Wazer 101 Hands-On Waterjet Glass Cutting Workshop in Denver

At Wazer 101, you step into a classroom at D&L in Denver, Colorado, to learn how to cut glass with a tabletop waterjet. This three-hour, hands-on workshop teaches digital design and machine operation, blending precision engineering with studio glass craft. The course begins with a short orientation to WAZER machines and WAM software, then moves into vectorizing artwork in Inkscape and prepping files for cutting. Each participant brings a laptop (this is a BYO laptop class) and leaves with a set of custom-cut 12-by-12-inch glass pieces they designed and operated themselves. The room smells faintly of clean water and grit, and the machine's steady, focused chatter fills the air as tiny jets trace perfect paths through glass. Students learn setup, installation, routine maintenance, and safe operation-skills that demystify the machine and make it accessible to beginners. WAM software workflows, digitizing hand-drawn patterns, and troubleshooting common vector issues are covered in clear, practical demonstrations. No previous waterjet experience is required; instructors guide a small cohort-classes are capped around ten people-so you get hands-on time at the nozzle. Wazer 101 is an unusual offering in Denver because it bridges digital fabrication and traditional glass practice in a single session. That makes it ideal for makers, stained-glass artists, jewelry designers, and anyone curious about precision cutting without industrial overhead. The class fee also acts as a credit toward purchasing a Wazer during the Glass Bash event, a useful perk if you're considering ownership. Practical notes: arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before start, wear close-toed shoes (required), and bring a charged laptop with design software installed-Inkscape is used in class. The minimum age is 16, the venue is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, and instructors can make ADA accommodations if notified in advance. Winter weather rarely cancels classes; organizers will contact you only under extraordinary conditions. Why book this as part of a Denver visit? It's a compact, tactile learning experience that adds a new skill to your creative toolkit in just a few hours. The city's maker scene is thriving, and Wazer 101 puts a state-of-the-art tool in your hands, letting you test-drive precision fabrication without months of training. Whether you want custom glass components for a project or simply a high-tech studio day, Wazer 101 is a concentrated, practical, and inspiring way to explore glass and digital craft in Colorado's capital. Expect to walk away with several finished components—trimmed panels, inlaid shapes, and ready-to-fire elements for fused glass—and the practical know-how to prepare files, compensate for kerf, and nest parts efficiently. Instructors encourage students to bring logos, sketches, or pattern ideas; the class balances step-by-step guidance with enough time at the cutter for you to build confidence and test material choices and finishes.