Welcome to the Forge site! Select from the options below, or scroll further down the page to view some frequently asked questions.

Visiting

“Forge members are one of the most helpful, generous group I have met. I never would have been able to finish my lamps without the generous gift of their time and expertise, thank you”

JH, Grass Valley, Ca

Visiting

Where are you located?

We are located at 13024 Bitney Springs Road, Bldg 9, Nevada City, CA 95959

Can I just drop in to see the space?

It’s best to schedule a tour in advance. You can schedule one here.

I would like to bring my group/organization/school/program to tour The Forge. How do I set that up?

To arrange a specialized tour for your group, send an email to [email protected] with your request.

 

Membership

What types of membership are there?

Please see our membership page for more information.

Full Membership – Access to all equipment during our open hours (Mon-Thurs 9am to 9pm, Sat/Sun 9am to 6pm, closed Fridays)

Volunteer – various opportunities, just contact us.

How do I join?

All information about joining is here on our membership page.

Do you have day pass packages?

At this point we don’t, but hope to be adding that in the near future.

What materials are available for general use?

Members are expected to supply their own materials. We do have a very productive scrap wood bin and a ton of small electronic components that are available for general use. Occasionally you can scrounge something good from the metal scrap bin as well.

We have an honor system store, we carry some items like clay, safety googles, dust masks, etc. for members to purchase. We will add some materials as we go.

I’ve never made anything before, is that OK?

Absolutely! The heart and soul of a makerspace is peer to peer skill-sharing. You will find a community of generous and skilled members ready to help you make whatever it is you want to make!

Will I be able to store my projects?

Personal storage is available to rent by the month to our members.  Some restrictions apply.

Are there any discounts ?

A full membership entitles members to 20% discounts on most workshops and discounts with a select group of local businesses.

When can I use the space ?

During our open hours- Mon-Thurs 9am to 9pm, Sat/Sun 9am to 6pm, closed Fridays (and of course after you are qualified in the area of your interest)

Membership

“No garage, limited budget for equipment, I was stuck for years. I finally found my creative home” JW, Nevada City, Ca

Equipment

Equipment

What kind of tools do you have?

We have tools for electronics, robotics, woodworking, jewelry & metalworking, welding, laser cutting, 3D printing, machining, bicycle maintenance, fiber arts, screen printing, metal casting and more. We have a list HERE.

Can I use The Forge’s tools without having to take a class?

Not a class but members do have to complete certification on any equipment used. See our qualification courses list for more information on the different qualifications we offer. These courses must be taken before you’re able to use a studio.

What is tool qualification?

Qualification is for any member wanting to use that given area. We have a robust qualification process so that everyone is on the same page in terms of safety, correct operation of equipment, and how the area works. Our tools require both training and testing despite prior experience.

Can I bring my equipment into the space?

Any equipment brought into the space must be pre-approved for usage. This includes tools for personal or community use. If you want to have a tools for community use, we will lease the equipment for $1/year to create a legal contract and you can specify certification process and maintenance schedule.

Workshops, public Groups

Do I have to be a member to take classes at the Forge ?

No – All of our classes, Meet-Your-Maker, and Public Groups are open to the public and do not require membership to attend.

When are you offering X class again?

If a class is not available for registration, we are probably working with our instructors and shop leads to schedule and prepare for the next session of the class. The best way to find out about class postings is to sign up for our mailing list, which can be done on the very bottom of the site in the footer. You can also contact us if you have a specific suggestion or question abut a class.

Do you have Gift Cards ?

Yes! Its a wonderful gift you can give someone – they can use it on classes or membership. You can purchase that here.

Are you looking for instructors?

Yes! We’re always looking for new classes and skills to offer our communicate. Contact us if you are interested.

Is there an age minimum for classes or membership?

Full membership is restricted to adults 18+ .

Anyone under the age of 18 must get prior approval by facilitator to take a class. We have had a lot of 14+ year olds participating in all kinds of classes and many of our Summer Camps can accommodate as young as 8.

I am taking my first class at Forge, what do I expect?

For all you need to know about attending classes at the Forge see the workshop detail page on the calendar for your particular workshop.

What if I am unable to attend my workshop?

Most facilitators set the requirements for refunds. With enough advance (7 days) notice refunds may be possible.

Can I bring a group in for a class?

You can go to this page and find out about that! Group classes

Getting Your Make On!

Mixed Media Classes

Member Stuff

Where can I find out stuff?

All over the website! Check under Resources for a lot of things – policies, equipment reservation, material ordering, payment links, qualification stuff (Moodle) and more. And as always, write us or give us a call, we’re more than happy to help! [email protected], 530-446-2777

Read the newsletter, and pay attention to texts for really timely happenings.

How do I know when the area guides are in?

You can find a link to schedules on this page: About our Volunteers.

Keep in mind they have lives like everyone else! Things change and we keep this updated as well as we can. There is also a board off the reception area in the Forge which lists their schedules.

I’m having trouble getting my qualification done, what can I do?

PLEASE contact us if you’re having any trouble at all: [email protected] or 530-446-2777

What’s the difference between a Happy Hour and a Skill Share?

They aren’t terribly different, though a Happy Hour is slightly more about socializing! Both involve a demonstration of a new skill or technique or material to share. Sometimes it is a hands-on event with a small material fee. Both are about offering you the chance to experience either a new area or new knowledge. Take advantage of them! Invaluable skill building is offered.

Members!

Miscellaneous

glassblowing classes at The Curious Forge

Miscellaneous

I’d like to pay to have something built for me. Can you help?

We do not operate as a job shop here at the Forge, but we do have a number of members who run jobs out of the space. If you’re interested in having something built for you, contact [email protected] and you can see if anyone is interested in taking on the job. The Curious Forge will make no recommendations and takes no responsibility for the quality of work arranged through the have-it-made list — we are simply facilitating communication.

Support our mission

What kinds of donations do you accept?

We will gladly accept financial contributions for our nonprofit. If you have tools or materials you think might be of use to us, please email us at [email protected]. Send us descriptions of what you have and ideally, photos.

Connect

Do you have any upcoming events that are open to the public?

We have a number of open to the public, we announce them through our newsletter and on social media.

I’d like to get in touch with someone on staff about X. What is the best way to do that?

You can contact us at [email protected]

What else?

What do you have for kids?

We’ve run Summer Camps and will have more programs for middle school children and for the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Just get on our mailing list to find out when they occur.

Can I buy a gift certificate?

You can find those here!

How do I redeem a gift certificate?

To redeem a gift certificate for a class, or membership, use the code you received during checkout. You should see an area to enter a gift certificate code after you’ve proceeded to cart with the class or membership you’re signing up for.