Having equipment is nice, but people aren’t born knowing how to make things! A core component of EMMS is also teaching people new skills, to empower them to realize their ideas.
At EMMS, we strive to balance accessibility and safety. Much of our facility is available for use after a short, free Shop Orientation, while many advanced tools require an Introductory Class (or a Test Out) first. With this structure, we get you up and running as soon as possible, while making sure everyone in the shop is empowered to use the tools safely and effectively.
Classes are open to the public, no membership required. Members receive a discount on all classes.
Shop Orientation
We will provide a short Shop Orientation for every new member and guest for free, to welcome you to EMMS.
Details on Shop Orientation
The Shop Orientation will go over our facility amenities and each of the Shops, to introduce you to everything we offer. We’ll also cover some ground rules for common courtesy and show you all of the equipment and areas you can start working with immediately.
Introductory Classes
Our Introductory Classes, taught by subject matter experts, will introduce tools and common nomenclature, and teach you how to use them effectively and safely.
Details on Introductory Classes
We’re still developing class syllabi and rubrics, but our goal is bundle similar equipment (such as all the tools in the Wood Shop) into a single Introductory class. That way, one Introductory Class will suffice to get you started in a given creative area.
New members will be able to choose three Introductory Classes to take for free within the first 6 months of membership. This package will get you off and running right away. As you continue to learn and expand your horizons, members can take more Introductory Classes at a discount.
If you are already familiar with a piece of equipment, show our staff your competency by testing out for free and and get to work immediately.
Membership is not required! Anyone can take the Introductory Classes (for a fee) to learn new skills to use at home, too.
Tips and Tricks
Want to go beyond the basics and learn some tips and tricks to maximize your precision and accomplish complicated and cool designs? Need help getting started with computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided machining (CAM) software? Check out our Tips and Tricks class series!
Details on Tips and Tricks
We plan on offering a variety of Tips and Tricks classes in the future. If there’s a skill you’d like to learn or improve—or a skill you’d like partner with us to teach—fill out our Survey at the bottom of the page or Contact Us and let us know!
Project Classes
We will offer various instructor-led classes to construct specific projects. All Project Classes include materials, detailed plans, and staff assistance. At the end of the class, you’ll get to take home a complete doo-dad!
Details on Project Classes
Some ideas of project classes include: kit guitars, cutting boards, leather wallet, birdhouses, jewelry / keepsake boxes, kazoos, wood clocks, stained glass, chain mail and more. Check back in later for specific offerings. If there’s a Project Class you’re interested in taking—or a class you’d like partner with us to teach—please fill out the Survey at the bottom of the page or Contact Us and let us know!
Many classes require no experience. Some classes may require an Introductory Class or Test Out prerequisite, which must be completed prior to the start of the class.
Personalized Classes
Staff are always available for basic questions and assistance, but sometimes you need some extra mentoring time. Reserve one-on-one time with an experienced staff member for help planning, designing, and executing your idea.
East Mountain Maker Space 