= Sandbox 2025 Operating Hours =

{| class="wikitable col1right "
|+ Walk-In Hours 

|-
! style="width: 10px;" |
!! style="width: 75px;" | Monday
!! style="width: 75px;" | Tuesday
!! style="width: 75px;" |Wednesday
!! style="width: 75px;" | Thursday
!! style="width: 75px;" | Friday
!! style="width: 75px;" | Saturday
!! style="width: 75px;" | Sunday
|-

|-

|
|| Closed
|| Limited
|| 3pm-7pm
|| 3pm-7pm
|| 3pm-7pm
|| CLOSED
|| CLOSED
|-

|} 

{|class='wikitable'
|-
!Monday
!Tuesday
!Wednesday
!Thursday
!Friday
!Saturday
!Sunday
|-
|16-Feb
|17-Feb
|18-Feb
|19-Feb
|20-Feb
|21-Feb
|22-Feb
|-
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|Closed
|Closed
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|Collaboration Area reserved 3:30-4:45
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|23-Feb
|24-Feb
|25-Feb
|26-Feb
|27-Feb
|28-Feb
|1-Mar
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|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|Closed
|Closed
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|2-Mar
|3-Mar
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|6-Mar
|7-Mar
|8-Mar
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|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|Closed
|Closed
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|10-Mar
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|15-Mar
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|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|Closed
|Closed
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|Collaboration Area reserved 3:30-4:45
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|Spring Break
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|17-Mar
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|22-Mar
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|Closed
|Closed
|Closed
|Closed
|Closed
|Closed
|Closed
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|Spring Break
|Spring Break
|Spring Break
|Spring Break
|Spring Break
|Spring Break
|Spring Break
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|23-Mar
|24-Mar
|25-Mar
|26-Mar
|27-Mar
|28-Mar
|29-Mar
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|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|3:00pm-7:00pm
|Closed
|Closed
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|Collaboration Area reserved 3:30-4:45
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Sandbox is open for walk-in studio hours '''Monday''' through '''Friday''' from '''3pm''' to '''7pm''' Closed days are shown above as CLOSED, or Reserved) 

Sandbox may be available for use but will have limited staff during days marked as Limited. If you need help with a project or tool on these days, please contact us in advance.


We are also open by reservation for researchers, graduate students, and others working on long-term projects. Contact Gordon Crago for reservations. Most weekdays we offer reservations from 11am to 3pm with only 1-day notice. If you need to make a reservation outside of this window, please contact us 2 or more days in advance. 

If you need emergency access to Sandbox, please contact the UMIACS Help Desk

(updated 8 September 2025)


= Sandbox: The Jagdeep Singh Family Makerspace =

__NOTOC__


[[File:Singh Sandbox Makerspace Wiki Slideshow.gif | right |frame |[[Getting_Started_at_Sandbox |Click here to learn how to get started making things at Sandbox]] | 800px]]

=== [[Getting_Started_at_Sandbox |Getting Started]]===
It's natural to have questions about how things work at Sandbox. For a quick overview, check out our page [[Getting_Started_at_Sandbox |Getting Started at Sandbox]]


===[[List_of_Tools|Tools]]===
Sandbox provides free access to a wide range of tools and equipment for making things: wood working, crafting, electronics, sewing, laser cutting, 3D printing, and prototyping. The full [[List_of_Tools|list of tools]] is under construction but for now, check back often. You'll find our list of tools on the left side navigation menu.

===Training===

We encourage you to use all of the tools in Sandbox, but most tools require you to complete a short, self-directed safety and usage training class. These classes are hosted on [[ELMS / Canvas]], UMD's Learning Management System.

*[https://umd.instructure.com/enroll/YWPBAX You can self-enroll in this Canvas course here] Once this page opens in Canvas, click on the button labelled '''Enroll in Course'''

*The home page for our Canvas course is: https://umd.instructure.com/courses/1274047

Once you've completed the training module for a particular tool, you can complete your learning by working on projects to hone and improve your skills. Our volunteer managers are available to give you advice.

The ELMS/Canvas training modules provide a foundation for you to learn more about and master the use of a particular tool. This wiki prides additional tips and tricks to improve your knowledge of many of our tools. These are linked from that tools wiki page.

