Tinker Studio

Tinker Studio

The Tinker Studio is a do-it-yourself space to learn new skills & explore your creativity. You can make an appointment for assistance, reserve the most popular equipment, or drop in during open hours. 

Studio Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 2–6 pm
Wednesday 3–7 pm
Thursday Closed
Friday–Saturday 10 am–2 pm
Sunday Closed

Using the Studio

The Tinker Studio is open to makers of all ages, but those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Equipment and resources are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. See below for what equipment is offered and if it requires a reservation. 

A signed liability waiver is required to use Tinker Studio equipment (a parent or legal guardian must sign for users under 18).

 

Book-A-Librarian

Normal Public Library's Book-A-Librarian service is an opportunity to get one-on-one help from a librarian. You can even request help with using any of the Tinker Studio equipment. These 30–60 minute sessions are personalized for your needs and are available for free. Fill out the form, or call 309-452-1757 to get started.

Materials for Purchase

There are some materials available for purchase to use in the Tinker Studio. The price list is available on-site and at the bottom of this page.

Makerspace Equipment

3D Printer

Bambu Lab 3D Printer
The Bambu Lab P1P 3D printer is designed for high-speed printing with high-quality results.
More Details

3D Printer

Bambu Lab Mini 3D Printer
The Bambu Lab A1 Mini is a small 3D printer that uses an advanced motion control system to print quality prints. With its revolutionized flow control, the A1 Mini is best used for small, quick prints.
More Details

3D Printer

Prusa 3D Printer
The Original Prusa i3 MK3S 3D printer is a high-quality machine. It is best used for smaller, more robust printing.
More Details

AccuCut Die Cutter

AccuCut Machine
Choose designs from our die cut collection to cut multiple layers of paper and cardstock at once.
More Details

Button Makers

Button Maker
Design your own wearable buttons or magnets!
More Details

Cricut Cutting Machine

Cricut Explore 3
The Cricut Explore 3 is an electronic cutting and drawing machine. Designs created on your computer can be cut or drawn into materials such as paper, cardstock, and vinyl.
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Cricut Cutting Machine

Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine
The Cricut Maker 4 is an electronic cutting and drawing machine. Designs created on your computer can be cut or drawn into materials such as paper, cardstock, vinyl, and fabric.
Reserve the Cricut Maker 4 More Details

Cricut EasyPress

Cricut Easy Press
Great for attaching heat transfer vinyl that you have cut with the Cricut.
More Details

Dremel Rotary Tool

Dremel
This variable speed rotary tool is a wood engraver, metal engraver, glass engraver and etcher, detail sander, drill bit sander, and a micro drill.
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Heat Press

Heat Press
The heat press can be used to transfer designs made for sublimation or with heat transfer vinyl to shirts, ornaments, plaques, name tags, and more!
Reserve the Heat Press More Details

Laser Cutter/Engraver

Laser Cutter
Coming Soon! - Not Yet Available. The Fusion Edge 12 is a 60-watt CO2 laser system. The laser can be used to etch text or images and cut shapes into a wide variety of materials.
Reserve the Laser Cutter More Details

Sewing Machines

Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
The Singer heavy duty sewing machines can sew through thick fabrics for a variety of sewing projects.
More Details

Sizzix Die Cutter

Sizzix Big Shot
The Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine uses die cuts and embossing sheets for making greeting cards, scrapbooking designs, and other papercrafts.
More Details

Materials & Blanks for Purchase

Materials and blanks for Tinker Studio equipment available for purchase:

Materials

Button Maker

  • 1” Pinback Button Kits—$1.00/15 buttons
  • 2.25” Pinback Button Kits—$1.00/10 buttons

Cricut Cutting Machines

  • Permanent vinyl, 12” x 12” sheet—$0.50
  • Heat transfer vinyl, 12” x 12”—$0.50
  • Printable waterproof sticker, 8.5” x 11” sheet—$1.00

Embroidery Machine

  • Cut away stabilizer, medium weight (2.5 oz), 8” x 8”—$0.50

Sublimation Printer

  • Paper, 8.5” x 11” sheet—$0.25

Blanks

Embroidery Machine Blanks

  • Tea towel, 18” x 28”—$2.50

Laser Cutter/Engraver Blanks

  • Basswood, 12” x 12” x ⅛” sheet—$1.00
  • Cork coasters, round—$1.00/4 coasters

Sublimation Printer Blanks

  • MDF coasters with cork back, square—$0.50
  • Magnets, 3” x 3”—$0.50
  • Puzzles, 120 pieces, 8” x 11”—$1.00