CRIC IdeaLab Makerspace
Maker Space equipment
The CRIC IdeaLab was funded by Tottenham’s Community Recreation Improvement Committee (CRIC). Because of their generous donation, we are able to offer this makerspace to our patrons.
Please Note: Our Glowforge laser engraver is currently out of service. We are actively working on repairs and exploring replacement options. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time, and we’ll update this page as soon as the machine is available for use again.
3D Printers
We have two Dremel 3D45 3D printers. These printers can be used to print a variety of plastic filaments into interesting 3-dimensional shapes. You are only limited by your own creativity, and the size of the printers themselves. Whether it’s an ornament or some sort of decor, a pot for a houseplant, your favourite doll or action figure, a replacement part for a machine, a fidget toy, or a display stand, if you can imagine it you can probably print it.
How to Print: Any 3D files that require printing should be sent to Annisha: [email protected] along with additional instructions such as: type of plastic filament, whether or not the design requires supports, and any specifications for print speed, acceleration, layer height, wall thickness, etc…
Pricing: We charge $0.10 per gram of filament which generally works out to about $1.00 per hour of printing depending on the print job.
Resources:
- Visit TinkerCAD for free 3D Modeling software
- Visit Thingiverse for projects other people have already created
CRICUT
We have a Cricut Maker 3 and an Explore Air 2 in the Idealab, as well as one Explore Air 2 available for circulation. These machines are used to cut, score, and draw on a variety of materials. Common projects include: adhesive vinyl letters or signage, heat transfer applications such as t-shirts or mugs, custom cards, and other paper crafts.
For heat transfers we have a Cricut Easy Press and a Cricut Mug Press.
Using the Cricuts: For use of the Cricuts contact Annisha: [email protected] to book a time. Use of any of our heat transfer equipment must be done under supervision of staff or by a staff member for safety reasons.
Pricing: Varies based on size/type of material, contact Annisha: [email protected] for more information.
Resources:
- Cricut Design Space is used to design and execute Cricut projects
- Use Inkscape to edit and create 2D graphics for use with the Cricuts or laser cutter
Checkout one of our Explore Air 2s and take the fun home with you!
Laser Cutter / Engraver
Easily one the most popular pieces of equipment in the IdeaLab, our Glowforge Pro is capable of cutting and engraving a variety of materials. We stock a selection of baltic birch plywood and transparent acrylics. Due to the potential for fire and toxic fumes, staff supervision is required for use of the laser cutter.
Note: Approval must be given for use of materials brought in by patrons, as some materials such as chlorinated plastics aren’t suitable for use in the laser cutter.
Pricing: Varies based on material
Resources:
- Use Inkscape to edit and create 2D graphics for use with the Cricuts or laser cutter
- A general guideline for safe/unsafe materials and the characteristics when used for cutting/engraving
Please Note: Our Glowforge laser engraver is currently out of service. We are actively working on repairs and exploring replacement options. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time, and we’ll update this page as soon as the machine is available for use again.
Sewing and Embroidery Machines
We have several Singer Stylist Sewing machines, as well as a Brother serger sewing machine and a Brother embroidery machine. All of these machines are available for in library use, contact Annisha: [email protected] for details.
Pricing: Will vary based on the price of fabric and thread used. Patrons are welcome to bring their own materials and use the machines for free!
One of our Singer Stylist sewing machines is available for circulation.
A/V Equipment
Here at NTPL we have our very own A/V recording and multimedia space located in our CRIC IdeaLab. The space is equipped with a Sony A7 iii camera, two Behringer condenser microphones, a digital keyboard, a Focusrite Audio Interface, an HP Envy laptop, a Digital illustration pad, digitization equipment, and access to the Adobe Creative Suite and other Creative software.
Want to take some of our creative equipment home with you? Great news! We have a GoPro Hero 8, a GoPro MAX, musical instruments, a Blue Yeti USB microphone, and more available for circulation!
Note: As our recording space is located in an open concept room with our other equipment we can’t guarantee that the space will always be noise free.
Robots & Tablets
We have a selection of robots and a set of Samsung tablets that are available for use in our IdeaLab. The robots we own include 8 Dash robots, 1 Dot robot, 1 Cue Onyx robot, 1 Sphero and a Lego Mindstorms Robotics set. These robots are a great resource for those wanting to get started with, or develop block coding skills. Block coding is a great way to develop the procedural thinking involved in coding without needing to know a programming language.
Usage: We often use these robots for Children’s and Youth programming, so be on the lookout! Robots can also be made available for drop-in use upon request.
VR Headsets
Interested in gaming and/or virtual reality? Here at NTPL we have 2 Oculus Quest VR Headsets that are available for circulation. Check one out with your library card and bring the fun home with you!
S.T.E.A.M. Toys
We have a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics toys available for use in our IdeaLab. These include but are not limited to: Modeling clay, stackable blocks, Legos, Raspberry Pi computer kits, and musical instruments.
For more information: contact Annisha: [email protected].
YouTube IdeaLab Tutorials
Visit our YouTube IdeaLab Tutorials Playlist (we are always adding more), and the LinkedIN Learning Portal for access to full courses related to all things professional development.