A commitment to creating and knowledge sharing.
Our mission is to provide an uninhibited environment that promotes creativity and learning to any and all potential makers and hackers. We achieve this with our combination of collaborative work space, public classes, and the extensive knowledge base of our members.
The only Constant is Change
Arch Reactor is a constantly evolving organization, the tools-on-hand are ever changing and improving, driven by member initiatives.
Wood working
Power tools, hand tools, and specialty tools allow making just about anything out of wood
Metal working
Metal working capabilities expand and improve almost weekly as member make the tools they need
Textiles
From standard machines to industrial sewing that can handle denim and leather open many possibilities
3D printing
Several filament based 3D printers and resin printers are available, supporting projects up to 500mm3
Laser Engraving
With a 3ftx4ft cutting area our CO2 laser can cut and engrave large projects with ease
And more
Vinyl cutters, soldering, oscilloscopes, lapidary, and more!
Our 5000 ft2 reaction chamber contains a Shop full of equipment, a Lab to work on your projects, a Classroom to enrich your mind, and a Lounge where ideas can fuse together. Our space is a community workshop where members learn, collaborate, and bring ideas to life. Our members keep everything running, and our community is always working to improve the space.
Lab Area
The Lab area features a lot of table space for everyone to work on their projects in a low-dust environment. There are also many tools for working on electronics and other clean projects, including a soldering station, vinyl cutter, 3D printers, and an 80W laser cutter. There are shelves where members can keep a private tote, and an assortment of salvaged and donated parts available for anyone to use.
Classroom
The classroom seats over 20 students in a clean and quiet space conducive to learning. It is not completely finished, but it is functional and we have been using it to hold classes. We currently have two large flat panel displays on the walls for presentations. We expect in the future to add a large projector screen, white boards, a wireless microphone system, and a live streaming camera all available for any class.
Lounge
The lounge will be a cozy area for everyone to relax and socialize in. We currently have a fridge full of soda and a freezer with pizza, and we hope to soon have a full kitchenette. There are couches and comfy chairs, a MAME machine, and soon there will be a console gaming area as well.
Shop
Many of us urbanites don’t have garages to tinker in, which is why we have a fully featured shop in our space, including saws, vices, grinders, lathes, drill presses, planers, welders, kilns, forges and all the tools we need to create. Some tools are owned by the organization, but most are owned by our members and shared. Use of the shop is restricted to members, and you must always be trained before using a new tool.
“A co-op workshop for techies, tinkerers, and free thinkers.”
Evan S. Benn
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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Beginning Arduino Class
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On December 9th, 2017 20 People came to Arch Reactor to learn how to get started with microcontroller programing and electronic circuits using Arduino. Chris W. taught the class and other members were on hand to assist in the learning. This was the first in a series, if you already know some basics keep an eye…
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Ornaments!
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Sunday, December 3, please join us for Ornament Hacking! A few examples of ornament designs ready for the laser printer: Sample Ornaments
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Arch Reactor welcomes TechShop members
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At Arch Reactor we were disappointed to hear that TechShop is seeking bankruptcy protection and has closed all their locations, including their St Louis location in Cortex. We know how important being able to use TechShop’s workspace and equipment was to their members, many of whom relied on those facilities to do work for their…
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Show Me Show Off!
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Show Me Show Off is coming on September 30! Our yearly party to show off who we are and all the cool stuff we make! Sign up today! http://www.eventbrite.com/e/show-me-show-off-tickets-37551093331?aff=ampmlt
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AR has Eclipse Glasses
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Note: Eclipse Glasses will be available at Arch Reactor at the following dates/times: Tuesday, August 15, from 6:30pm – close Saturday, August 19, from 12:30pm – 4:30PM Suggested price is $1/pair Eclipse Glasses are sold-out at most of the NASA-Approved Vendors, so this sight is all too common. One of our AR Members purchased glasses…
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We’re going to Maker Faire!
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We’re going to Maker Faire Kansas City! Check the forums for more information!
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Metal Lathe
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Arch Reactor’s newest tool, a 16″ swing South Bend metal lathe, has now been positioned and powered. With its addition Arch Reactor’s metal shop is mostly complete. Between the lathe, mill, and welding equipment we now have all the machinery needed to repair and build upgrades for all of our equipment, as well as bring…
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AR Pysanky – 2017
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AR Members and Guests created some beautiful Pysanky in 2017! Full Gallery at: https://archreactor.org/photos/pysanky-2017 Watch the AR Calendar for your chance to learn how to decorate amazing eggs!
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Learn, Teach, Make