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Author: Daniel Johnsen

Published on Leave a comment on This Week @LVL1Hackerspace 5/12-5/19/2015

Here's a rundown of this week's activities. Hope to see you at the space for this or open hours as people post on the Google Group.

We have a new member, Alan. He started working on a crib for his upcoming kid and decided it was time to join for 24/7 key card access & tools the space makes available. Welcome Alan & thanks for donating the new belt sander:
lvl1_alan_welcome_belt_sander

  • Tuesday, May 12: 8PM -? Our general meeting where projects are showcased, updates on upcoming events, calls for help & tours. The space opened up at 1:30 PM today so you could get a head start on your project.
  • Wednesday, May 13: 7-9PM Join a network of educators to share resources to promote making in the education space.
  • Friday, May 15:
    • 8:30-10:30AM: Creative Mornings focusing on makers & robots; LVL1 is one of the sponsors. Free event just above our space, then we have tours afterwards. RSVP
    • 7PM Workshop du jour for the Laser Cutter. Learn the basic on the 80-watt laser cutter. More info
    • 7:30PM Irregular Movie & Pizza Night - always a fun time to work (or not) on your project while a movie is on & people devour pizza.
  • Monday, May 19: 7PM; Mend It Monday: Learn from LVL1 members on how to mend various space equipment or learn how to use it. Each week the focus changes. Previous events have been on the laser, woodshop & other items.

More events located on our calendar at www.lvl1.org/events including:
Drone meetups, sewing workshops, and other items added frequently!

A few of our members of the community are looking for spare items, let us know if you have access to any of the following:

  • Outdoor seating & tables for the space
  • Lightweight frame tubing for a go cart
  • 1/2", 3/4" conduit pipes
  • Various hardwood: cherry, walnut, maple, oak, etc.

Keep hacking on & come back and visit us.

Published on Leave a comment on Post Derby Events at LVL1

As Louisville recovers from Derby, don't forget LVL1's most recognized foal, Butterscotch.

Butterscotch Fire Breathing Pony

Here's a rundown of this week's activities. Hope to see you at the space for this or open hours as people post on the Google Group.

  • Monday, May 4: 7-8PM Learn to use the laser for Mend it Monday; join us for basics on the 80-watt laser & quick tips from our members on cutting wood, plastics, textiles & more
  • Tuesday, May 5: 8PM -? Our general meeting where projects are showcased, updates on upcoming events, calls for help & tours. You’ll usually find the space open as early as 6:30 PM for your projects.
  • Wednesday, May 6: 7-9PM Join a network of educators to share resources to promote making in the education space.
  • Friday, May 8: 7:30PM Irregular Movie & Pizza Night - always a fun time to work (or not) on your project while a movie is on & people devour pizza.
  • Sunday, May 10: 2 - 6PM: Gammers assemble to learn how to code games for computers, mobile or whatever else.

More events located on our calendar at www.lvl1.org/events including:
Drone meetups, sewing workshops, and other items added frequently!

A few of our members of the community are looking for spare items, let us know if you have access to any of the following:

  • Outdoor seating & tables for the space
  • Working treadmill (to make a walking desk)
  • Tool cabinet for newly donated tool storage
  • Lightweight frame tubing
  • 1/2", 3/4" conduit pipes
  • 2 person wide arcade cabinet

    • Keep hacking on & see you at the space soon.

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Published on 1 Comment on Butterscotch – The Fire Breathing Pony & Derby 141

Butterscotch Fire Breathing PonyKentucky and Louisville in particular are known for a lot of great historical contributions surrounding anything from bourbon to horses.

As you celebrate the 141th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2015, keep in mind that not all horses are created equal, including robotic, fire breathing ponies like our own Butterscotch.

You can see Butterscotch at LVL1 anytime, just come by anytime our space is open including our open meetings at 8PM every Tuesday. More items are available on our calendar too.

How to make your own Butterscotch
On social media:

Media Coverage:

See ‘Overlord Butterscotch, the Fire-Breathing Pony’ and more: Louisville Makers Faire releases roster
http://insiderlouisville.com/events-lifestyle_culture/see-overlord-butterscotch-the-fire-breathing-pony-and-more-louisville-makers-faire-releases-roster/

Published on Leave a comment on Equipment: Meet the Laser Cutter

One of the most frequently used pieces of equipment at LVL1 is the laser cutter.

RL1290_open

The laser is capable of cutting through a variety of materials including wood, plastics (such as acrylic sheets) and even textiles such as felt.

Here's a few sample projects you can try:

Frequently you'll be instructed to create a vector file which is simply a set of geometric shapes the computer or laser cutter can understand and move the laser left, right, up, down at specific speeds. You may be asked to use Adobe Illustrator (part of Creative Suite) or LVL1 uses the freeware version called Inkscape which you can download and learn to use.

After designing your file you can then follow the direction on the equipment's WIKI entry to load and operate the laser. Further directions.

So get your pattern, obtain your material and get cutting!

You can find our open ours through our Google Group or find more information on getting involved.

Hack on!