Los Alamos Makers is constantly changing. We are an all-volunteer organization. The workshops we are able to host very much depend on instructors willing to step up. Equipment is typically set up, and maintained by volunteers. While our core areas of interest may not change, the specifics very much do. We hold our general meeting the second Tuesday of the month, come in and talk with us. Let us know what you're looking for.
If you are interested in hosting a workshop, running a Meetup, or teaching a class - that would be awesome!
3D Printing
3D printing can sometimes be an experiment... Take a crack at it. You may get hooked.
We have "Simplify 3D" available to use. It significantly improves your results and simplifies the process.
If you have taken our "Introduction to 3D printing" class and you are now ready to start your own prints, here is a basic guide you can use as a refresher: Basic 3D printing guide.
Here is a list of past and upcoming 3D-printing and design workshops
Feel free to suggest more.
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Introduction to 3D design and printing for kids 7 to 16
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Introduction to 3D printing.
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Super Mario star programmable tree topper (Starduino)
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Introduction to SketchUp
Check out this video students made
for a similar program we ran for the DTRA JSTI:
We offer affordable professional 3D printing services.
1. You send us your confidential design.
2. We send you a quote.
3. You agree.
4. We start the work immediately.
It's simple:
Please note: 3D printing large prints is not usually the most cost-effective tool. 3D printing is really mostly for prototyping or very unique pieces or if you have your own printer and don't mind spending time refining designs. It's only cost-effective if you can print it yourself. It's not as cheap as people think. If you want cheap plastic fabrication, blow-molded mass production is the way to go. If you would like to purchase your own printer and learn how to use it, we can help you with that too.
Please inquire at hello@losalamosmakers.org.
Art
Are you an artist looking to share your insight into the creative world? Do you want to share your skills? Let us know.
Past art and jewelry-making events:
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Jewelry-making meetup
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Evening Beginners' Stained Glass Class- 4-session class.
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Saturday Beginners' Stained Glass Class
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Beginners' Glass Fusion class
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Introduction Collage
Biotech
Why biology? Because we believe that Nature is the ultimate scientist and engineer and that biological sciences are an important aspect of technology innovation. Nature has been building things through trial and error for a very long time.
Electricity existed in our bodies before we even knew what it was ...what else is out there? Biology is the study of life and there is still much to learn and copy...for the sake of our health and environment.
If you are interested in a career in Biotech, have a distant idea for a Biotech-related product, or are just curious about Biotech, you are invited to join the local Biotech meetup, where we will network, learn about the technical, financial and business side of Biotech.
Here is a list of past and upcoming workshops.
Feel free to suggest more
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Biotech Club at Los Alamos Middle School
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Introduction to DNA and DNA testing
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Crime Scene Investigation
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Basics of traditional cloning
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Introduction to genetic engineering
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Introduction to DNA Barcoding
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Introduction to CRISPR
Since our inception, our goal has been to help bridge the opportunity gap by introducing career options one may not have thought possible otherwise, including Biotechnology careers. We cast a wide net with our outreach efforts at community events like Science Fest, in schools' classrooms, in our own facilities and just around town and nature, reaching elementary students, high schoolers, College students and even retirees. Check out some of the published articles throughout the years:
2016: Fifth Grade Boys Transformed Into Biotechnologists
Reach out to us if you are intrigued, or even vaguely interested.
We are grateful for our sponsors who made this club possible
Coding & Electronics
Have fun, make all sorts of custom gadgets and tools or invent the next big thing! Click on these videos to see some cool stuff that you could make.
Below is a list of past and events, we'd love to hear your ideas.
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Free CoderDojo for kids 7 to 12
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Free Raspberry Pi club (Weekly on Thursdays 6.30PM to 8PM)
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Free Python club for teens and adults
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Introduction to GIMP
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Introduction to TensorFlow
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Introduction to Raspberry Pi
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Introduction to computer programming series
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Techno-Halloween workshop series
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Super Mario star programmable tree topper (Starduino)
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Arduino Halloween workshop
Lasers & CNC
Whether you're etching wood, cutting acrylic, or engraving metal, Los Alamos Makers has you covered with two powerful laser systems designed to take your projects to the next level:
COS Laser System is perfect for organic materials and plastics.
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Cutting wood, acrylic, leather, and paper
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Engraving glass, rubber, and certain plastics
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Prototyping and custom fabrication
Fiber Laser System delivers precision marking and engraving on:
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Stainless steel
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Aluminum
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Titanium
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Brass and more
A CNC milling machine is a type of computer-controlled machine used for precisely cutting and shaping solid materials, such as metal, wood, or plastic. "CNC" stands for Computer Numerical Control, which means the machine's movements are controlled by a computer program, rather than being operated manually
Per the members agreement, people have to agree not to use a piece of equipment without being cleared. Sign up for our mailing list to see when the next group safety training is.
We are very thankful for the generous donations of the CNC mill and the laser cutter by David Pelowitz
Sewing
Knowing how to sew gives you the freedom to fix, design and create your own clothes, costumes, draperies etc... Discover a new passion...it can get addictive. Have fun, make your own thing. Maybe be the next top designer!
Past workshops have included.
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Free Introduction to quilting with Jill
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Sewing Camp for teens and adults series (13+)
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Make a hot/cool pack
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Make a pillow case with button holes
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Make your own beanie hat
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Make a coin purse with zipper
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Freestyle (Just bring your project, fabric and pattern and we'll help you out)
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Sewing Camp for kids
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Beginner's sewing classes ($)
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Halloween sewing help
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Make your own beanie hat
Let us know what kind of workshop you would like to see.
Los Alamos Sewing Meetup
Membership is not required to join a Meetup
Startup Support
Los Alamos Makers is one of the few spaces where cross-sector collaborations are possible. It is the only community-based innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Los Alamos County and a bridge between the region’s scientific expertise and grassroots entrepreneurial activity.
