Can I use the Cable Makerspace?

Most likely, yes! Anyone that is part of the Dartmouth Community - in the broadest sense possible can use the Makerspace during regular open hours. If you are unsure, please feel free to stop by or email harold.edward.cable.makerspace@dartmouth.edu for more info.

When can I use the space?

Our hours for the term can be found on the home page. Last-minute updates and closures are posted here. Check the calendar for regular open hours and any closures. Anyone within the Dartmouth community may drop in during these hours. Students, faculty, and staff are eligible for extended-hours access (generally 7 days/week, 6:00 am - 12:00 midnight) after completing our safety training and orientation.

What trainings or credentials do I need?

Anyone can drop in to ask questions, work with one of our makerspace staff (available on a first-come, first served basis), or attend an event without any special training. To use the tools and materials in the makerspace independently, you’ll need to complete our brief safety training and orientation. This includes a short online module and a 20-minute in-person training.

Independent use of the Laser Cutter or 3D Printers require additional trainings, available here:

• Laser cutter training and certification
• 3D Printer Training

Make yourself at home:

Once you’ve completed the Makerspace trainings, the best way to gain skills in the Makerspace is to spend time here. Come in, try things out and do them imperfectly. The Makerspace team is here to guide you in the right direction and keep you safe. Most of the learning here is hands-on, self-directed and informal. You are invited to pick a project, learn as you go, ask questions, make mistakes, Google it, figure it out, and reach out to the Makerspace team for support.

Events and Workshops

We hold regular events and workshops that will introduce you to new ideas, skills and practices. They very from small registration-required skills workshops to large, everyone-is-welcome drop-in events. See the Upcoming Events calendar for upcoming opportunities.

Tool Guides

Check out our growing number of Cable Makerspace Tool Guides to get started on new machines that do not require formal training.

Our first priority at the Cable Makerspace to empower you to make thing independently (Take a look at the I want to learn everything! section above for more). When time allows, our student team members are very happy help execute certain projects and find solutions to your making needs. Here’s what you need to know:

What we can support:

As time and capacity allows, the makerspace staff can help with the following types of projects, in order of priority:

1. Independent, creative and entrepreneurial projects. This includes personal projects, prototypes for yet-to-be-funded products, non-professional artwork, self-initiated explorations, Halloween costumes, and small gifts for friends, among many other things we have not yet imagined.
2. Projects for student-led clubs and organizations. This includes help getting started making t-shirts, name tags, event decorations, party hats, specialized tools or many other creative, custom and personalized things. Keep in mind that it’s generally more efficient to purchase this stuff, but sometimes it’s more fun to make it, and we’re happy to help.
3. Projects for funded research and creative work, campus offices, and academic departments. This includes parts for lab equipment, office signage, small runs of event give-aways, components of an artwork, a customized gift or plaque, nameplates and many others. These must be arranged in advance with the Program Manager and will include modest, subsidized fees for materials and labor.

What we can NOT support:

Certain things are off limits regardless of time and space:

• Products for resale or profit: We are excited to support your prototypes, but we do not have the capacity to support production runs or fulfill material needs for your business.
• Most swag: We love it when you use your skills and our tools to make custom things for yourself, for gifts, and even as small incidentals for your office, but we are not a good alternative to your contracted t-shirt printer, keychain maker, or other goods provider.
• Hands-off production orders: Our mission is to provide hands-on making experiences to the Dartmouth Community, and we require your engagement in the process. We’ll happily guide you through using a laser-cutter, 3D Printer, knitting machine or one of the many other tools available in the makerspace, but we won’t do it for you.

Project timelines:

The makerspace prioritizes independent discovery and is almost entirely staffed by (amazing, talented, helpful) students, so we work with the ebb and flow of the term schedule. If you are on a tight timeline, and need a lot of staff support, we might not be your best option. That said, if you’re working independently, you’ll have nearly unfettered access to our space and our tools to make what you need, just about any time.

How do I get started?

Feel free to drop in during open hours for guidance and assistance, offered on a first-come, first served basis. If you’d like to plan ahead, please use our Project Support Request Form to start a conversation and we’ll reach out to schedule an appointment.

Yes! The makerspace supports several classes each term from a variety of departments. We can accommodate everything from a one-class project and tour to a term-long engagement with the space, but it is important to start planning early, so we can plan efficiently and balance the diverse uses of our space. We recommend reaching out no later that week 5 of the previous term to request class use, and we will work to accommodate as many requests as possible. Get started by filling out our Class Use Request Form and we will reach out to further discuss your options.