You only need membership in order to use tools independently. Membership is not required to take a class.

Membership is required to use any tool, and most also require a Tool Training class.

Once you’re trained on a tool, reserve it if necessary.

The metal shop has several reservable machines: both lathes, both mills, the plasma cutter, the media blaster, the welding area, the powder coating area, and the belt grinder.
Every other metal shop tool does not require a reservation, including the magnetic brake, jump shear, corner notcher, Beverly shear, hand tools, and more.

To make a reservation, be an active member and then visit the tool’s page.

Our universal reservation policy is 2 hours per tool per day per member. If you know you’ll need longer, notify staff ahead of time. If you unexpectedly need an extension, notify staff 30 minutes before the end of your reservation.

No. Once you’re a member and have taken the relevant Tool Training, you can use the tool at no extra cost.

Some high-demand tools can be reserved in advance to make sure everyone has fair access, but reservations are part of your membership.

For classes:
No one is expected to take notes or prepare ahead of time. You’re perfect as you are!

For using a tool:
We generally provide most things: safety glasses & hearing protection, basic tooling & consumables, welding gloves/jackets/masks, etc. However, we don’t sell any metal. Some tools may require you to bring specific items — check the tool’s page.

For generally being in the metal shop: everyone should wear closed-toed shoes, full-coverage pants (no shorts), and natural fibers like cotton.