===Studios===
Sandbox has several individual work studios dedicated to specific types of making. These are:
{|
|-
| style="width: 25%" | [[IRB_1246 | '''Electronics Studio ''' ]]
| style="width: 25%" | [[IRB_1238 | '''Digital Media Studio ''' ]]
| style="width: 25%" | [[IRB_1224 | '''Woodworking Studio ''' ]]
| style="width: 25%" | [[IRB_1242 | '''Crafting & Sewing Studio ''' ]]

|-
| style="width: 25%" | [[IRB_1222 | '''CNC Studio ''']]
| style="width: 25%" | [[IRB_1223 | '''Prototyping Studio ''']]
| style="width: 25%" | [[IRB_1220 | '''Project Studio ''']]
| style="width: 25%" | [[Other Rooms | ''Other Facilities '']]
|}

===Management===
Sandbox is largely managed by student volunteers. See our [[Management| Management Page]] to learn more
===Supplies===

Sandbox is fully committed to providing open access to maker technologies and training. As part of this commitment we not only provide training at no charge but also supply the materials you will use while learning to use a tool.

As you learn more and expand your skills you will want to take on more complex projects and probably become interested in using more exotic materials. To help you find these materials we've provided a [[suppliers & Resources| listing of local and online suppliers]]. Please note that we are not able to sell materials directly to students at this time.

===About===
Sandbox is …

* a free resource for everyone on campus, including students, staff, and faculty from all departments and disciplines.
* a space where you can use and master a wide range of tools from hammers to laser cutters.
* a welcoming workshop available for personal and group projects ranging from serious research to whimsical entertainment.
* largely volunteer run; the majority of our managers are undergraduate student volunteers.
* moderated as safety-first with self-directed training modules for many tools presented in ELMS/Canvas
* part of the campus-wide [http://make.umd.edu “Makerspace Initiative”]

===Etc.===
Be helpful, be courteous, make cool things.

To contribute to this wiki, please [https://wiki.umiacs.umd.edu/sandbox/index.php/Special:CreateAccount create an account]. Please provide your .umd or terpmail.umd.edu email address to make confirmation easier. You will then need to be approved to edit by an admin. If you've never worked on a WIki before, consult the [//meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software. Start by creating a [[Template:User page|User Page]] for yourself.

----

This is a public facing, publicly editable wiki for the Singh Sandbox makerspace, located at IRB 1231.

([[Mission Statement| Mission statement for the Jagdeep Singh Family Makerspace in the Iribe Center, informally known as the Singh Sandbox]])

Under construction. Click [https://wiki.umiacs.umd.edu/sandbox/index.php/Special:AllPages here] for an index of all pages. [[Staff_and_Managers_Links_Page | M!]]

2025-09-25T22:48:29Z

Gfc:

EX1
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2025-08-26T18:28:44Z

Gfc: /* Helpful YouTube Videos */

[[Category:Tools]]
{{Tocright}}

[[File:ULS-Laser.jpg | center | 400px | Universal Laser Systems VLS 6.60 Laser Cutter]]

==Description==
The Universal Laser Systems VLS 6.60 is a 60 watt laser cutter / engraver capable of cutting a range of wood and plastic materials up to 1/4" (6.3mm) thick

==Safety Concerns==
The laser cutter is safe when used by properly trained makers following our SOPs and cutting only approved materials. Used improperly, laser cutters present several risks that need to be understood by all makers. The most important safety concerns specific to laser cutter use are [[Laser_Safety_Concerns| Fire, Fumes, and Laser Radiation.]]

==Training==
Use of this tool requires the completion of a safety and usage training module. This training may be found on the Sandbox Canvas course [https://myelms.umd.edu/courses/1274047/pages/uls-laser-introduction?module_item_id=9702615| in this module]. If this link does not work for you, ensure that you are enrolled in the course by going to [https://ter.ps/Learn2Make ter.ps/Learn2Make] and clicking on the 'Join this Course' or 'Enroll' button.

''Self-training via this wiki, user manuals, or other sources is encouraged but '''does not substitute for the online training module'''. Students found using this tool without completing the Canvas training module are subject to disciplinary action which may include termination of Sandbox access.''

==Trained Managers==
The managers that have adopted this tool and can help you with using. Keep in mind these are not the only managers that know how to use this tool, feel free to ask any. Full list of adopted tools can be found here [[Manager Tool Adoption | here]].

