Idea Lab – Tools

Create your design in any 3D drafting software and have it printed in the Idea Lab. All designs must be sent for printing via our online submission form.

Any 3D drafting software may be used to create a design as long as the file can be saved in .stl or .obj file format. We recommend Tinkercad or SketchUp Free which are free, web-based programs.

The 3D printer has a build volume of 9.9″ x 7.8″ x 5.9″ [25.2 cm  x 19.9 cm x 15.0 H cm] and prints at a layer resolution of 100 microns. The extruder has a nozzle diameter of .4 mm.

For more details & our printing policy, visit our 3D Printing page.

•  Available Only @ Bob Kirby  •

Make your own custom pieces from wood and plastic with our enclosed, desktop CNC machine.

NOTE: The Carvey is not compatible with the 3D Carving feature available in Easel Pro.

The Carvey uses a free web-based platform called Easel. Easel allows you to create original designs, or you can import SVG files of your logo or vector design. Because Easel is web-based, you can create & save designs at home and then log in to your Inventables account in the Idea Lab to carve them with staff assistance.

The Carvey has a build area of 11.6” x 8” x 2.5”. Material height + depth of cut can not exceed 2.5″.

Two-tone HDPE tiles in a variety of colors are available for purchase in the Idea Lab.

For inspiration and other links, visit our creative resources page.

•  Available @ the Main Library & Bob Kirby  •

Cut different types of vinyl with this machine to create wall art, decals, custom shirts, and more.

Our vinyl cutter uses VinylMaster software to prepare, design, and cut files. VinylMaster is installed on a laptop in the Idea Lab. You can create simple text designs, or you can import a SVG file of your logo or vector design. You can bring designs in on a USB flash drive.

This cutter can hold up to 24″ wide vinyl.

The Idea Lab has adhesive and heat transfer vinyl in black, white, and other limited colors for purchase.

Visit our creative resources page for links to free design software.

•  Available Smiths Grove  •

Create a variety of projects using the Cricut to cut vinyl, cardstock, fabric, leather, and more.

Our Cricut is connected to Cricut DesignSpace which allows you to create and design projects or upload JPGs or PNGs. Cricut DesignSpace also has projects available to download or purchase.

The Cricut can create projects up to 12″ x 12″.

•  Available @ Bob Kirby  •

Sublijet Ink @ Kirby

Compatible with white polyester fabrics, sublimation blank mugs, & other dye sublimation substrates.

Sublimation blank mugs are available for purchase in the Idea Lab.

Sublimation printing is used with a heat press to transfer images from paper to a blank material. The ink heats in to a gas and dyes the substrate.

The Sawgrass prints images on 8.5″ x 11″ sheets of white transfer paper.

Please bring your print-ready designs on a USB flash drive. Designs should be sized at 8.5″ x 11″ and saved in JPG or PNG. Visit our creative resources page for links to free design software.

•  Available Only @ Bob Kirby  •

We have two wheels for use in the Idea Lab. Before you can use the wheel, you must take one of our pottery classes or have previous pottery experience.

Patrons are responsible for cleaning the pottery wheel, all tools, and work area  after each use.

Clay and glaze may be purchased in the Idea Lab, or you may bring your own. Pieces may be fired in the kiln at no cost.

View the kiln firing schedule

•  Available Only @ Bob Kirby  •

Create pinbacks with your own original artwork or find a design in our collection of donated comics, maps, and magazines. Artwork can be cut to size with the Cut-A-Circle cutters and mats.

There are three different sized button makers in the Idea Lab: 1.25 inch, 2.25 inch, & 3 inch.

Print out pictures and artwork on glossy photo paper with this large format printer.

Designs should be sized at 11″ x 17″ or 24″ x 36″. Please make sure your designs are in JPG, PNG, or PDF format. Please bring your print-ready images on a USB flash drive or submit them online for printing.

Visit our creative resources page for links to free design software.

•  Available Only @ Bob Kirby  •

Stitch designs on to shirts, towels, totes and other fabrics using this machine.

Only .pes, .phc and .dst embroidery data files can be used with this machine. The Idea Lab has BES 4 Dream Edition embroidery software for use in the makerspace. Create designs with this software using a lab computer then transfer the stitch file to the embroidery machine.

You may also bring stitch files that you have created or purchased on a USB flash drive. You can also create designs directly on the embroidery machine using the touchscreen display of the Persona.

This machine can embroider fabric that is up to 1 mm (1/16 inch) thick. It is recommended that rayon or polyester embroidery thread (120 den x 2 / 135 dtex x 2 / 40 weight) be used in this machine.

Stabilizer and topping are available for purchase, and a limited selection of thread is available for free in the Idea Lab.

We prefer you have previous experience with an embroidery machine or have taken a class in the past.

• Volcano 15″ x 15″ Clamshell Heat Press with Mug Press Attachment

• Fellowes Venus 125 Laminator @ Main

• AccuCut Die-Cutting Machine @ Kirby

• Skutt KM 1027 Kiln @ Kirby — View the firing schedule

• HSK A3 Light PAD – 18.5″ x 13.5″ @ Kirby

• Dremel 4000 2/30 High-Performance Rotary Tool + Accessories @ Kirby