make717, Inc. upcoming events

Lancaster Science Factory MbM Summer Camp (Mon, June 08, 2026)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

make717 will be hosting Summer Camps in partnership with LancasterREC.

Access will be granted exclusively to the camp participants and coaches.

During this time there will be NO access permitted for 24/7, primetime or STEMPass makers.

FabLab Space Utilization Discussion (Wed, June 10, 2026)

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Discuss FabLab equipment and furniture layout.

Print Your Own Mug / Dye Sublimation Orientation (Thu, June 11, 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Come learn to use the Dye Sublimation printer and the mug press machine! In this class you will be printing a design onto a mug. You can bring your own design in a .bmp, .png, .svg or we'll have some designs available for you to use. Use of the heat press will be additionally be covered for transferring designs onto shirts, fabric, or other objects.

Mugs for this class will be provided.

After taking this class, you will know how to safely use the Heat Press, the Dye Sublimation Printer, and the Mug Press.

Woodworking Fundamentals (Sun, June 14, 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

In this session you will learn how to take rough milled lumber and turn it into flat, and square dimensioned lumber for use in your projects.

We will cover local sources of rough sawn lumber, how it is measured and priced. You will learn the safe use of the jointer, planer, band saw, and table saw* to mill wood to size for projects.

This class is for people who have limited experience in the woodshop who wish to know more, and for anyone who wants to know what "right looks like" for foundational woodworking skills.

*This is not a Sawstop orientation. To use the Sawstop on your own in the woodshop you will need to take the orientation.

Equipment Orientation: 3D Printers - Beginner (Tue, June 16, 2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Learn to operate our 3D printers. The class covers safety, design issues, and operation of the hardware and software.

This is a required orientation for anyone who wants to use the 3D printers. You must be a monthly maker member with a door access pass or a social maker member and sign out the library STEMPass to take the class. Not a member? Visit the Get Started section of our website.

No walk-ins; registration is required. Class size is limited to 6 students. Every person in your party needs to complete a registration (spouse, child, etc). If you have any issues requiring accommodations, please let us know and we will do everything we can. Please email Jared@make717.org with any questions.

Equipment Orientation: Laser Cutter (Thu, June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Overview

Learn to operate our Laguna SmartShop Laser MX laser cutter. The primary focus of the class is to teach safe operation. To attend this course you must be a member. Not a member yet? Visit to the Get Started section of our website.

To register, watch the 9 minute video and complete a 7 question quiz. You will then receive an email with the code to register. Please note that the video is based on our older Full Spectrum laser cutter, however the safety concepts and operation steps are identical to the new Laguna SmartShop laser.

Step 1: Watch the Orientation Video

Step 2: Take the Safety Quiz

You must have an active membership (either monthly Maker member with your own door access card or Social Maker utilizing the library STEMPass) in order to take the quiz.

Proceed to the laser safety quiz here.

Step 3: After passing the quiz check your email for the registration code

An e-mail will be sent confirming you passed the quiz and will have a code that will allow you to register.

Step 4: Register for the class!

After registration you'll receive further instructions to prepare you for the class. Class size is strictly limited, please no walk-ins. If you'd like to attend the class with family or a friend email the instructor.

This session will be taught by Ryan "DJ" Conley.

make717 Closed - Father's Day (Sun, June 21, 2026)

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

make717 is closed for the holiday.
No primetime access.
24/7 member access is not impacted.

Lancaster Rec Summer Camp (Fri, June 26, 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

make717 will be hosting Summer Camps in partnership with LancasterREC.

Access will be granted exclusively to the camp participants and coaches.

During this time there will be NO access permitted for 24/7, primetime or STEMPass makers.

Equipment Orientation: SawStop Table Saw and Bandsaw (Sat, June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

This introduction is designed for you to learn the basics of Sawstop, its safety features and how to use the tool in the Make717 space. This is not a class on using a tablesaw if you are not already familiar with doing so. We anticipate a tablesaw basics class in the future so if you are interested in such a class let us know.

In this introduction we will discuss the various parts of the saw including the safety features. We will demonstrate how to use the blade guard and riving knife, how to change the blade and brake. We will discuss how to leave the saw at the end of your work session and answer any questions you may have.

In order to register for the introduction you will first need to watch some videos and then take a short quiz. You will then be given a code so you can register for the introduction. This class requires some homework to be accomplished before you can register.

We will also do a quick overview of the Laguna Bandsaw, understanding how to change a blade and set the guides and tension. Orientation of the bandsaw is not a requirement to use it but will give a short introduction so it may be used correctly.

