply your skills during our Open Lab sessions. Reservations are highly recommended but are not required for use.
Machines available in the Makerspace:
Additional Equipment for Makers:
- PC Laptops – You are free to bring in your own laptop to work on your project, or use one of ours. We offer use of PCs in the Makerspace that are equipped with specialized software. Please make sure to bring a jump drive to transfer and save your work.
- Soldering Station – A space with the necessary tools such as soldering irons for your small electronics projects. Available during open labs. No reservation necessary.
- Assorted Hand Tools – Need to borrow a pair of pliers or a phillips head screwdriver for your project in the Lab? We’ve got you covered! Just ask one of our instructors for the tool.
- Airbrush Station – Put the finishing touches on your project! Just bring your airbrushing paints and we’ll provide the tools. Available upon request during open lab.
- Button Maker – Ever wanted to make your own custom-made buttons? We have a button maker available in our makerspace during Open Lab. Our button maker can make 2.25” buttons. Materials for the buttons are provided with a cost of $0.10 per button. You can print your design in our Makerspace ($0.15 per page) or you can bring your design already printed. A template to setup your buttons for printing is available in our Makerspace computers.
- Epson ET-8550 Printer – Need to print out something? We have available a wide format printer that allows borderless printing up to 13″ x 19″ inches. It can print lab quality graphics and photos as well as print on specialty media (cardstock, photo paper, sticker paper, CD/DVD, etc.). Each print costs $0.15 per page. Please be aware that you must bring your own sticker paper or any other specialty paper. We only have available letter size copy paper. Printer ink isn’t waterproof or water-resistant.
- Paper Making Kit – Want to make your own paper? We have available paper making kits during our Makerspace Open Lab. Just bring your scraps of paper and we’ll provide the tools! Each kit includes: 1 Instruction Sheet, 1 Wood Frame, 1 Mesh Screen, 1 Support Grid, 1 Mesh Cover, 2 Couch Sheets, 1 Sponge, 1 Microfiber Towel, and 1 Bin. Also available for use is 1 blender and 1 iron.
- Chompsaw – Need to cut some cardboard? The Chompsaw is a safe cardboard cutter perfect for cutting cardboard into any shape. Please be aware that the max thickness that the Chompsaw is able to cut is up to is 3mm. This tool is available upon request during open lab days.
- Cosplay Station – Need a space to work on your cosplay? We have space available with some of the tools you will need in order to work on your cosplay and get convention ready. Just bring your materials and we’ll provide the space and tools. Available during open lab.
Silhouette Cameo 4 (requires completion of an Orientation and Assessment for use)
With more speed and power than any other Silhouette machine, the Cameo 4 is a desktop cutting machine for the modern maker. The Makerspace has available two Silhouettes. The Cameo 4 that can cut materials up to 12″ wide and the Cameo 4 Plus that can cut materials up to 15″ wide. The Melrose Makerspace does not provide materials for use with the machines during Open Labs, please be sure to bring everything you’ll need to complete your project.
3D Printers (requires completion of an Orientation and Assessment for use)
The Makerspace has available six 3D printers. One Bambu Lab H2C, two Bambu Lab P2S, two Bambu Lab A1, and one Flashforge Guider 3 Plus.
The Bambu Lab H2C is a fast 3D printer with the capability of multi-color printing up to 8 colors and the ability to print with a range of advanced materials such as PETG, ABS, and ASA. This printer has the Vortek Hotend change system, which automatically swaps the hotend with another one to minimize filament waste and delivers a faster and cleaner print. It has a max build volume of 325mm*325mm*320mm.
The Bambu Lab P2S is a fast single extruder 3D printer with the capability of multi-color printing up to 4 colors and the ability to print with a range of advanced materials such as PETG, ABS, and ASA. It is a fast and user-friendly 3D printer with a max build volume of 256mm*256mm*256mm.
The Bambu Lab A1 is a sling bed 3D printer with the capability of multi-color printing up to 4 colors. It has a magnetic textured PEI plate and the AMS Lite which is what allows you to print with more than one color. The max build volume is 256*256*256mm.
The Guider 3 Plus is a single extruder 3D printer with a magnetic printing plate (smooth and textured PEI plates) and is able to print the same range of materials as the Bambu Lab P2S and H2C. The max build volume is 350*350*600mm making it our biggest printer in the lab.
We offer PLA in a variety of colors for use in our machines at a cost of $0.05 per gram*. Additionally, you’re able to bring your own filament** as long as it is 1.75mm in diameter. Please note that 3D prints must be done by either the end of your reservation time or lab time. It’s not possible to leave prints after hours at this time.
*Due to the amount of filament waste that the A1s creates, please keep in mind that both the waste and prints will be weighed. The price will still be $0.05 per gram.
**If using non-Bambu Lab branded filaments, please make sure that the filament spool fits into the AMS Lite. This is due to the AMS Lite having very specific sizing for the inner hole of the spools. This doesn’t apply to the P2S and the H2C.
xTool P2 (requires completion of an Orientation and Assessment for use)
The xTool P2 is a 55w desktop laser cutter and engraver that offers a working area of 23.6″ x 12″. The Makerspace does not provide materials for use with this laser cutter during Open Labs, so please be sure to bring everything you will need to complete your projects. The xTool P2 can process a variety of materials. For more information please visit the xTool materials library.
xTool P3 (requires completion of an Orientation and Assessment for use)
The XTool P3 is an 80w CO2 desktop laser cutter and engraver that offers a working area of 36″ x 18″ with a pass-through feature and speeds of up to 1,200 mm/s. It is able to process thicker materials up to 20mm natural wood and 25 mm clear acrylics. The P3 can process a variety of materials.
For more information on what type of material this laser is able to process and its settings, please visit the xTool Materials library.
xTool F1 (requires completion of an Orientation and Assessment for use)
The xTool F1 is a portable dual laser engraver with a 10w Diode laser and a 2w Infrared laser. The Makerspace does not provide materials for use with this laser cutter during Open Labs, so please be sure to bring everything you will need to complete your projects.
The xTool F1 can engrave or score a variety of materials such as:
- Wood
- Leather
- Acrylics
- Glass
- Metals
- Rock
- Rubber
An extensive list of materials can be found in the xTool Materials library.
xTool F2 Ultra (requires completion of an Orientation and Assessment for use)
The XTool F2 Ultra is a portable dual laser engraver. The F2 Ultra has a 60w MOPA laser and a 40w Diode laser. It’s able to cut some metals (up to 2mm), color engrave on metals, emboss, deep engrave and more. It has a working area of 8.6″ x 8.6″ with a max working speed of 15,000mm/s. For more information on what type of material this laser can process, please visit the xTool Materials library.
Only one XTool Laser Cutter and Engraver Orientation is needed for all XTool machines.
We reserve the right to refuse cutting any material that may be flammable and/or emit harmful toxic fumes or gasses. If you have any questions about a specific material, please call us at 407.835.7323 and ask for the Melrose Desk for assistance.