{{#get_web_data:
url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/2/d/1OWqoa5hGArO427buM7213HOFsia-I8W9aUs01hW2Gpo/gviz/tq?tqx=out:csv&gid=0&tq=select%20F%20where%20G%20%3D%20%22ULS%20Laser%20Cutter%22
|format=CSV
|data=Manager=1
}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Manager {{#for_external_table:<nowiki/>
{{!}}-
{{!}} {{{Manager}}}
}}
|}

==Tips & Tricks==
*[[Using the ULS Laser Control Panel]]
*How to markup a file in Adobe Illustrator (or other illustration software) to indicate what to raster engrave, vector engrave, or vector cut
*Tips and tricks for using Adobe Illustrator to prepare graphics for laser cutting
*Manually Focusing
*Using the [[Rotary Laser Cutter| Rotary Attachment]]
*[[Laser_Box_Generator_Programs| Design and cut a finger-jointed laser box.]]
*[[Laser Engraving a Photograph]] How to adjust a photographic image file for best laser engraving.
=== Helpful YouTube Videos===

One important skill needed to master the Laser (and many other makerspace tools) is the ability to create vector graphics While you can get started by downloading files you find online or buying pre-prepared files, at some point you'll want to create something not available online (or modify a file you have) For this understanding a vector drawing program such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape is important

There are countless Adobe Illustrator tutorials on YouTube, so many that it can be hard to locate the exact information you need to learn

We've organized a set of these to give you a starting point

==== YouTube Creators with a series of videos: ====

[[Cori George video series Adobe Illustrator for Beginners | Adobe Illustrator for Beginners by Cory George]]

[[June Escalada video series Everything About Graphic Design | June Escalada at IllustratorHow]]

==== Other YouTube videos: ====

*[https://youtu.be/eXiR55ZYhIc?si=jJS9fLkbD5QnOgX4 Adobe Illustrator for Laser Cutting 101! (& Easy DIY Holiday Ornaments)]
*[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB Adobe Illustrator (Basics) for Laser Cutter]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=50 00:50 Setup]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=208 3:28 Colours for Raster, Etch & Cut]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=732 12:12 Laser Cut Example]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=810 13:28 Scaling & Moving]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=1402 23:22 Combining Shapes]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=1912 31:49 Image Trace]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=2735 45:43 Changing Points in Images]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=3570 59:28 Radials & Repeats]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=4218 1:10:16 Ear Rings]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=5019 1:23:45 Outro]

*[https://youtu.be/6AXRj2QXxtM?si=Sl9zIGnUj6IY4nCK Preparing Your Text for Laser Cutting in Illustrator]
*[https://youtu.be/5NtpDLCr3Og?si=GIj95mnP_UWneu5v Adobe Illustrator — How to Thicken a Font for Laser-Cutting]
*[https://youtu.be/3I5VKNEfZFs?si=0SIVL5cyGrvnPUlI How to Join Letters for Laser Cutting Names in Adobe Illustrator]
*[https://youtu.be/Gb7QLfGKxps?si=CJ_GQLASeTnLfs-r Name Cut Outs in Illustrator Laser cutting]
*[https://youtu.be/hn8_3uUUE1o?si=ruPqfOyKV0H_EljN Adobe Illustrator: Making a Name with an Offset Path]

*[https://youtu.be/ny3Or1PDKQQ?si=cIa0r9xQueGWQBiD Adobe Illustrator — How to Create a Keychain Design Using Offsets & Knockouts]
**This video is a complete walk-through for how to create a custom digital design using Adobe Illustrator. Tools / Techniques Reviewed:
*** Selection Tool (V)
*** Direct Selection Tool (A)
*** Eraser Tool (Shift+E)
*** Group (Cmd/Ctrl+G)
*** Ungroup (Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+G)
*** Undo (Cmd/Ctrl+Z)
*** Redo (Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+Z)
*** Ellipse Tool (L)
*** Pencil Tool (N)
*** Arrange (Bring to Front/Send to Back — Cmd+Shift+[ or Cmd+Shift+])
*** Compound Shape (Cmd/Ctrl+8)
*** Pathfinder Unite
*** Pathfinder Minus Front
*** Swap Fill and Stroke (Shift+X)
*** Adding/Expanding Stroke
*** Creating Outlines from Text/Fonts

*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIVTP3sgtA0 Printing to a Universal Laser System using Adobe Illustrator]
*[https://youtu.be/izXuzEvXHb0?si=ZnoZcJIIfSvHQTH3 Beginner intro to using Adobe Illustrator for laser cutting]

==Accessories==
*Rotary Accessory
*Focus Gauge
*Thickness Gauge

==Manuals==
A downloaded copy of the VLS manual [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Kct3rB6VmdqyHl4M8leaEFXWNj-KUDop can be found on our shared drive]

== Manufacturer's Web Site ==
[https://www.ulsinc.com/products/platforms/vls660| ULS VLS 6.60 Platform]