To attend, you must:

Be a member in good standing or a STEMPass holder
Bring in (or purchase on arrival at make717) safety glasses since we will be in a safety glasses-required room, and hearing protection
Watch the videos referenced on the SawStop instructions web page below.!
Complete the quiz that will give you the code needed to register
Register for a class using the code emailed

Follow the instructions here: Sawstop Tablesaw.

Studio Meetup and Work Session (Sat, June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Are you interested in what's happening with the studio space at make717? Do you have ideas, suggestions, and/or skills to help us optimize the space and educational opportunities for each of its capacities?

Join with others who are interested in optimizing the Studio space at make717. Whether you attended previous meetups or not, you are welcome to join us. We'll be:

1. Applying protective finishes to tabletops,

2. Organizing tools and materials for the area,

3. Preparing the walls for new paint, and

4. Having a good time meeting and conversing with other makers.

We hope you can join us! Please RSVP if you expect to attend.

Equipment Orientation: Carvey (Mon, June 29, 2026)

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Member orientation for the Carvey!

This machine features a 300W, 12,000 RPM spindle, a 8"x11.5"x 2.5" work area and is suitable for routing wood, wood products, a variety of plastics and other materials. It also features a cloud-based operator interface, Easel, where you can create your design and control the machine.

This class is the basic orientation for anyone who wants to use the Carvey, and we will be meeting in the new Woodshop room.

This class requires some homework to be accomplished before you can register.

To attend, you must:

Be a member in good standing or a STEMPass holder
Bring in (or purchase on arrival at make717) safety glasses since we will be in a safety glasses-required room
Complete the design phase at home. It should take less than 30 minutes to complete, but it could be longer if you wish to keep tweaking!
Complete the quiz that will give you the code needed to register below
Register for a class using the code emailed

Follow the instructions here: https://www.make717.org/Carvey/.

If you have already completed the design, you can obtain the registration code by completing this quiz. A passing grade will send the code to your email. Then you will need to click 'register' on the left and sign up with your code.

Walk-ins. are not accepted for this class. Class size is strictly limited due to time, distancing, and equipment availability.

This session will be taught by Clint Bouder.

Make and Take: Custom Cutting Board (Mon, June 29, 2026)

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Come join other make717 members in creating your own, custom hardwood cutting board. Members will assemble, clamp, surface, and finish a hardwood board from a selection of Maple, Cherry, and Walnut in their own unique design. The class will cover wood suitability, adhesion methods, clamping, finishing, and edging. The class will teach an overview of shop tools such as the planer, drum sander, routing table, and sanders. Members will leave with a finished cutting board to keep or gift and the knowledge to make additional cutting boards with make717 tools.

Add a splash of color to your board by choosing the premium option. Exotic woods will be available to incorporate up to two strips into your cutting board with this option.

This class is suitable for members under 18 with an accompanying adult and makes a great parent/child bonding project or a date night project. One registration is for one cutting board. If someone accompanies you and you wish to make two, you must complete two registrations.

NOTE: This class is in TWO sessions.

The first session is approximately two hours.

The second session will be scheduled as a group during the first session.

The second session is about 3 hours.

NOTE: Please wear ‘sacrificial shop clothes’ as we will be working with glue that will NOT wash out and can stain and mark fabric permanently.

NOTE: If there is only a single registration, class will be cancelled 24 hours before the scheduled time and registrations will be refunded.

Regular wood options:

Premium wood options:

make717 Closed - Independence Day (Sat, July 04, 2026)

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

make717 is closed for the holiday.
No primetime access.
24/7 member access is not impacted.

Lancaster Rec Summer Camp (Fri, July 10, 2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

make717 will be hosting Summer Camps in partnership with LancasterREC.

Access will be granted exclusively to the camp participants and coaches.

During this time there will be NO access permitted for 24/7, primetime or STEMPass makers.

Woodworking Fundamentals (Sat, July 11, 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

In this session you will learn how to take rough milled lumber and turn it into flat, and square dimensioned lumber for use in your projects.

We will cover local sources of rough sawn lumber, how it is measured and priced. You will learn the safe use of the jointer, planer, band saw, and table saw* to mill wood to size for projects.

This class is for people who have limited experience in the woodshop who wish to know more, and for anyone who wants to know what "right looks like" for foundational woodworking skills.

*This is not a Sawstop orientation. To use the Sawstop on your own in the woodshop you will need to take the orientation.

