The Hawk Makerspace Celebrates National Reading Month!
The Hawk Makerspace Celebrates National Reading Month!
Introduction
March is National Reading Month, and our team at The Hawk Makerspace wants to help you get into the reading spirit! This month’s blog will introduce you to using the CNC ShopBot to craft your own library space as well as a class opportunity to help you share the joy of reading with your whole community. We don’t have a personal pan pizza (shout out to the 90’s kids) to offer you for your efforts but stick with us to find out how to win a Bosch BLAZE Laser Measure!
A Dreamy Desktop Bookshelf
Nick D. was running out of room on his existing bookcase, but he didn’t have enough floor space for another one in his house. He thought it would be great to make a desktop bookshelf for quick and easy access to his most frequent books. He designed one and documented his process into a Bridging Project to share with you all! For those of you who missed the last blog post, Bridging Projects include step-by-step instructions for independent projects you can make using our machines at The Hawk Makerspace.
After deciding the general shape and size he wanted his bookshelf to be, Nick used Inkscape, a free vector graphics software to create a digital design of his cloud-inspired bookshelf. He then used our Epilog Laser to cut out a prototype, testing the assembly of pieces. When he was happy with the prototype, he noted the dimensions of the piece of wood he planned to use and transferred the design file into VCarve, the CNC design software we use at The Hawk Makerspace. VCarve helped Nick to plan out the toolpath for the ShopBot. When the plans were final, Nick moved to the ShopBot to let the machine run the cut instructions he had programmed and watched his bookshelf start to become reality. Once the pieces were finished on the ShopBot, they still needed a little TLC so Nick smoothed and rounded their edges using the handheld router. Using wood glue and construction screws, he then assembled the dreamy bookshelf. Once the glue had fully dried, it was all done and ready to hold lots of books. The CNC Desktop Bookshelf is a great project for those who are just starting out on the ShopBot- we hope you give it a try!
A Heartwarming “Little Library”
If using CAD design software isn’t your forte, don’t worry- we have something for everyone at The Hawk Makerspace! The Build Your Own Little Free Library class is great for both seasoned and beginner makers wishing for a more traditional approach to woodworking.
This class was developed in support of the Little Free Library organization’s mission to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access for all through a network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-exchanges boxes. The Hawk Makerspace is excited to help you be a part of this amazing project and share your love of reading with your neighbors – all while bolstering your own woodworking skills!
Taught by long-time instructor and student favorite, Phil Zyskowski, students will gain hands-on experience in measuring, cutting, assembling, and finishing their projects. Each week will focus on different aspects of the build, from selecting materials and planning the design to assembling and weatherproofing the final structure. By the end of the class, participants will leave with a handmade Little Free Library, ready to install and share books with their community. Another bonus - participants will get checked out (safety certified) on our table saw, miter saw, band saw, drill press, router, and sanders- which means you’ll be authorized to use these tools independently during our regular open hours at The Hawk Makerspace!
Sign up for the Build Your Own Little Free Library class before March 14th for a chance to win a Bosch BLAZE Laser Measure! All you have to do is give us a call at 248-699-6489 or email us at makerspace@fhgov.com once you sign up and we’ll enter your name into the drawing.
NO MORE “BOOK-MARKING” FOR LATER
March’s National Reading Month is the perfect time to start your next creative chapter. The CNC Desktop Bookshelf and the Little Free Library class at The Hawk Makerspace are your resources for crafting a space for your favorite stories to keep or to share with your neighbors. Thanks for reading!