Tools and Equipment

NOTE: This page is constantly being updated and expanded to include information on what tools are in what areas, the 'tool privilege' (red / yellow / green tags) requirements for each tool, the list of persons who can grant red- or yellow-tag privilege for each tool, specs and manuals for the tools, and lots more information. That's a lot of work, so please be patient...

Certain tools require membership and/or Rockford MakerSpace training to use. We use a red/yellow/green color coding system to denote the requirements. Details are on the following page:

Tool Privilege & Access - Tools sorted by member and guest access.

Many of our tools require design or operating software to use. The following page has a list of free or open source software:

Software

There are a number of sites providing online tutorials and other resources, free graphics which can be used with the laser cutter/engraver, 3D printer, etc. The following page lists some of our favorites. As with anything that you find online, some is good, some -- not so much. Your mileage may vary. Use at your own discretion and risk. Here are some sites you may find helpful:

Links

3D Printing

Area Captain: ~~Jake Ellenberger~~, Bob Wise

Email: 3dprinting@rockfordmaker.space

★ 3D Printing area usage

Aeronautics (rockets, drones, etc)

This area is in the planning stage . ..

Area Captain: ~~Jake Ellenberger~~

Email:

Screw City Rocketry Club

Arts & Crafts

Area Captains: Sonnie Glusman, Rebecca Osterberg

Email: crafts@rockfordmaker.space

~~Brother Serger~~
~~Cricut Expression~~
- see Vinyl cutter instead
stained glass equipment
~~Tumbling machine~~
various arts and crafts supplies, materials, etc.
Free wifi

Links to free graphics

Automotive

This area is in the planning stage . . .

Area Captain: Rob Wise

Email:

Ceramics

This area is under construction . . .

Area Captain: Rachel K

Email:

Classroom

Area Captain: Rob Wise

Various Windows and Linux computer workstations and laptops
- ethernet and wifi
- lots of software applications
Printers
Viewsonic video projector
Free wifi

Electronics Lab

Area Captain: Brian Latham

Email: electronics@rockfordmaker.space

Oscilloscopes
Various Windows and Linux computer workstations and laptops
- ethernet and wifi
- lots of software applications
Printers
Label maker
Soldering stations
Reflow oven
Regulated DC power supply
Digital multimeters
MHS-5200A dual-channel DDS signal generator
Various hand tools
Viewsonic video projector shared with classroom
Various electronic components for use with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.
Step Up Down Transformer
Astron 24V 25A DC Power Supply
Free wifi

~~All of the~~ Windows-based PCs in the classroom have a wide variety of software installed.

Forging

Area Captain: Dennis Neubauer

Email: forging@rockfordmaker.space

forges
propane tanks
8" grinder
4"x36" belt sander
Black & Decker portable drill press
various other forging-related tools
Free wifi

★ Forging tools usage

Laser Cutting / Engraving

Area Captains: Bob Wise, Rob Wise

Email: laser@rockfordmaker.space

Laser cutter/engraver
Free wifi

Links to free vector graphics

★ Laser cutter/engraver usage

Metalworking

Area Captains: Kevin Holdmann, Jamie Taylor

Email: metalworking@rockfordmaker.space

20 ton hydraulic shop press
Horizontal/vertical metal cutting band saw
Lathes
- Manual benchtop lathe with tools
- Manual lathe with tools not operational yet; seeking affection and care
Mills
Routers
- Benchtop CNC router
- Large CNC router
Various hand tools
Free wifi

★ Metalworking tools usage

Networking (LAN)

Area Captain: Brian Latham

Email: contact@rockfordmaker.space

FOG server
IP cameras
routers
switches
various other networking equipment

Paint Booth

This area is in the planning stage . . .

Area Captain: Rob Wise

Email: paintbooth@rockfordmaker.space

Paint Booth(-ish)

Area Captain: Rob Wise

Email: paintbooth@rockfordmaker.space

various brushes
various spray paints
various liquid paints
various stains

Note: Users are expected to provide their own consumables, or replace those that are used.

Photography / Darkroom

Area Captain: Brian Latham

Email: photography@rockfordmaker.space

Note:

The darkroom is a yellow tool area. You MUST HAVE A PROFICIENCY CHECKOUT before using it alone. Contact the Area Captain to set up an appointment for your checkout and/or training.
The darkroom is called that for a reason. Please KNOCK BEFORE ENTERING. If you don't, you might inadvertently let all the dark escape. And that's usually not good.

Beseler 45 MXT Enlarger
- 35mm Negative Holder
- 120 6x9 Negative Holder
- 120 6x6 Negative Holder
- 120 6x4.5 Negative Holder
- 4x5 Negative Holder
Enlarger Easel
Light Table
Changing Bag
Stainless Steel Developing Tanks
- 35mm Developing Spirals
- 120 Developing Spirals
Plastic Developing Tank for 35mm Film
Plastic Developing Tank for 4x5 Film
Developing Trays
Free wifi

Robotics

This area is in the planning stage . . .

Area Captain:

Email:

Screen Printing

Area Captains: Bob Wise, Rob Wise

Email: screenprinting@rockfordmaker.space

basic screen printing supplies
heat press
screen printing frame setup
Free wifi

Links to free graphics

Vinyl Cutting

Area Captains: ~~Rob Wise~~, Bob Wise

Email: laser@rockfordmaker.space

~~Vinyl cutter~~
Free wifi

Links to free vector graphics

Welding / Fabrication

Coming soon!

Area Captain: ~~Jasper Meyers~~

Email:

Note: The welding area is a yellow tool area. You MUST HAVE A PROFICIENCY CHECKOUT before using it alone. In addition, some tools in the welding area are red tools. Contact the Area Captain to set up an appointment for your checkout and/or training.