Openspace Makerspace Drop-In for Families: 3D Printing $0.03/gram, Cricut, Laser

Openspace at Henry Library welcomed families and community makers for a hands-on drop-in on January 22, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, giving visitors a low-barrier chance to see 3D printers, a Cricut cutting machine, and a laser engraver in action. Makerspace staff were on site to answer questions and take walk-in appointments for equipment use, making it an accessible troubleshooting and learning session for beginners and tinkerers alike.

The event centered on practical, actionable help. Attendees could observe live prints and cuts, ask about filament choice and machine settings, and get one-on-one guidance on common issues. The 3D printer service was offered at cost, billed at $0.03 per gram of filament, while patrons were asked to bring their own materials for the Cricut and laser equipment. That policy kept the barrier low for casual projects while ensuring consumables for cutting and engraving matched each creator’s needs.

Openspace functions as a quick-entry gateway into digital fabrication. Families used the drop-in to introduce kids to the basics of slicing and model orientation, check fit and tolerances on small parts, and test designs before committing to larger runs. Experienced makers used the session to troubleshoot stringing, bed adhesion, and file-preparation workflows. Staff availability for walk-in appointments meant minor repairs and last-minute set-ups could be handled without formal class enrollment, which is useful when a school project or gift deadline is looming.

The event reinforced the value of community-run makerspaces as places to learn practical skills, reduce material waste through proper setup, and gain confidence using tools that can be intimidating in isolation. Bringing your own materials for the Cricut and laser lets you control media type and safety considerations, while the supplied filament option simplifies immediate print needs at a transparent price point.

Openspace’s model, staffed drop-ins, live demos, and per-gram pricing for filament, gives families a predictable, affordable way to experiment with digital fabrication. For those who missed the January 22 session, check henrylibrary.org/event/openspace-2/2026-01-22/ for contact details and future offerings. Expect more chances to learn, get hands-on help, and refine your files before the next print, cut, or engrave.