Planning Team Meeting (Mon, July 13, 2026)

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

The Planning Team (Director level volunteers) will be utilizing the Conference Room for their monthly meeting.

Equipment Orientation: Laser Cutter (Thu, July 16, 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Overview

Step 1: Watch the Orientation Video

Step 2: Take the Safety Quiz

You must have an active membership (either monthly Maker member with your own door access card or Social Maker utilizing the library STEMPass) in order to take the quiz.

Proceed to the laser safety quiz here.

Step 3: After passing the quiz check your email for the registration code

An e-mail will be sent confirming you passed the quiz and will have a code that will allow you to register.

Step 4: Register for the class!

This session will be taught by Ryan "DJ" Conley.

Lancaster Rec Summer Camp (Fri, July 17, 2026)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

make717 will be hosting Summer Camps in partnership with LancasterREC.

Access will be granted exclusively to the camp participants and coaches.

During this time there will be NO access permitted for 24/7, primetime or STEMPass makers.

Equipment Orientation: Carvey (Mon, July 20, 2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Member orientation for the Carvey!

This class is the basic orientation for anyone who wants to use the Carvey, and we will be meeting in the new Woodshop room.

This class requires some homework to be accomplished before you can register.

To attend, you must:

Be a member in good standing or a STEMPass holder
Bring in (or purchase on arrival at make717) safety glasses since we will be in a safety glasses-required room
Complete the design phase at home. It should take less than 30 minutes to complete, but it could be longer if you wish to keep tweaking!
Complete the quiz that will give you the code needed to register below
Register for a class using the code emailed

Follow the instructions here: https://www.make717.org/Carvey/.

Walk-ins. are not accepted for this class. Class size is strictly limited due to time, distancing, and equipment availability.

This session will be taught by Clint Bouder.

Robotics Workshop (Tue, July 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Overview

The Maker’s Pet robot is an affordable, hackable, and educational ROS2-powered ESP32/Arduino robot with Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) based SLAM and autonomous navigation capabilities—suitable for beginning and advanced DIY makers and robotics enthusiasts.

Building and operating the Maker’s Pet robot is a hands-on crash course in modern robotics, offering practical experience from simple physical fabrication and electronics to advanced robotics software. You’ll begin by partially assembling the 3D-printed chassis, integrating motors, sensors, a microcontroller, and a lidar unit. This gives you an overview of the mechanical and electrical systems of your robot—including wiring and power management—with no soldering required.

On the software side, the project centers on the Robot Operating System 2 (ROS 2), an industry-standard middleware widely used in research and industry. You’ll work with ROS nodes, topics, services, and launch files while observing real-time robot data in RViz, ROS’s powerful visualization tool. You’ll see robot state, mapping scans, and live lidar data as the robot explores its surroundings.

A highlight of the workshop is learning to work with Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) and the navigation stack using data from the onboard lidar. You’ll see how robots build maps, plan collision-free paths, and adapt to changing environments. Maker’s Pet makes these advanced topics approachable and hands-on.

You’ll also receive a brief introduction to the Gazebo simulation environment—useful for testing a robot’s behavior before deploying it to real hardware.

Based on feedback from previous workshops, and to streamline the experience for participants, all required software will be preinstalled on make717-owned computers. Windows 10 machines are pre configured and tested, allowing attendees to begin working immediately with no installation delays. Additionally, each robot’s ESP32 will come pre-flashed with the required firmware, eliminating one of the common setup pain points and allowing more time for hands-on learning and experimentation.

All robots used during the workshop will be make717-owned and partially pre-assembled. This approach ensures consistent hardware, avoids issues caused by attendees’ personal computer configurations, and allows participants to focus on meaningful activities such as driving the robot, viewing real-time sensor data, and understanding ROS 2 operation.

The workshop format consists of two sessions, each session lasting three hours in the evening or on a weekend. This structure keeps the experience focused, manageable, and accessible while still covering all core robotics topics.

Attendees who wish to continue robotics development at home may optionally purchase their own robot kit directly from the seller. For those considering this option, assistance will be available to install and test (using a make717 robot) all software on their personal computer before they commit to buying. If you buy your own kit, possible future enhancements include upgrading to Li-ion batteries, migrating to a full Linux-based environment, and incorporating additional ROS-based software.

Workshops will be limited to three attendees (a parent and child on a single robot count as one attendee). The first workshop is on the date indicated and the second workshop will have some scheduling flexibility the following week on a date acceptable to all attendees.

A short video of the robot in action can be found here.

