Who I am: A computer-controlled machine with a router bit that can move in 3 dimensions.

Why I’m useful: I can cut, carve, drill, and mill woods/plastics to make fully custom items (furniture, signs, sculptures, etc.) in hours instead of weeks.

Who I am: An essential woodworking machine for making cuts.

Why I’m useful: I can do a wide range of precise, straight, and repeatable cuts such as ripping boards, crosscutting, dadoes, and rabbets.

Who I am: An essential woodworking machine with a long flat table and an exposable spinning cutter head set into the surface.

Why I’m useful: I get one face and one edge of a board flat and square, which is usually the first thing you do with lumber if you want to make anything precise with it.

Who I am: An essential woodworking machine with a flat bed that carries boards under small rotating blades.

Why I’m useful: Once the jointer has made a flat and square edge, I make your wood board flat, smooth, and uniformly thick by shaving off a thin layer of wood with each pass.

Who I am: A woodworking machine with a rotating drum wrapped in sandpaper.

Why I’m useful: I can “sneak up” on an exact desired thickness (more gently than a planer), make very thin stock, or just add a nice sanded finish to your wood.

Who I am: A woodworking machine with a circular saw blade on a pivoting arm.

Why I’m useful: I make quick, accurate cuts by swinging down in a “chopping” motion, and I can be tilted and rotated to make angled cuts.

Who I am: A large upright woodworking machine with a saw mounted on a track, built to handle big flat sheets.

Why I’m useful: I make it easier to handle and accurately cut large sheets, because you only have to move the sawblade instead of the entire sheet.

Who I am: A tall, heavy-duty woodworking machine with a partly-exposed continuous loop blade, built bigger and sturdier for thicker and taller wood pieces.

Why I’m useful: I allow you to cut bigger pieces of wood or resaw lumber into thinner slabs.

Who I am: A compact woodworking machine with a partly-exposed continuous loop blade.

Why I’m useful: I’m suitable for smaller projects and can handle a wider variety of materials compared to the resaw bandsaw.

Who I am: A woodworking tool with a drill bit that you can move vertically.

Why I’m useful: I drill holes accurately, quickly, and to a controllable depth, which can be difficult to do with a hand drill.

Who I am: A woodworking tool with a stationary, upside-down router bit set into the surface.

Why I'm useful: I can shape edges and cut grooves accurately, repeatably, and safely on smaller wood parts.

Who I am: A woodworking machine that spins a piece of wood on a horizontal axis.

Why I’m useful: I can make round or curved wooden parts such as bowls, vases, or chair legs. Like sideways pottery!

Who I am: A woodworking tool with a spinning disc covered in sandpaper.

Why I’m useful: I quickly smooth edges, square ends, and sometimes even shape curves.

Who I am: A woodworking tool with a spinning cylinder covered in sandpaper.

Why I’m useful: I quickly smooth all sizes of concave curves, which can be tedious to reach by hand.

Who I am: I’m a sturdy metal-cutting bandsaw built for making straight cuts.

Why I’m useful: I cut through metal with smoothness and reliability, handling workpieces up to 9 inches tall.

Who I am: I’m a powerful milling machine that’s commonly used for shaping metal and other solid materials. I operate with a vertically oriented spindle.

Why I’m useful: I excel at creating precise cuts, slots, and holes in metal, making me invaluable for machining parts, tools, and molds. My flexibility and precision make me a staple in metalworking and manufacturing projects.

Who I am: I’m a precision computer-controlled milling machine designed for intricate machining tasks. I can cut metals and plastics with high accuracy, utilizing a rotating cutting tool to remove material and create complex shapes.

Why I’m useful: I’m perfect for creating detailed parts, prototypes, and tools that require tight tolerances. I bring precision and repeatability that would be challenging to achieve manually. If you do want to do it manually, check out my friend: the Bridgeport manual mill!

Who I am: I’m a precision lathe designed for "second operation" work, which means work that is done after the initial manufacturing process ("first operation" work).

Why I’m useful: I specialize in fine, detailed work and am often used in small-scale manufacturing, watchmaking, or the production of highly precise components.

Who I am: I’m a robust and versatile engine lathe used for a wide range of metalworking tasks, from basic turning to threading and boring.

Why I’m useful: I provide the power needed for general-purpose machining. My adaptability makes me a go-to tool in both production and prototyping environments — but if you want to work on tiny components, check out my buddy the Hardinge Precision lathe.

Who I am: I’m a specialized booth designed for the application of powder coating to metal surfaces.

Why I’m useful: I ensure that your powder coating application is clean, consistent, and free from contamination by capturing overspray and preventing dust or debris from interfering.

Who I am: I’m a high-temperature oven used to cure powder-coated items, turning the powder into a durable, long-lasting finish.

Why I’m useful: After you’ve applied powder coating in the booth, I bake the coating to create a strong, even finish that’s resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading, and is colorful.

Who I am: I’m a cabinet-style media blaster that cleans and smooths surfaces by blasting them with abrasive materials.

