In today’s educational landscape, much of the focus is placed on core subjects like math, science, and reading. However, arts, crafts, and woodshop programs are just as essential for developing well-rounded students. These creative disciplines provide students with more than just a fun break from academics—they cultivate essential life skills, foster emotional well-being, and inspire future career paths. Let’s explore the many reasons why arts, crafts, and woodshops are invaluable to K-12 education. Fostering Creativity and Self-Expression Arts and crafts provide students with a powerful outlet to explore their creativity and express themselves. Whether through painting, sculpting, or crafting, students...

What are your material needs?  Everyone loves the thrill of planning for a new project. You get an idea in your head and plan out every aspect to ensure it turns out exactly how you envisioned it. Sometimes, there are so many material options that it can make your head spin!  But, you’ve done your research and ended up here at MakerStock (fantastic choice by the way). You know you’re on the hunt for a material that is tough, durable and finished on both faces. While browsing through the plywood, you stumbled upon Phenolic and Melamine faced Baltic Birch. Both...

Everything you need to know to get started! Diode Lasers Overview What are Diode Laser Machines? A Diode Laser Machine is a laser engraver and/or cutting machine that uses a semiconductor divide to emit coherent light. A Laser Diode uses electricity to stimulate semiconductive materials that will release photons. Diodes contain mirrors which deflect energy through a lens to create the laser beam used for engraving and cutting materials. It is well known that there are a TON of laser machines out in the market for Makers to choose from. The first step is deciding which type of laser is...

  MakerStock's Maker Spotlight highlights the talented makers in our community. This month, our 4th of July themed Maker Spotlight features the awesome maker, Nick Sansone! Nick pushes the limits of making with the pieces he creates. All his projects are made from a mixture of acrylic and wood from MakerStock! His work consists of signage, badges, wall art, shadow boxes, and other larger projects. Nick is also an official OMTech Laser affiliate, another US based company. Nick is the creator of NPG creation shops and he is active on social media and Etsy. At NPG creation shops, he focuses...