Additional Technical Details

Maker’s Pet is a DIY educational robot built around Arduino, ESP32, and ROS 2. All parts, software, firmware, and CAD files are open source under the Apache-2.0 license.

Hardware

120 mm circular chassis
Dual N20 brushed DC motors
BDC-30P driver board with ESP32 DevKit v1
360° lidar for mapping & obstacle detection
Extensible platform for sensors and advanced software development
Six AA batteries, with optional 18650 Li-ion upgrade

Software & Autonomous Features

Full open-source stack: firmware, ROS 2 packages, PCB schematics, and 3D models
Docker-based PC deployment with ROS2/Kaia.ai
SLAM mapping, live sensor feeds, and autonomous navigation

Who Is It For?

Makers, students, and hobbyists of all experience levels
Suitable for adults and youth 12+

Questions can be directed to win@make717.org

Board of Directors Meeting (Mon, July 27, 2026)

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

The make717 board of directors will meet off site to review financials and plan for the future.

Robotics Workshop (Tue, July 28, 2026)

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Overview

You’ll also receive a brief introduction to the Gazebo simulation environment—useful for testing a robot’s behavior before deploying it to real hardware.

A short video of the robot in action can be found here.

Additional Technical Details

Maker’s Pet is a DIY educational robot built around Arduino, ESP32, and ROS 2. All parts, software, firmware, and CAD files are open source under the Apache-2.0 license.

Hardware

120 mm circular chassis
Dual N20 brushed DC motors
BDC-30P driver board with ESP32 DevKit v1
360° lidar for mapping & obstacle detection
Extensible platform for sensors and advanced software development
Six AA batteries, with optional 18650 Li-ion upgrade

Software & Autonomous Features

Full open-source stack: firmware, ROS 2 packages, PCB schematics, and 3D models
Docker-based PC deployment with ROS2/Kaia.ai
SLAM mapping, live sensor feeds, and autonomous navigation

Who Is It For?

Makers, students, and hobbyists of all experience levels
Suitable for adults and youth 12+

Questions can be directed to win@make717.org

Planning Team Meeting (Mon, August 10, 2026)

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

The Planning Team (Director level volunteers) will be utilizing the Conference Room for their monthly meeting.

Equipment Orientation: Laser Cutter (Thu, August 20, 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Overview

Step 1: Watch the Orientation Video

Step 2: Take the Safety Quiz

You must have an active membership (either monthly Maker member with your own door access card or Social Maker utilizing the library STEMPass) in order to take the quiz.

Proceed to the laser safety quiz here.

Step 3: After passing the quiz check your email for the registration code

An e-mail will be sent confirming you passed the quiz and will have a code that will allow you to register.

Step 4: Register for the class!

This session will be taught by Ryan "DJ" Conley.

make717 Closed - Labor Day (Mon, September 07, 2026)

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

make717 is closed for the holiday.
No primetime access.
24/7 member access is not impacted.

Planning Team Meeting (Mon, September 14, 2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

The Planning Team (Director level volunteers) will be utilizing the Conference Room for their monthly meeting.

Planning Team Meeting (Mon, October 12, 2026)

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

The Planning Team (Director level volunteers) will be utilizing the Conference Room for their monthly meeting.

Board of Directors Meeting (Mon, October 26, 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

The make717 board of directors will meet off site to review financials and plan for the future.

Planning Team Meeting (Mon, November 09, 2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The Planning Team (Director level volunteers) will be utilizing the Conference Room for their monthly meeting.

make717 Closed - Thanksgiving Day (Thu, November 26, 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

make717 is closed for the holiday.
No primetime access.
24/7 member access is not impacted.

Planning Team Meeting (Mon, December 14, 2026)

Mon, 14 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The Planning Team (Director level volunteers) will be utilizing the Conference Room for their monthly meeting.

make717 Closed - Christmas Eve (Thu, December 24, 2026)

Thu, 24 Dec 2026 05:00:00 GMT

make717 is closed for the holiday.
No primetime access.
24/7 member access is not impacted.

make717 Closed - Christmas Day (Fri, December 25, 2026)

Fri, 25 Dec 2026 05:00:00 GMT

make717 is closed for the holiday.
No primetime access.
24/7 member access is not impacted.

make717 Closed - New Year's Eve (Thu, December 31, 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 05:00:00 GMT

make717 is closed for the holiday.
No primetime access.
24/7 member access is not impacted.

make717 Closed - New Year's Day (Fri, January 01, 2027)

Fri, 01 Jan 2027 05:00:00 GMT

make717 is closed for the holiday.
No primetime access.
24/7 member access is not impacted.