We’re thrilled to share that Asmbly is expanding into two additional units at the end of our building, adding 5,333 sqft to our space! This will bring Asmbly to a total of 13,333 sqft.
This expansion means we can finally bring several exciting dreams to life, including:
Ceramics: A craft we’ve wanted to offer since day one.
Metal Shop Expansion: The metal shop will move into a larger space separate from the woodshop, allowing us to bring long awaited equipment online like the fiber laser. No more sawdust in the metal shop, which also means we will be able to allow open flames! As we grow the metal shop into this new space, we’ll also be able to expand and improve the woodshop into some of the current metal shop areas.
Studio Rentals & More: Providing makers with options onsite for additional space rentals.
Tell us what matters most to you on studio spaces here!
Timeline
December – February: Buildout and prep
There will be a lot of projects to help with. Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities!
March 1, 2025: Targeted opening of Ceramics!
Early March: Metal Shop moves into its new dedicated space.
More details on Ceramics and how you can get involved in this expansion will be shared in the new year.
Fundraiser Kick-Off
To make this vision a reality, we’re launching a fundraiser to help drive this expansion forward.
Thanks to a generous matching fund, every donation will be matched 100% up to $25,000! That means your contribution will have double the impact.
Asmbly is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so all donations are tax-deductible—perfect timing for your end-of-year giving.
Ready to support the expansion? Visit our fundraiser page here.
Thank you for helping us grow and continue to build an even better community for makers.
Stay tuned for more updates! We have a dedicated page on our website here as well:
Our future is bright with talent and potential and I cannot wait to it all come to fruition. Thank you to our Board, Managers, Leads, Stewards, Volunteers, and our wonder members who make this place a second family for me, and a fun place to be.
Michael
If metal shop is going to add fire/touch training/area, does that mean jewelers/small metal formers with their chemicals (borax solution, flux, pickle etc) will be able to eventually carve out a corner? I have certification to use all the primary tools and chemicals safely and know methods of proper neutralization and disposal and know how to read safety data sheets.
Also, does expanded metal shop know if brass/zinc is going to be allowed yet? because i have heard the stories from metal shop back when acc jewelry was at riverside still and having the proper ventilation would be awesome, but i also know how to do a “this is what we dont want to see” demonstration without setting anything that isnt suposed to be on fire on fire in the cool chemistry lab examples manner.
But otherwise i eagerly await a throwing class from ceramics
Yet? You can certainly cut, bend, or machine brass now. Though you may need your own tooling or inserts for machining; all of ours are meant for aluminum and/or steel, and brass uses a different rake angle. I’m not averse to getting some brass specific tooling/inserts though if people want them. I’m not aware of any issue with zinc for those actions either.
The main rule in the metal shop is, that if you are using an unconventional material, you are responsible for understanding any issues with it. It sounds like sanding or grinding brass or zinc might require a bit more care, likely breathing protection for the user. And it seems high heat can generate dangerous fumes from them. We will definitely be upgrading the ventilation of the welding areas; I don’t know yet if that upgrade will handle that situation. I certainly hope we can do that.
There has long been talk of adding a jewelry making area, usually as an adjunct of the electronics area. I don’t know if that’s on the agenda for the second phase re-organization or not. We won’t be able to carve out a separate area for this in the metal shop, but anything you can safely do with the new equipment and ventilation is certainly OK. That probably sharply limits the chemical possibilities, but I’d need to know your exact needs to say more.
I mean melting brass/zinc for mold pouring in the new area in future times when fire will be allowed. I was taught those metals need to have good ventilation or risk passing out
Ceramics: A craft we’ve wanted to offer since day one.
! As we grow the metal shop into this new space, we’ll also be able to expand and improve the woodshop into some of the current metal shop areas.
Ready to support the expansion? Visit our fundraiser page here.
Calling it an “expansion” is a bit underselling it!