Workshop

General Guidelines

Although we encourage prototyping, please do not waste materials. All scrap should be placed in the scrap box. Please look in the scrap box to see if you can use something there before using raw materials.
We know that metal and polycarb look cool, and there are many situations where their use is justified. However, please use wood where possible since it is a much cheaper material.
Safety goggles are required when working with or around the scroll saw and drill presses. Return goggles to the box near the scroll saw.
Please clean up after yourselves. There is a wet/dry vac, broom, and dustpan.
If you think Maslab should purchase a specific tool please let us know. If there is some basic material (not some super specific item just for your robot) which you think several teams could use, also let us know.

Always use safety goggles.
Use the scroll saw only with wood and polycarb.
Keep hands at least 3 inches from the blade. If the blade breaks (which is not terribly uncommon) then the broken blade could stab your hand.
If the blade breaks ask a staff member to change it.
The guard is also used to brace the piece and reduce vibration. You should adjust its height so it is resting lightly on the material.
Hold the material firmly to reduce vibration.
Point the black blower so that the sawdust blows away from you.
Start with a slow feed rate and slowly increase the feed rate but not so much that the blade bends significantly.

Always use the vice for small pieces.
Do not drill thin materials unless you absolutely must. Use the hand punch instead. If you must drill thin materials use the unibits and mount the piece securely.
If you are using very large bits or the sanding wheel then you must reduce the drill speed. Ask a staff member to help you.