Quick Links
| Submit 3D Print | Make an Appointment | Equipment List |
| Materials and Cost | Examples | MakerLab Policy |
| Software | Classes | MakerKits |
MakerLab Project of the Month: Garden Stakes
1. Download the garden stakes template.
2. Download or open Inkscape software (Inkscape is also available on MakerLab laptops).
3. Open garden stakes template in Inkscape.
4. Click the 'A' tool along the left sidebar, then click in the center of the first garden stake. Type the name of the plant/spice/herb you would like to label.
5. You can move the text by clicking the cursor tool, the tool all the way at the top, in the left toolbar.
6. Repeat for remaining 5 stakes, then save as a .pdf and e-mail the file and your BALibrary card number to the Digital Services department.
Phased Reopening Plan
Updated June 14, 2021: The Barrington Area Library welcomes customers back into MakerLab! We ask that you make an appointment with Digital Services. The space will be available to one group at a time. If you anticipate you will need assistance with your project, please e-mail: digitalservices@balibrary.org and we will work together to make sure you receive guidance, either virtually or in-person.
Digital Services staff will determine if outside materials are acceptable for use in MakerLab based on material type and available space, time, and capacity. If any of these are limited, staff have the right to refuse outside materials, but we will make suggestions for a different choice of material, when appropriate. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please email the Digital Services department.
Laser cut projects
If you have a complete laser cut file (.ai, .svg are the two most common formats) please e-mail digitalserivces@balibrary.org and we can work together to complete your project.
3D printing
- Find a 3D print on Thingiverse or design your own print in a CAD program like Tinkercad
- Fill out our 3D print submission form
- Digital Services will put the job in a print queue
- After we complete your print, the Library will contact you via e-mail to let you know you may use Parking Lot Pick-Up to get your print
- When you arrive at the Library, please park in one of the designated Parking Lot Pick-Up spots and call the number on the sign
Note: Please use our online payment system to process the MakerLab fees associated with printing if you plan to use our Parking Lot Pickup service. Parking Lot Pickup hours are Monday -Friday 1-6PM, Saturday 9AM -1PM and Sunday 1 - 5PM. Beginning March 1, 2021, customers may also come into the Library to pick-up and pay for MakerLab projects.
Our Space
Our space is open to Barrington Area Library cardholders by appointment, for one group at a time. We are still processing projects and taking reservations for virtual 1:1 appointments.
Located on the first floor in the Business & Technology Center, the MakerLab gives Barrington Area Library cardholders access to a variety of cutting edge tools including 3D printers, a laser cutter, CNC machine, and vinyl cutter. The MakerLab also features MakerKits for a range of age levels and technical abilities. There is something for everyone, so stop in today and make something at your library!
• MakerLab is open to Barrington Area Library cardholders by appointment
• No food or beverage is allowed in the MakerLab
Equipment
3D Printer
Download a 3D File: Thingiverse (Instructions)
Design a 3D File: Tinkercad (Instructions)
Submit a 3D File: Fill Out This Form
Barrington Area Library cardholders may use the 3D printers at a cost of $.10 per gram of filament. The maximum file size of an object is 5.7" x 5.7" x 5.7" and the maximum print time must be less than 6 hours. After the print is complete, staff will notify you and ask you to please pick up the print within the next 7 days from the Customer Service desk, on the first floor. The Barrington Area Library will not print weapons or look alike weapons.
Accepted File Format: Stl, Obj, Scad
Carvey
Barrington Area Library cardholders may use the Carvey to etch and cut out wood during a one-on-one appointment or during Carvey programs. We have 1/8" 3.5" x 5.5" bamboo and baltic birch woods available to purchase. If you would like us to consider your new, custom material, please e-mail us at digitalservices@balibrary.org.
Design software: Design is done in a web-based software, Easel. Some .svg files can be imported into Easel.
Accepted File Formats: .svg, or Easel files.
Heat Press
Barrington Area Library cardholders may use the heat press machine to adhere heat transfer material to a variety of fabrics. The Library has heat transfer material available for purchase. You can use the machine by speaking to a staff member at the Business and Technology desk and following these instructions: Heat Press Machine Instructions or watch this video.
Laser Cutter
For safety, if any material is questionable or unknown to staff, we will not attempt to cut or etch it for any reason. If you have questions about materials, please contact digitalservices@balibrary.org.
The Epilog Mini is able to etch & cut wood up to 12" x 24" & will be used in library programs or by appointment.
To view upcoming programs, please visit our Events Calendar.
Design software: Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, or other vector graphics programs.
Accepted File Formats: .svg is the most common format, but we can work with a variety of vector graphic files.
Silhouette Cameo Cutting Machine
The Cameo is a versatile cutting machine that uses software to cut intricate shapes, stencils, patterns, & designs on a variety of materials including adhesive vinyl & cardstock. Barrington Area Library cardholders may bring in & cut their own approved materials. If you have questions about materials, please contact digitalservices@balibrary.org.
Design software: Silhouette America
Accepted File Formats: STUDIO3, STUDIO, GSD, DXF, PNG, JPG, BMP, GIF, TIFF
Examples
 |
 |
| Make it! 3D Hand | Tinkercad for Beginners (VIDEO) |
Carvey Examples
 |
 |
| Make it! HOME | Make it! Desk Organizer |
Laser Cutter Examples
 |
 |
| Make it! Notebook |
Make it! |
|
|
Silhouette Cameo Examples
 |
 |
| Make it! Pop-up Card | Silhouette Studio Basics (VIDEO) |
Materials and Cost
To see samples of laser cut and etched woods, click: sample laser etched wood
3D Printing
PLA - $.10 per gram of filament
Button Maker
Button set - $.15 (includes shell, mylar, and pinback)
Carvey
7.75" x 11.75" x .75" Baltic Birch Plywood - $5.00
7.75" x 11.75" x .50" Birch Plywood - $4.00
Laser Cutter
Pub Glass - $1.00
Leather-like notebook - $5
Leather-like coasters - $1.50
Leather luggage tags - $2
Must purchase full sheet
8.5" x 11" Chipboard - $.10
6" x 12" Hard Maple - $4.00
6" x 12" Walnut - $5.00
6" x 12" Cherry: $6.00
7.75" x 11.75" Baltic Birch Plywood - $5.00
Must purchase half sheet or full sheet of 12" x 24" material
12 x 24" Baltic Birch Plywood - $3.00
8 x 24" Aspen - $7.00
12" x 24" Hard Maple - $19.00
12" x 24" Walnut - $21.00
12" x 24" Cherry - $21.00
12” x 24” leather-like sheet - $4
Silhouette
12" x 12" adhesive vinyl (sticker paper) - $1.00
12" x 12" transfer paper - $1.00
10" x 12" heat transfer vinyl - $1.50
12" x 12" cardstock - $.10
MakerKits
MakerKits are a great way to begin tinkering in the MakerLab & feature hardware to support a range of technical abilities. Kits can be checked out by Barrington Area Library cardholders for two hours, for use in the MakerLab. Please note that a parent or responsible caregiver (age 16 or older) must accompany and directly supervise children age 8 and younger.
|
Make in MakerLab - LED Circuits Ages 10+ |
Make in MakerLab - Build GRIPP3R Ages 10+ |
|
Make in MakerLab - WeDo Animals Ages 8+ |
Make in MakerLab - Waving flag Ages 8+ |
|
Make in MakerLab - Game controller Ages 8+ |
Ages 8+ |
Software
MakerLab has laptop computers with the following software:
|
Meshmixer
|