Make717 Innovation Center

Is this your card?

Fun fact: the Laguna Tools Smartshop Laser MX can make really cool designs on anodized aluminum!
Maker Carrie A. took advantage of this when she custom-made a card deck holder for her magician friend (who happens to like sardines)!

What projects are you working on this week? Share in the comments below!

Want to learn new woodworking skills?

Join us at make717 for 2 fun workshops where you’ll get to use the many tools in our Wood Shop, and learn some new skills and techniques for your next project.

Aug. 22: Make Desk Backshelves for make717 (drop-ins welcome): https://make717.org/event-6790834

Aug. 31: Make and Take: Custom Cutting Board (LIMITED SPOTS OPEN!): https://make717.org/event-6790836

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Maker A.J. C. got a request from his wife for a koi dragon for her office, and he happily obliged!

Once it was all printed on the Prusa Research 3D printers XL in the make717 Fab Lab he handed it off to her, where she gave it a beautiful paint job!

What’s on your 3D print beds this week? Share in the comments below!

Want to learn more about our Laser cutter and 3D printers?

We have 2 introductory orientations, happening on Aug. 20 at 6:00 pm.

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today:
Laser Cutter Orientation: https://make717.org/event-6693716?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=8/5/2026

3D Printer Orientation: https://make717.org/event-6785215?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=8/5/2026

Your next wood project could turn heads! Our Intro to Shaper Origin and its Environment Workshop is coming up this Saturday, Aug. 15 at 10:30 am.

Spaces are limited so reserve yours today: https://make717.org/event-6768010?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=8/5/2026

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Check out this incredible Ships Clock Mantle Mount crafted right here in the make717 Wood Shop by maker Julius D.!

When a coworker needed a truly special gift for his dad (a former Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves), Julius answered the call and made something unforgettable.

The piece features a true-to-scale vector outline of the USS Estocin (FFG-15) (the frigate his coworker's dad commanded) created in Inkscape. In the center is the emblem of the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO), featuring crossed swords and a ship plowing through the waves. It was carved from a single solid block of 16/4 Cherry wood, and involved use of the X-Carve, laser cutter, drill press, and hand tools!

The final result: A masterpiece honoring years of service that the recipient was thrilled to display.

Got a custom build on your bench this week? Show us what you're creating in the comments below!

Now is your chance to learn the ins and outs of our Laguna Tools Smartshop Laser MX and Prusa 3D Printers

Both orientations are happening on Aug. 20 at 6:00 pm.

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today:
Laser Cutter Orientation: https://make717.org/event-6693716?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=8/5/2026

3D Printer Orientation: https://make717.org/event-6785215?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=8/5/2026

Did you know that you could make some of the most stunning wood projects right here at make717? All it takes is some wood, an idea, and the right tool, like the Shaper Origin handheld CNC Router.

We’re giving makers the opportunity to learn how to use this powerful tool and make amazing projects of their own with our Intro to Shaper Origin and its Environment Workshop, Saturday, Aug. 15 at 10:30 am.

Spaces are limited so reserve yours today: https://make717.org/event-6768010?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=8/5/2026

This week’s project features this custom bolo tie, made by Dan E., who made this for his wife’s country line dance costume.

He designed the pattern for the casting in Fusion 360, 3D printed the pattern, cast it, sanded it, and finished it with satin and matte to make it look perfect!

No matter how large or small your project is, we have the tools you need right here at make717!

Making your own custom wood projects is only an orientation away! Join us at make717 for our upcoming Wood Shop orientations:

July 20: Inventables Carvey Orientation - Learn about CNC woodworking, and how to add precise detail to your projects.

July 21: Make and Take - Custom Cutting Board - Learn how to create your very own custom cutting board. This also makes the perfect Date Night idea!

Spaces are limited, so don't wait! Reserve yours TODAY: https://make717.org/Events