Why I’m useful: I’m perfect for preparing parts for painting or finishing. I allow you to achieve a consistent, clean surface that’s ready for further processing, especially for powder coating. But please don't use me to strip lots of rust or paint — I can't really handle that!

Who I am: I’m a powerful tool that cuts through conductive materials using a high-temperature plasma arc. What materials? Mild, stainless, and tempered steel; aluminum; copper; bronze; and more. Some can be up to an inch thick!

Why I’m useful: I make quick work of cutting through metal sheets (up to 6 inches per second), creating precise cuts that would take much longer with a saw or grinder. Whether you’re working on custom metal art or structural components, I help you achieve professional results.

Who I am: I’m a magnetic sheet metal brake that uses a powerful magnet to hold and bend sheet metal into precise angles.

Why I’m useful: I make it easy to create clean, accurate bends in sheet metal without the need for complex tooling. My magnetic system allows for quick setup and versatility, making me ideal for small to medium-sized sheet metal projects.

Who I am: I’m a manual sheet metal shear that cuts through sheets up to 16 gauge with a foot-operated mechanism. My name says it all — you jump on me to shear.

Why I’m useful: I offer precise, straight cuts without the need for power tools, making me perfect for trimming sheet metal to size or preparing pieces for further fabrication.

Who I am: I’m a tool designed to cut clean, square "notches" (90 degree sections) into the corners of sheet metal, usually in preparation for bending or assembling.

Why I’m useful: I can be used to remove corners from sheet metal so that you can fold it into box or pan shapes. Check out this page to see what else I can help make!

Who I am: I’m a lighter-duty sanding tool with an 80 grit belt, perfect for refined metal removal.

Why I’m useful: Use me for smoother, more controlled material removal, especially when working with aluminum, as I won’t clog like pedestal grinder wheels. I’m great for smoothing rough cuts, removing dross from plasma-cut parts, and stripping mill scale, rust, paint, or varnish.

Who I am: I’m a versatile grinding tool equipped with two abrasive wheels, perfect for heavy-duty metalworking tasks.

Why I’m useful: Use me when you need to smooth rough cuts, grind metal to shape, bevel edges for welding prep, or remove dross from plasma-cut parts. I’m ideal for tackling tough jobs that require significant material removal and shaping.

Who I am: I’m a specialized grinder fitted with a wire wheel, designed for cleaning and preparing metal surfaces.

Why I’m useful: Choose me when you need to smooth rough cuts, remove dross, or strip mill scale, rust, paint, or varnish from metal parts. I’m your go-to tool for surface preparation and finishing, ensuring that your metal is clean and ready for the next step.

Who I am: I’m a versatile machine that uses a focused beam of light to cut and engrave a variety of materials, such as wood, acrylic, leather, and more (ever been interested in engraving gingerbread, pumpkin, or M&Ms?).

Why I’m useful: I allow you to create intricate designs, custom engravings, and precise cuts that would be nearly impossible to achieve with traditional tools.

How to access me: Click my name or image to learn about the class!

Who I am: I’m a commercial-grade embroidery machine capable of stitching complex designs onto fabric with up to 16 colors of thread.

Why I’m useful: I bring precision and speed to your textile designs, allowing you to personalize clothing, create custom patches, or add decorative elements to a wide range of fabrics. My ability to handle detailed designs and high volumes makes me ideal for both hobbyists and small business projects.

Who I am: I’m a heavy-duty sewing machine designed for industrial applications, capable of handling thick fabrics, leather, and other tough materials.

Why I’m useful: I provide the power needed to stitch through multiple layers of fabric, upholstery, or leather, making me ideal for projects like furniture, automotive interiors, and heavy-duty garments.

Who I am: I’m a specialized sewing machine called a serger, designed to trim the edges of fabric while sewing, and wrap the edges in thread all in one step.

Why I’m useful: Unlike a basic sewing machine, I use multiple threads to create strong, stretchy seams that prevent fabric from fraying. I’m especially useful for sewing clothes, activewear, and other items that need durable, professional-looking edges.

Who I am: I’m a precision tool that cuts intricate designs and shapes out of adhesive vinyl, heat transfer material, and other thin films.

Why I’m useful: I’m essential for creating custom decals, signs, and stencils. Whether you’re branding a product, decorating a space, or crafting your own T-shirt, I'm there to make it happen!

Who we are: We're tools that use heat and pressure to transfer designs onto fabrics, garments, and other materials, typically using vinyl (sold by the foot at Maker Works), sublimation paper, or transfer sheets.

Why we're useful: We make it easy to apply detailed, durable designs to a wide range of materials, from t-shirts and tote bags to baseball caps. We ensure that your designs are permanently bonded and look professional.

Who I am: I’m a robust and reliable 3D printer that melts plastic and stacks it up in thin layers to create your designs, whether they're from Tinkercad, Fusion 360, Blender, or any other 3D modeling software.

Why I’m useful: I’m great for producing durable and functional prototypes/parts in a variety of materials, including PLA and PETG. My inexpensive materials and user-friendly interface make me a go-to tool for both beginners and experienced makers.

