Columbia, Missouri · 501(c)(3) nonprofit makerspace
A community workshop where anyone can learn, build, and fix things.
Columbia Gadget Works gives people of all skill levels access to tools, workspace, and know-how: a laser cutter, CNC router, 3D printers, a metal shop, an electronics bench, and members who will show you how to use them.
Free Open Hack Night · Every Thursday, 6–8 pm · No membership or experience required
Visit on a Thursday
Open Hack Night is free and open to everyone. Take a tour, meet members, use the basic tools, and bring a broken thing to fix. Walk in the door on Grand Avenue between 6 and 8 pm.
What to expectTake a class
Members teach free and low-cost classes on soldering, metal casting, machining, and more. Most are announced a couple of weeks ahead on Discord and here.
Classes and workshopsBecome a member
Members get 24/7 access to the shop, a project locker, discounts on classes, and a vote in how the space is run. Dues pay the rent and keep Thursday nights free.
Membership detailsThe shop
Equipment most people could never fit in a garage, shared like a library.
Laser cutter
80-watt CO₂ laser for cutting and engraving wood, acrylic, leather, and more.
CNC router
Computer-controlled router for carving wood, plastic, and soft metals.
3D printers
Fast, reliable Bambu Lab printers with multi-color capability.
Metal shop
Manual milling machine, metal lathe, welders, and the tools to go with them.
Metal casting
Turn a 3D print into a solid metal part.
Electronics bench
Soldering, testing, and repair, with people who've done a lot of it.
Woodshop
Table saw, sanders, and the hand tools for everything from shelves to fine furniture.
What a Thursday can turn into
Members built a battle box out of steel, plywood, and polycarbonate, called it the Chamber of Robotic Aggression, and started putting robots in it. A combat robot touches nearly every zone in the building: welded frame, machined parts, printed wedges, and drive electronics from the bench.
Coming up
- Oct29Quarterly board meeting
Held after Open Hack Night. Members welcome.
- Nov5Grant class: topic to be announced
First of the monthly City of Columbia grant classes. Free; details to come.
- Dec3Grant class: topic to be announced
- Jan7Grant class: topic to be announced
Keep the lights on and the doors open
Columbia Gadget Works is run entirely by volunteers. Every dollar goes to rent, equipment, and free public programs. We are a registered 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 27-3926809) and your gift is tax-deductible.
Make a donation