ABOUT THE HATCH

The Hatch is a nonprofit makerspace located at 230 S. Washington Ave. in Albert Lea, Minnesota, offering a vibrant and collaborative environment for local entrepreneurs, artists, innovators, and students. The Hatch is designed to be a creative hub where individuals can explore, develop, and bring their ideas to life, with access to a variety of resources, expert advice, and high-end tools. This facility is not just a workshop but a community space dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a hobbyist seeking to refine your craft or an entrepreneur looking to launch a business, The Hatch provides the support and infrastructure needed to make it happen.

The Hatch offers classes in a range of disciplines, each designed to help individuals develop new skills and work on projects at every level.

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Woodworking: The woodworking shop is equipped with a wide variety of tools, from traditional hand tools to modern power equipment, allowing members to create everything from small crafts to large-scale furniture. Classes in woodworking cover topics such as basic joinery, advanced cabinetry, furniture making, and finishing techniques. Whether you’re just getting started with a hobby or looking to build a custom project, these classes help you master essential skills and techniques in a hands-on, supportive environment.

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3D Printing: Our 3D printing section offers an exciting opportunity to bring digital designs to life. With a fleet of 20+ 3D printers, we provide both beginners and advanced makers with the resources to print prototypes, models, and even functional objects. Classes in 3D printing teach everything from basic modeling and design using CAD software to troubleshooting common printing issues. These classes are perfect for entrepreneurs who want to develop prototypes for new products or anyone interested in the rapidly growing field of 3D manufacturing.

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Metalworking and Welding: The metal shop offers a variety of classes in both metalworking and welding, where members can learn the techniques needed to work with steel, aluminum, and other metals. Metalworking classes cover essential skills like sheet metal fabrication, welding, cutting, and forming, while welding classes teach MIG, TIG, and stick welding techniques. Whether you’re crafting sculptures, repairing metal structures, or building custom products, The Hatch’s metal shop provides the tools and expertise to help you succeed.

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Blacksmithing: Our blacksmithing shop is equipped with forges, anvils, and hammers, offering a hands-on experience to learn the ancient craft of shaping metal through heat and force. Classes in blacksmithing cover everything from basic forging techniques to advanced skills like tool making and custom metalwork. This is a perfect class for those interested in creating knives, artistic metal pieces, or functional items like hardware.

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Glassblowing: Glassblowing classes at The Hatch give members the chance to learn the delicate and creative art of shaping molten glass. From creating beautiful ornaments to functional glassware and sculptures, our experienced instructors guide you through every step of the process. Glassblowing requires both patience and precision, and our classes cater to all skill levels, offering both beginner and advanced techniques. Learn to shape, blow, and color glass in an inspiring and hands-on setting.

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Laser Engraving and Cutting: The Hatch offers laser engraving and cutting classes where members can design intricate patterns, logos, or personalized items on a variety of materials like wood, acrylic, leather, and more. With our state-of-the-art laser machines, you can create precise engravings or cut out designs for projects ranging from custom signage to intricate art pieces. The classes cover everything from using the software to fine-tuning machine settings to get the perfect result.

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Additional Offerings: In addition to these core classes, The Hatch provides opportunities for members to explore other creative disciplines such as jewelry making, digital design, and textiles. The space is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community, with plans to expand and offer more classes in new areas of interest.

The Hatch also serves as a vital resource for individuals looking to build or grow their businesses. Through partnerships with SCORE mentors, members have access to expert business advice, including help with business planning, marketing strategies, and navigating the complexities of starting a new venture. Whether you're refining a product prototype, developing a business plan, or seeking advice on funding, The Hatch’s support network provides invaluable resources to help you succeed.

At The Hatch, we are committed to making sure every individual has the opportunity to transform their ideas into reality. From novice to expert, hobbyist to entrepreneur, our welcoming and supportive environment is designed to help you explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. The Hatch provides an accessible, inclusive space where community members can learn, create, and collaborate—whether through a class, a personal project, or a community-driven initiative.