Students working on a capstone at 1819 Makerspace. Photo/UC Marketing + Communications

Capstone countdown: ‘Febrication’ at 1819 Makerspace

Makerspace availability fills fast, so book early to secure your time

By Stephen Kenney Email Stephen

5 minute read February 2, 2026

Capstone season is here, and the clock is ticking for seniors at the 1819 Ground Floor Makerspace.

February, or “Febrication,” is the make-or-break time to launch your capstone, as makerspace tools are popular and tool certifications fill up quickly.

If you wait past February, you could miss the chance to perfect your design – according to makerspace director Benjamin Jones, “March or April may be too late.”

A month for makers

It’s never too early to begin your project. Seniors can book makerspace time now and avoid being the capstone student left scrambling without access to the tools they need. Each year, the Ground Floor Makerspace at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub is flooded with seniors in March and April, and many latecomers get turned away due to capacity issues.

Makerspace foot traffic steadily increases as the spring semester progresses.

Olivia Belk, Unit coordinator, 1819 Ground Floor Makerspace

“Makerspace foot traffic steadily increases as the spring semester progresses,” says Olivia Belk, unit coordinator for the 1819 Makerspace. “In April alone we had over 1,500 visits last year, which is a 50% jump from the months prior. April is easily our busiest month of the year. At that point, seniors should be trained up and working on their capstones in the makerspace, not visiting for the first time.”

Febrication was launched to spread awareness among seniors in February: Now is the time to start your capstone. The 1819 Makerspace is offering dozens of workshops and certifications to help seniors transform their ideas into something tangible. Browse all sessions here.

For safety reasons, many makerspace tools require certifications or in-person guidance. These pieces of equipment face extremely high demand, so register for trainings or time blocks early if they could be in your future.

In-demand equipment

Identify the equipment you’ll use early on, and then complete makerspace trainings during Febrication before competition heats up. By doing so, you’ll unlock your capstone’s potential before crunch time hits in March and April.

Some of the most in-demand workshops at the 1819 Ground Floor Makerspace include:

1819 Makerspace equipment being used. Photo/UC Marketing + Communications

Metalshop A: Prerequisite for all other metalworking certifications. Explains proper use and safety certifications for the cold saw, metal bandsaw, drill press, sanders and basic cold working.
Laser cutting: Breaks down how to safely use laser cutters to engrave and cut materials including wood, glass and acrylic with ease and precision.
MIG welding and plasma cutting: Covers proper use and safety procedures for these high-demand activities in the 1819 Makerspace. Metalshop A completion required to enroll.
Woodshop A: Prerequisite for all other woodworking certifications. Introduces safe operation of basic hand tools, drill press, bandsaw, sanders, router table and miter saw.
Manual mill: Focuses on basic knee mill operations and safety procedures, followed by a certification practicum. Prerequisite for CNC mill certification.

Tour through the 1819 Makerspace. Photo/Gregory Glevicky

Makerspace trainings are free for UC students and faculty members, but registration is required. Sign up for workshops during Febrication to ensure you earn all necessary certifications.

Also consider teaming up! Any group of three or more can skip the line and request a private certification. “We know getting into the makerspace for training can be difficult,” Belk says. “That’s why we offer the option for students to request private certifications for their group … we typically hit our by capacity by April, though, so scheduling these now while we have availability is crucial.”

Where capstones come to life

A capstone project usually requires more than a strong idea. Tools, training and hands-on experience are often what turn an idea into a finished project.

That’s why the 1819 Ground Floor Makerspace continues to attract graduating seniors. As Greater Cincinnati’s largest makerspace, the 12,000-square-foot facility offers top-of-the-line equipment for projects of all kinds.

February is a brief month, but it’s a critical period for seniors as they ramp up their capstones. March and April will arrive soon, and those who jump in then may find themselves stressed out about packed training sessions and long waits for tools.

Don’t be the senior who gets left behind in April. Capstone season is on, and the 1819 Makerspace is open and ready for Febrication.

Featured image at top: Students working on a capstone at 1819 Makerspace. Photo/UC Marketing + Communications

Become a Bearcat

Have aspirations to build your dream project in the makerspace? Whether you’re a first-generation student or from a family of Bearcats, UC is proud to support you at every step along your journey. We want to make sure you succeed — and feel right at home. Apply today.