Out of the Garage: How Los Alamos Makers Helps Entrepreneurs Thrive
For generations, the entrepreneurial mythos has been tied to the garage—Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and countless others tinkering in small, isolated spaces before their ideas took flight. But here in Northern New Mexico, we know that today’s challenges and opportunities demand more than a garage. They demand community, shared infrastructure, and a place where ideas can grow into thriving ventures.
That’s exactly what Los Alamos Makers is here to provide.
Breaking Down Barriers
Great ideas often stall because access to the right tools, space, or expertise is out of reach. Most startups don’t fail because of lack of potential—they fail because of lack of support. By offering shared workspaces, prototyping equipment, and even a biolab (through our collaboration with The Community Lab), Los Alamos Makers lowers the barriers to entry for entrepreneurs across disciplines.
Instead of sinking precious capital into equipment and facilities, innovators can plug into our ready-made infrastructure—freeing their energy and resources for what really matters: developing and testing their ideas.
Building Community and Connections
Entrepreneurship is tough when you’re alone in your garage. At Los Alamos Makers, founders can join a community of peers, mentors, and collaborators who are passionate about innovation. Whether it’s a scientist exploring a biotech startup, a student experimenting with robotics, or a creative entrepreneur using laser-engraving tools, members find encouragement and connections that accelerate their growth.
We also actively connect entrepreneurs with regional resources—from local economic development offices and accelerators to state-level funding programs—so they don’t just build in isolation, they scale with support.
From Local Garage to Global Impact
Los Alamos is a unique place, rich with scientific talent and creative energy. But too often, the next big idea stays in someone’s garage, never reaching its potential. Los Alamos Makers exists to change that.
Our mission is simple: to get entrepreneurs out of the garage and into an ecosystem where they can access the tools, talent, and support they need to succeed.
Because when entrepreneurs succeed, the whole community benefits—from new jobs and industries to an innovation culture that inspires the next generation.
Whether you’re an inventor with a half-built prototype, a biotech dreamer, or simply someone with an idea —Los Alamos Makers is here to help you take that next step."
Tech
We are very excited to have started a Tech Meetup. Click then link below and watch for the first meeting.
Los Alamos Tech Meetup
Membership is not required to join a Meetup
Woodworking
We strive to make our tools, space and equipment accessible to ALL, so we've been on a mission to make our wood shop more disability friendly...and that helps everyone!
We are grateful for the Northern New Mexico Health Groups (via Con Alma Health Foundation) for helping us with that endeavor.
If you prefer woodworking without power tools, we are working on a "Woodworking With Hand Tools" series. Stay tuned...
We are often asked about woodworking training, so we figured we would clarify a few things here:
Training is on a case-by-case basis, depending on what you wish to accomplish. We usually do a basic safety check on the machines people plan on using first. If later on they want to get training on a particular piece of equipment, then we set up a training plan. Safety check or training is equipment specific. Per the members agreement, people have to agree not to use a piece of equipment without being cleared. Please note
that safety checks and training are 2 different things:
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Safety checks are for people with some experience with woodworking equipment. That is our way of making sure you know how to use our equipment and are aware of basic safety tips. Safety checks are free for members.
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Training can be on a 1-on-1 basis or in a small group setting (workshops). It is for people who are not comfortable with certain techniques and would like to know more or get a more in-depth refresher.
You are encouraged to attend our general meeting, held on the second Tuesday of the month, to discuss your needs and what you would like to accomplish or learn. That way we can figure out what would work for you and how we can best assist you.
We are also designing new beginners classes that are more general and teach basic woodworking skills like jointing and planing, gluing and finishing, as well as some more advanced workshops. If that is of any interest to you, you can either get on our mailing list (from the website) and you will be notified when that is scheduled or you can follow our Eventbrite page and you will be notified of new workshops, as soon as they are posted.
We are very thankful for the generous donation of numerous tools and wood donated by Robert Rieke.
Los Alamos Woodworking Meetup
Membership is not required to join a Meetup
Workforce Development
How Los Alamos Makers Supports STEM Workforce Development
In Northern New Mexico, world-class science and rural community life intersect in a unique way. At Los Alamos Makers, we believe this intersection can be the foundation of a vibrant, sustainable STEM workforce—one that meets the needs of local startups, research institutions, and future generations of innovators.
A Launchpad for Talent
Young people often don’t see clear pathways into technical careers unless they leave their hometowns. Los Alamos Makers addresses this challenge by creating hands-on learning experiences that meet students and community members where they are. From 3D printing and coding workshops to biotech training, participants get real-world skills in high-demand sectors.
These experiences don’t just teach technical skills; they also help participants build confidence, professional networks, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Those initiatives help grow and retain local talent in industries like advanced computing, bioscience, and advanced manufacturing. "
Workforce Development by Design
Los Alamos Makers is more than a makerspace—it’s a strategic workforce pipeline. We design our programs in collaboration with professionals to ensure the skills we teach match real hiring needs. Examples include:
The Bigger Picture
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Youth STEM outreach: Summer intensives where high school students learn CAD, and alternative manufacturing tools.
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Workforce upskilling: Experiential workshops in biotech, 3D printing and laser engraving for adults seeking new skills.
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Employer-informed training: Development of stackable credentials and modular training that can align with future apprenticeship programs.
Investing in STEM workforce development is not just about jobs; it’s about building a sustainable, resilient local economy. Los Alamos Makers’ model—community-driven, affordable, and deeply collaborative—ensures that people in Northern New Mexico can access the opportunities of tomorrow without leaving the place they call home.
At Los Alamos Makers, we are proud to help build the future of the STEM workforce, one maker, one workshop, and one startup at a time.