Makerspace FAQs

  • Trail Blazer Press

    The smallest possible size is a 4.5 inch by 5 inch book. For best results, the smallest book we recommend is the 5 x 5 size.

    The largest possible size is a 8 inch by 10.5 inch book. The largest size we recommend is the 7 x 10 size. 

    A quick way to resize a PDF to a new overall document size and preserve the formatting is the free online tool here: docupub.com/pdfresize, opens a new window

    To print images or text on the spine of the book, the spine must be at least 0.26 inches wide. Books will need a minimum of 100 pages on premium white paper to achieve a spine that is at least 0.26 inches wide.

    Yes! Both the cover and interior pages can be printed in color.

    Quality trade paperback books.

    A unique number assigned by the Library of Congress. An LCCN number helps make it easier for libraries and other organizations using bibliographic data to acquire your book. An LCCN must be acquired before publishing a title. Trail Blazer Press can provide you with information that shows you how to apply for this yourself. 

    A unique number for identifying a specific book used by bookstores and retailers. You can add an ISBN anytime, even after publication.

    Trail Blazer Press provides step-by-step instructions, opens a new window to help you learn how to format your Book Block and Cover Sheet. We do not offer formatting and design services. Upon request we can help connect you with freelancers for hire that offer formatting assistance.

    We believe it is best to allow our authors to directly file any claims with the Copyright Office. Most find it a relatively straightforward process and we can provide you some basic information upon request by email. Copyright can be filed for after publication.

    Once a book has been approved for printing, we can usually print a copy on the day of your on-site appointment. For larger quantities:

    • 10 copies - 4 weeks
    • 20 copies - 8 weeks
    • 50 copies - 20 weeks
    • 100 copies - 40 weeks

    Trail Blazer Press is unable to accommodate requests for more than 100 copies. If you desire additional copies, you may put in subsequent requests after pickup is completed.

    All of the interior pages of the book between the front and back cover. See Book Block.

    This is the back, front, and spine cover that wraps around the Book Block. See Cover Sheet. 

  • Laser Cutter

    The Library does not provide blank materials. Suitable materials can be found at home improvement, hobby, and online stores.

    You will want to bring in proof of the type of plastic you are wanting to use (product label or similar). Approved plastic types include PLA and acrylic. Chlorinated plastics (PVC, vinyl, etc) cannot be used with the laser cutter.

    Most projects take an hour to set up and complete. Times vary greatly and are dependent upon material type, size, and complexity.

    Always bring a test piece of the same material to fine tune the laser cutter settings first.

    Library staff are there to help you get set up, started, and coach you through the basic operations. We also have a manual, opens a new window available at the laser cutter.

    Vector graphic software (SVG) such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, Vecteezy, opens a new window, or Tinkercad.  Engraved designs can be created in any software that can save the design as a .jpeg or .png. You can even create a design in a word processor for raster engraving.

    These file types used by Adobe Illustrator (.ai) and CorelDraw (.cdr) can usually be opened with the Inkscape software at the library and sent to the laser cutter. If it is a commonly used file type for laser cutting, we likely have an application that will open the file to send it to the laser cutter. We recommend bringing the original file along with a PDF version. 

  • 3D Printer

    Ultimamker Filament: black, white, blue, red, silver

    FormLabs Resin: black, white

    While most objects print in approximately 4 hours, the print time can vary significantly. You will want to use the software to get a print time estimate before booking a printer.

    Use the PreForm software if using the Formlabs resin 3D printer.

    Use the Cura software if using the Ultimaker filament 3D printer.

    Use the software to prepare your 3D print for printing to determine that amount of material needed to print your object. Costs are 25 cents per gram of filament or 40 cents per milliliter of resin to print.

    Use the PreForm software if using the Formlabs resin 3D printer.

    Use the Cura software if using the Ultimaker filament 3D printer.

    We have step by step guides available online on the 3D printing webpage as well as help documents and tutorials linked here:

    https://friscolibrary.com/3d-printing/

    Staff is not available to assist with help using the software to design, prepare you object to print, or operating the printer. We do provide detailed step-by-step instructions that will help guide the first-time beginner through using the software to prepare an object for printing (Cura / PreForm) and operating the printer.

    You can find all the help and online tutorials on the website here: https://friscolibrary.com/3d-printing/