==Specifications==
*Laser Power: 60 Watts
*Laser Material Processing Area (W x H): 32 x 18 in (813 x 457 mm)
*Maximum Part Size (W x H x D): 37 x 23 x 9 in (940 x 584 x 229 mm)
*Rotary Capacity Max Diameter: 8 in (203 mm)
*Motorized Z Axis Lifting Capacity 40 lbs (18 kg)
*Available Focus Lenses
**2.0 in (50 mm)
**HPDFO™ (High Power Density Focusing Optics)
*Laser Platform Interface Panel Five button keypad
*Computer Requirements Requires dedicated PC with Windows® 7/8/10 32/64 bit and one available USB port (2.0 or higher)
*Optics Protection Available with Optional Air Assist
*Cabinet Style Free-Standing
*Overall Dimension (W x H x D) 44 x 39 x 36 in (1118 x 991 x 914 mm)
*Weight 325 lbs (147 kg)
*Power Requirements
**110V/10A
**220V-240V/5A
*Exhaust Requirements
**Two 4 in (102 mm) ports
**500 CFM @ 6 in static pressure (850 m3/hr at 1.5 kPa)

Cricut Explore Air

2025-08-26T18:15:38Z

Gfc: /* Training */

[[Category:Tools]]
{{Tocright}}
''This page is currently under construction.''
[[File:Cricut Explore Air.jpg | center | 400px | Cricut Explore Air]]

==Description==
The Cricut Explore Air is a quality machine that allows cutting, writing, and scoring of a variety of materials including paper, cardstock, and vinyl. Using Bluetooth technology the Cricut Explore Air provides easy access to cut designs. Designs can come from the Cricut website or they can be originals uploaded by the user.

==Safety Concerns==
Although there are no major safety concerns for this machine, it is important to practice safe habits when working with any of the blades for this machine.

==Training==
We are currently building our training module for this tool. In the meantime, there are some very helpful [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHmBuVfWqLs| videos] that can help you familiarize yourself with the machine.

''Self-training via this wiki, user manuals, or other sources is encouraged but '''does not substitute for the online training module'''. Students found using this tool without completing the Canvas training module are subject to disciplinary action which may include termination of Sandbox access.''

=== Learning Adobe Illustrator ===

One important skill needed to master the Cricut (and many other makerspace tools) is the ability to create vector graphics While you can get started by downloading files you find online or buying pre-prepared files, at some point you'll want to create something not available online (or modify a file you have) and for this understanding a vector drawing program such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape is important

There are countless Adobe Illustrator tutorials on YouTube, so many that it can be hard to locate the exact information you need to learn

We've organized a set of these to give you a starting point

[[Cori George video series Adobe Illustrator for Beginners | Adobe Illustrator for Beginners by Cory George]]

[[June Escalada video series Everything About Graphic Design | June Escalada at IllustratorHow]]

==Trained Managers==
The managers that have adopted this tool and can help you with using. Keep in mind these are not the only managers that know how to use this tool, feel free to ask any. Full list of adopted tools can be found here [[Manager Tool Adoption | here]].

{{#get_web_data:
url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/2/d/1OWqoa5hGArO427buM7213HOFsia-I8W9aUs01hW2Gpo/gviz/tq?tqx=out:csv&gid=0&tq=select%20F%20where%20G%20%3D%20%22Cricut%20Vinyl%20Cutter%22
|format=CSV
|data=Manager=1
}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Manager {{#for_external_table:<nowiki/>
{{!}}-
{{!}} {{{Manager}}}
}}
|}

==Tips & Tricks==
*To use the Cricut Explore Air you must make an account on the [https://design.cricut.com/#/register-customer Cricut website] to access the design center
*None so far but if you learn any, be sure to let us know!

==Accessories==
*Power cord
*USB cable
*Pen
*Blade
*Cutting mat

==Manuals==
The manual for this machine can be found on the Cricut [https://learn.cricut.com/cricut-explore-air%E2%84%A2/manuals/cricut-explore-air website]

== Manufacturer's Web Site ==
*[https://www.cricut.com/| Cricut Website]

==Specifications==

Dimensions

*Cricut Explore Air Exterior: 25.4″ x 10″ x 9.2″ (645.16mm x 254mm x 233.68mm)

Work Area

* Cutting mat dimensions: 12" x 12" (304.8mm x 304.8mm)

Material Capability

Can safely cut on regular paper, vinyl, fabric, poster board, and cardstock that can fit on the cutting mat.

Mechanicals

* [insert here]

Requirements

* Electricity/working electrical outlet
* All accessories
* Paper

Miscellaneous

* [insert here]