Makerspace
Tūhura HIVE is our makerspace and sound studio at Johnsonville Library. It is a community space where people of all ages can explore, create, innovate and engage with all kinds of maker technology.
From 3D printing, audio recording, coding, robotics and electronics, to sewing, weaving and more, we offer endless opportunities for everyone to get inspired and create. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at thehive@wcc.govt.nz. Alternatively, come visit us — we'd love to see you!
What is available in the space?
- 3D printing
- 3D scanning
- Laser cutting
- Paper, Fabric & Vinyl cutting
- Sewing — we also have an overlocker!
- Audio recording studio - for bookings email thehive@wcc.govt.nz
How much does it cost?
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
3D printing |
$0.10 per gram |
Laser cutting |
$6.00 per 590x390mm plywood sheet; use of offcuts and own materials $1 (From December 1st 2022) |
Sewing/overlocking |
Free |
Audio recording studio |
Free for first two hours, then $19/hour |
3D Printers
We have four 3D Printers in the HIVE — affectionately nicknamed Holly 2.0, Kryten 2.0, The Cat and Cyrus. The slicers we use are UP Studio and Prusa Slic3r. We use Tinkercad for our 3D Design needs. It is a free and very basic online design program, but it is capable of designing some really cool and intricate designs. We also are happy for you to bring in your own files that you designed or acquired at home. We accept .stl and .obj files.
We use grey PLA plastic filament in all four, which is biodegradable, non-toxic and makes for a good surface for painting onto. 3D Printing is charged per gram of filament and the amount is calculated by the machines when we submit the job for printing.
Specifications
Below are a few of the basic specs of each machine, plus a link to the manufacturer's page:
| Nickname | Build volume (XYZ) | Nozzle diameter | Layer diameter (nozzle dependent) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kryten 2.0 |
205mm x 255mm x 225mm |
0.4mm |
0.1/0.15/0.2/0.25mm |
|
Holly 2.0 |
200mm x 200mm x200mm |
0.4mm |
0.1/0.15/0.2/0.25mm |
|
Cyrus & The Cat |
250mm x 210mm x 210mm |
0.4mm |
0.1/0.15/0.2/0.25mm |
3D Scanning
If you have a small part, or object, that you need replicated, our Einscan Sp is the perfect machine for the job. It can take high resolution 360 degree scans then turn them into a 3D file that can be printed off in our 3D Printers (standard 3D Print charges apply).
Specifications
| Scan Volume | Resolution | Shot Accuracy | Files types | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
200x200x200mm |
1.3 Mega Pixels |
0.05mm |
OBJ, STL, ASC, PLY |
Laser Cutting
Our laser cutter can cut and etch/engrave on a variety of materials, and is able to do some very intricate patterns. We have a supply of 3mm Birch faced Poplar plywood for $6 a sheet (590mm x 390mm). You are able to use your own materials — please check with HIVE staff as to what is usable.
For laser cutting, layout and basic design, we use a piece of software called Lightburn. You can also use Tinkercad for basic designing at home. We are also happy for you to bring in your own files that you have designed; file types we accept are .svg, .ai and .jpg.
Specifications
| Nickname | Bed size | Beam size | Beam type | Resolution | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trogdor the Burninator |
590mm x 390mm |
0.1mm |
80watt CO2 |
Up to 1200dpi |
Paper, fabric & Vinyl cutting
A machine that allows you to be creative with most forms of media. The Cricut Maker allows you to cut, draw, and score with accuracy. You can design at home using the free Cricut Design Space app, then login to one of our HIVE tablets or computers to realise your creation. More information can be found on the Cricut Website.
Sewing
Have something you have always wanted to sew, or create, but don't have access to a sewing machine? We are here to help! We have 2 sewing machines and an overlocker that members of the public can come in and use free of charge. We have thread, so all you need to bring is fabric, and your creativity. We also provide knitting needles, crochet hooks, and wool so you can have a crack at knitting and crochet, plus we have a small loom! Click the links below for more info:
- Sewing Machines: Bernina 1008
- Overlocker: Bernina L 450
- Loom: Ashford sampleit 40cm
Tūhura HIVE Studio
Here at Tūhura HIVE, we have contructed a studio for you to come in and record and edit your musical and video creations. We used the philosophy of 'Your best home setup', so everything you do in the studio you can conceivably do at home. This is something very new for us, and everytime the studio is used we are learning along with you. The studio is free for the first two hours of usage, then is $19p/hr after that. We have listed some of our gear below. Bookings are essential; to book please email us your name, and preferred date and time to: thehive@wcc.govt.nz
Studio Gear
- Software: Logic Pro X, Garage Band, Da Vinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro
- Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Gen3
- Microphones: Rode NT-1a, Shure SM57, Shure SM58, AKG P170
- Audio Monitors: Mackie CR4BT 4" Multimedia Monitors
- Synthesizer: Moog Subsequent 25 & Synthstrom Deluge
- Electric Piano: Korg C1 Air
- Electric Drums: Alesis Nitro Mesh 8-Piece kit
- Electric Guitar: Squier Bullet Mustang
- Guitar amp: Marshall CODE50
- Bass Guitar: Jackson JS3VQ Concert - 5 String Bass