Whatcha wanna know?
Take a Class?
Use Tools & Workspace?
Become a Member?
Rent a Studio?
Volunteer or Intern?
Teach a Class?
Have something made?
Make something for me?
Do a demonstration for my school group?
Host my special event?
Do you have giftcards?
Visit Us!
When are you Open?
Our open hours vary, please check our contact page for this week’s hours.
Where are you located?
Our address is: 1158 Corrugated Way, Columbus OH 43201 (map). We’re near the intersection of Cleveland and 5th. Please note, our mailing address is 1160 Corrugated Way.
Can I take a tour?
You sure can! You can drop in at any time during our open hours. A member of our staff will be happy to show you around. You can also schedule a tour!
Classes
I’m not a member. Can I still take classes?
Yes! Our classes are for the general public as well as current members.
What are Classes like?
Our approach is hands-on. Our style is informal yet professional. Class sizes have been carefully chosen to offer the best experience for each student, and every instructor is an expert in the subject being taught with significant personal or professional experience. We typically hold classes on evenings and weekends. Safety equipment and materials will be provided, unless otherwise noted.
Are your classes suitable for children?
While most of our classes are intended for adults, we’ve taught people as young as 12 (accompanied by a parent). Age restrictions will be at the discretion of the teacher and will depend on the subject. We encourage you to call or email us to check.
Can I get private lessons or tutoring from instructors?
Yes! Learn more here.
Why do I need to take classes BEFORE I can apply for membership?
It’s our way of making sure you’re a good fit for the Idea Foundry. We just want to make sure you’ve got your head on straight and that you’ll leave with all your fingers.
What is your class cancellation policy?
The Columbus Idea Foundry reserves the right to cancel a class when the minimum number of registrants have not enrolled. If the CIF cancels a class, you will be notified immediately and you will receive a full refund.
We strive to provide the best student and instructor experience for our classes. Should you need to cancel a class reservation, you will be refunded according to the following time table to allow us to offer those seats to other students, and to recoup any materials, planning and administrative costs associated with short-term cancellations.
Cancellations made before 10 days prior to the class start date will receive full refunds less a $5 processing fee. Cancellations made within 10 days of the class will receive either a 50% refund or a credit towards future classes, redeemable within 6 months. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the first class date may receive no refund or credit issuance.
We must receive your notice of cancellation in writing to info@columbusideafoundry.com with the name of the registrant(s), name and date of the class, and email address used to register.
If you miss the first class of a multi-day class, it is up to the instructor’s discretion whether you may participate in the subsequent classes. No refunds or credits will be offered.
When you register for a class, you agree to these terms.
Membership
I’m not a member. Can I use your tools?
No. Our tools and workspaces are restricted to qualified members only.
How much is Membership?
You can find out full details on becoming a member right here.
Do you have private Studios for rent?
We might! Contact us to inquire.
Tools
I want to make something. Can I use your tools?
Only qualified members are allowed to use our tools and workspaces.
How much does tool-time cost?
It varies depending on the tool. Rates are hourly:
Shopbot/CNC: $25
Laser: $35
3D Printer: $10 + materials
Vacuforming: $5
Woodshop: $5
Metal Shop: $5-$10
Welding: $15
Machining: $10
Smithing: $5
Casting: $5
General Powertools: $5
Glass Shop: $1-$5
Jewelry: $5
I already know how to use this tool, do I still need to take an orientation class?
Yes. In order to use our resources you must be a member and you must have completed an orientation class specific to the tool or workspace you wish to use or have made suitable arrangements for a one-on-one evaluation with one of our instructors (paid at their hourly rate).
Have Something Made
Can you make something for me? / Can I hire you for a project?
Yes. We are happy to help folks bring their ideas to reality! We do everything from one-off prototypes to micromanufacturing, and have done work for a number of local artists, inventors, retailers, and designers. If you’d like us to make something for you, please fill out this form.
Use our Space
Can I host a private event or Meet-Up at the Idea Foundry?
We happily offer our space for private events and meet-ups. Want to host a special birthday party? Or hold a creative, team-building corporate retreat? You can do it at the Idea Foundry! We’ve hosted events for as few as two to as many as five hundred. Please email Casey@ColumbusIdeaFoundry.com.
Do you offer demonstrations of your tools for groups or schools?
Whether you bring your group to the Idea Foundry, or we bring our demonstration to you, the Columbus Idea Foundry has some amazing technology to share, and some awesome teachers to do it! We’re part of a growing movement of democratized design and fabrication, and our mission is to put the tools (and the know-how to design and make with them) in the hands of as many people as possible. Want to bring a lecturer and a hands-on demonstration to a local K-12 schoolroom? Want to bring your home school group to visit us? Email Casey@columbusideafoundry.com.
Gift Cards
Can I buy a gift certificate?
Got a friend who loves to make things? Whether they’re already a member, or just interested in taking some classes from us, we offer gift certificates that can be used for classes, merchandise, membership fees, and tool-time. For an additional $15, we can even laser etch the gift certificate onto a wooden medallion! More info here.
Help Out
Do you need any help?
We’re always looking for dedicated volunteers and interns! Our organization is almost entirely volunteer-run, with individuals helping with all manner of administrative tasks: from staffing open-hours, to helping with marketing and promotion, to improving our website and social-media communications. If you think you can be of help, we’d love to have you get involved!
Can I Teach a Class?
We are always looking for talented instructors to join our community. If you’d like to teach a class, please fill out this form.
Contact Us!
What if I have a question that’s not answered here?
Email: info at columbusideafoundry dot com
Phone: 614-531-8218
Address: 1158 Corrugated Way, Columbus OH 43201 (map).
