Why Choose Kzoo Makers

The Only Full-Spectrum Community Makerspace in Kalamazoo

Unlike university or library makerspaces, Kzoo Makers is a public, nonprofit workshop offering full access to woodworking, metalworking, CNC, laser cutting, and fabrication tools for real projects—not just demonstrations or coursework.

What Makes Kzoo Makers Different

We're the only place in Kalamazoo where the general public can access professional-grade fabrication equipment with hands-on control, flexible hours, and a community of makers ready to help you succeed.

Public Access
Full-Spectrum Tools
Hands-On Control

Why Serious Makers Choose Kzoo Makers

🏗️

Complete Fabrication Capability

The only place locally with wood + metal + CNC + laser under one roof. Build anything from furniture to metal sculpture to product prototypes.

🔧

Hands-On Tool Access

After safety training, you operate the equipment yourself. No staff-mediated projects or waiting for someone else to run your job.

🕐

Flexible Hours

Open evenings and weekends. Trained members get 56 hours of access. Work on your schedule, not ours.

💼

Commercial Use Supported

Start your business, prototype products, or run small production. We explicitly support entrepreneurial projects.

👥

Peer Mentorship

Learn from experienced makers in a collaborative environment. Real skill transfer, not just demonstrations.

🌐

Open to Everyone

No enrollment required. No coursework. No academic affiliation. Just a passion for making.

Full-Spectrum Tools & Equipment

🪵 Wood Shop

  • Table saw, jointer, planer
  • Band saws, drill press
  • Router table, sanders
  • Hand tools and clamps
  • Dust collection system

Build: Furniture, cabinets, art, home projects

⚙️ Metal Shop

  • MIG and TIG welding
  • Metal lathe and mill
  • Angle grinders, cut-off saw
  • Drill press, band saw
  • Fabrication tables

Build: Steel sculpture, brackets, frames, repairs

✨ Laser Cutting

  • Industrial 100W CO2 laser
  • 24" x 36" cutting bed
  • Cut and engrave wood, acrylic, leather
  • Precision up to 0.001"
  • Production runs supported

Build: Signs, art, product prototypes, gifts

🤖 CNC Router

  • Full-size CNC router
  • 4' x 8' capable cutting area
  • Cut wood, plastic, soft metals
  • 3D carving and engraving
  • Large-format projects

Build: Furniture parts, signs, molds, templates

🖨️ 3D Printing

  • Multiple FDM printers
  • Various build volumes
  • Hands-on operation
  • Member-owned printers welcome
  • Filament available

Build: Prototypes, parts, tools, art

⚡ Electronics Lab

  • Soldering stations
  • Oscilloscopes and multimeters
  • Power supplies
  • Component storage
  • Arduino and Raspberry Pi support

Build: Circuits, robots, IoT devices, repairs

What You Can't Get at Other Makerspaces

Capabilities Unique to Kzoo Makers in Kalamazoo:

  • Public access to a full wood shop
  • Public access to metal fabrication and welding
  • Industrial laser cutting for the public
  • Full-size CNC routing for the public
  • Hands-on tool operation (not staff-mediated)
  • 56 hour access for trained members
  • Commercial and entrepreneurial use
  • Heavy fabrication and noisy work
  • Long-term project storage
  • Peer-to-peer skill sharing
  • No enrollment or coursework required
  • Ongoing access (not semester-bound)

Real Projects from Real Members

Furniture & Woodworking

Members build custom tables, cabinets, cutting boards, picture frames, and home renovations using our complete wood shop.

Metal Fabrication

Welded sculptures, steel furniture, bike racks, automotive repairs, custom brackets, and metal art projects.

Product Prototyping

Entrepreneurs develop product prototypes, test designs, and run small production batches for their businesses.

Laser Engraving

Custom signs, wedding gifts, business products, leather goods, acrylic displays, and personalized items.

Electronics Projects

Arduino robots, home automation, circuit repairs, custom PCBs, and IoT devices.

Art & Sculpture

Mixed-media art, metal sculpture, wood carving, installations, and creative experiments.

More Than Tools: A Community

Peer Mentorship

Learn from experienced makers who are passionate about sharing skills. No formal classes—just makers helping makers.

Collaborative Environment

Work alongside people from all backgrounds: engineers, artists, entrepreneurs, hobbyists, students, and retirees.

Volunteer-Run

Every member contributes to keeping the space running. This isn't a service—it's a community you're part of.

Events & Meetups

Regular meetups, skill shares, and social events. Connect with other makers and learn new techniques.

Membership That Fits Your Needs

$5 Starting at per month

Affordable tiers for every budget and usage level

56 hour/wk Access for trained members

Work on your schedule, not limited to business hours

Ongoing access

Not semester-bound or time-limited

Who Joins Kzoo Makers?

✅ You Should Join If:

  • You need wood or metal fabrication tools
  • You want to learn welding, CNC, or laser cutting
  • You're starting a business or prototyping products
  • You want hands-on control of professional tools
  • You need flexible hours (evenings/weekends)
  • You value community and peer learning
  • You're serious about making things

❓ Consider Alternatives If:

  • You're a WMU/KVCC student: Use university resources for coursework, but join us for tools they don't have
  • You only need light crafting: Library makerspaces might be sufficient (and free)
  • You want staff to do the work: We're hands-on—you operate the tools
  • You're just curious: Schedule a free tour first to see if it's right for you

The Bottom Line

If you're serious about making—whether it's furniture, metal art, product prototypes, or just learning new skills—Kzoo Makers is the only place in Kalamazoo that gives you:

Full-Spectrum Tools

Wood, metal, laser, CNC, electronics, and more

Hands-On Access

You control the tools after training

Public Access

No enrollment or affiliation required

We're not just a makerspace. We're a community of makers building real things.

Still Comparing Options?

vs Library Makerspaces

See how we compare with KPL and Portage libraries

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vs University Labs

Understand the difference from WMU and KVCC

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Full Comparison

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Ready to Start Making?

Join Kalamazoo's only full-spectrum community makerspace.

Schedule a Free Tour View Membership Options