The Bodgery

A Makerspace in Madison, WI

News

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We’re starting to reopen!

On May 26th, following County/City rules, we will begin the process of opening up again. Hurray!

We will begin by opening up to current members (and we’re SO grateful for their continued support during this difficult time for everyone. THANK YOU!). We’ll stage them in using groups, so we’re keeping use to recommended percentages.

Once we’ve brought back all our membership (likely by June 9th), we’ll begin holding new member orientations and giving them access. If you’d like to become a member, go to the membership page and follow directions there. We look forward to meeting you!

After the County/City move to Phase 2 of reopening, we’ll begin our process of opening up to the public, via Open Shop nights (Mon/Fri nights) and classes. Stay tuned here on our website (banner at the top), and social media channels (FB, Instagram) for announcements on when that will happen.

Keep in mind that we will be instituting several COVID safety measures for a while. It will be mandatory to wear a mask inside (to protect others, not the mask-wearer); cloth masks are fine. We’ll increase ventilation around the shop, keep social distance, add disinfecting spray for surfaces after you’re done, and recommend regular hand washing/sanitizing. We’ll dial these back as soon as we feel it’s prudent, by listening to public health advice. Thanks for your patience with these extra steps, and efforts to keep others healthy!

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We are (temporarily) closed

Due to the Governor’s “Safer At Home” order, as of March 24th, we are closed to both the public and to members. No new membership applications are being accepted at this time.

This is in effect until further notice. We will reopen to the public as quickly as we legally and reasonably can.

Stay tuned to this website for information on our reopening date.

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Public Events temporarily CANCELED (Coronavirus)

After much discussion, and following the example of institutions like the UW Madison, the Bodgery’s board has decided to cancel Open Shop nights for the next few weeks, at least. We will monitor the situation as it emerges, and extend the cancellation window if needed. 

As of March 15th, we are also temporarily not accepting new membership applications.

We’ll keep you informed of when things return to normal operations on this website.

Current members still have access to the shop–this only relates to public events, like Open Shop nights and classes. We hope that by limiting the flow of traffic through the shop, the transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19) will be slowed in the Madison area.

That said, we take public access very seriously, and will reopen to the public as quickly as we prudently can.  Stay tuned to this website for our re-open date.

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Grand Opening Sept 21!

Bodgery makerspace front door
It totally looks like this every day

What started as two people teaching classes in the library has evolved over the last five years to become a 14,000 square foot workshop on the former Oscar Mayer property. With an astounding array of tools–from WWII era, industrial machining equipment to computer-driven laser cutters, Madison’s community workshop has taken their non-profit to a whole new level.  

Imagine a space where knitters and welders hang out over pizza, talking about their latest projects and lending an extra pair of hands when needed.  Where 3D printers are making forms for jewelry casting, and electronics wizards are building arduino tool controls for the woodshop. Where a creative mind can walk in with one skill and a year later have more than they can count. 

On Saturday, September 21st, from 12-5pm, the Bodgery members put out the welcome mat to show people around our wonderful new shop, gave demonstrations of amazing tools and techniques, ate cake, and socialized with others who like to make things!  Hope you had a chance to join us!

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We’re Open Again!!

Free public access twice a week
Monday (6-8pm) and Friday (7-10pm)
910 Mayer Ave – parking out front

That totally needed two exclamation points, amiright? 🙂

After six long weeks of building walls and workbenches, hanging doors and laying floors, adding all the phases and levels of power, dust collection, painting, permitting, and inspections – we have our City approval and we’re ready for the public again!

We’re still finishing up (like the front door – still being installed), and there’s a lot of organization and beautification left to do … but we’re open to the public for tool use and hanging out. Bring your ideas and projects, meet other makers, and help us crank the creativity up to 11.

With 20 studios, several new tool areas, and a vast new workshop space, it’s a whole new Bodgery. Come check it out! (And for a peek at what it took to get here, scroll down…)