Who I am: I’m a machine that uses heat and vacuum pressure to form plastic sheets over molds, creating detailed, three-dimensional shapes.

Why I’m useful: I allow you to create custom plastic parts, packaging, and prototypes with ease. Whether you’re making trays, masks, or custom enclosures, I help you achieve precise, repeatable results in plastic forming.

Who I am: I’m a centrifugal casting machine used to create detailed metal castings by spinning molten metal into a mold at high speed.

Why I’m useful: I enable the production of intricate, high-quality jewelry pieces with sharp details and smooth finishes. By using centrifugal force, I ensure that the molten metal fills even the smallest cavities in your molds.

Who I am: I’m a powered station equipped with a rotating buffing wheel, used to polish and finish jewelry pieces to a high shine.

Why I’m useful: I help you achieve a flawless, mirror-like finish on your jewelry by smoothing out scratches and imperfections.

Who I am: I’m a melting pot designed to melt pewter. Take the pewter sandcasting class to see what I can do!

Why I’m useful: I make it easy to melt and pour pewter into molds, enabling you to create detailed castings with smooth surfaces. My precise temperature control and bottom-pour design help ensure that your cast pieces are free of impurities.

Who I am: I’m a robust rolling mill used to shape and flatten metal by passing it between two rollers.

Why I’m useful: I allow you to reduce the thickness of your metal pieces, create uniform sheets, or add texture to your designs. My square grooves allow you to shape metal into a square or taper round wire.

Who I am: I’m a small, heated pot used to hold a mild acid solution known as "pickle".

Why I’m useful: I keep your jewelry pieces clean and polished by removing oxidation, flux, and other impurities after soldering. The pickle helps restore the metal’s natural shine and prepares it for further work.

Who I am: I’m a sturdy metalworking tool with a flat surface used for hammering, shaping, and forming metal.

Why I’m useful: I provide a solid, reliable surface for shaping your metal pieces, including flattening, bending, and texturing. My durability and stability make me essential for forging, hardening, and detailing your jewelry creations.

Who I am: I’m a precise, computer-controlled milling machine that can operate along four axes, enabling the machining of complex geometries.

Why I’m useful: I allow you to create detailed, multi-sided parts that would be difficult or impossible to produce with simpler machines. My fourth axis gives you the ability to machine cylindrical objects and intricate features, making me invaluable for advanced prototyping and small-scale production.

Who I am: I’m a specialized machine designed to engrave, mill, and drill printed circuit boards (PCBs).

Why I’m useful: I streamline the process of creating custom PCBs, enabling you to prototype electronic circuits quickly and accurately. With my precise engraving and drilling capabilities, I ensure that your PCBs are ready for assembly without the need for outsourcing or manual etching.

Oscilloscope: Used to visualize and analyze the waveform of electrical signals over time.

Frequency Counter: Measures the frequency of an electrical signal to determine how often it oscillates.

DC Power Supply: Provides a stable and adjustable source of direct current (DC) electricity for powering electronic circuits.

Audio Generator: Produces audio frequency signals for testing and calibrating audio equipment.

Dual Display Multimeter: Measures and displays two electrical parameters (like voltage, current, or resistance) simultaneously.

Function Generator: Generates various types of electrical waveforms, such as sine, square, and triangular waves, for testing and troubleshooting circuits.

Who I am: I’m a precision tool that uses hot air to reheat and remove solder, allowing for the repair or replacement of components on circuit boards.

Why I’m useful: I’m essential for delicate electronic work, such as desoldering and re-soldering components without damaging surrounding parts. My controlled airflow and adjustable temperature help you safely repair or modify your circuits with precision.

Who I am: I’m a specialized oven used to evenly heat circuit boards, melting solder and securing surface-mounted components in place.

Why I’m useful: I ensure that all components on a circuit board are soldered correctly and consistently by providing even heat across the entire board. I’m crucial for assembling or repairing surface-mount technology (SMT) boards, making the soldering process efficient and reliable.

Who I am: I’m a manual shear designed to cut through metal plates up to 8 inches wide with a clean, straight edge.

Why I’m useful: I provide a quick and precise way to trim metal sheets to size, making me indispensable for cutting metal for enclosures, mounting plates, or any project requiring exact dimensions.

Who I am: I’m a free open-source vector illustration software.

Why I’m useful: I allow you to create files for laser, plasma, and vinyl cutting, or milling on the Tormach CNC Mill and ShopBot CNC Router.

How to access me: I’m free! You can download Inkscape here. If you want more guided instruction, click my name or image to see my Skill Development class (Inkscape 101).

Who I am: I’m a powerful, cloud-based CAD and CAM software used for 3D modeling, simulation, and manufacturing.

Why I’m useful: I allow you to design parts in 3D (CAD) and generate toolpaths for CNC machines (CAM). Use me to create files for machining on the Tormach CNC Mill, ShopBot CNC Router, and other digital fabrication tools.

How to access me: I offer a free personal-use license! If you want guided instruction, click my name or image to see my Skill Development class (Fusion 360 CAD).