MetalLab

The MetalLab is a metal shop with welders, plasma cutters (CNC and handheld), a lathe, a mill and a sandblaster. This page outlines many of the pieces of equipment, ways of reaching out for help as well as reference materials used to support the MetalLab.

If you use this area, please be sure to be familiar with all of the posted rules.

• Do not attempt to remove foreign objects from the eye or body.
• If chemicals get in the eye(s), wash eye(s) for 15 minutes in an open flow of water before proceeding for medical treatment.

• Wear eye protection: safety glasses with side shields, goggles, or face shields at all times, whether working or not!!
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing around moving or rotating machinery.
• Remove ties, jewelry, gloves, etc. especially around moving or rotating machinery.
• Tie back or cover long hair to keep it away from moving machinery.
• Wear only shoes that cover the entire foot, no open-toe shoes.
• Wear suitable gloves when handling hot objects, glass, or sharp-edged items.
• Wear appropriate clothing for the job (i.e., do not wear short sleeve shirts or short pants when welding).

• Safety is your top priority when using the shop. If you are not sure what you are doing, ask.
• Know all the locations of all first aid, fire, and safety equipment.
• Never use a tool unless you’ve been trained to use it safely.
• Do not work in the shop if tired, or in a hurry.
• Do not fool around, startle, or distract anyone (not even with a conversation) while either one of you is using a tool.
• Think through the entire job before starting. Prepare prints or drawings with all dimensions and specifications prior to using machines.

• Use tools only as they were designed to be used. (A wrench is not a hammer.)
• Never use a broken tool.
• Report any broken tools or machines immediately.
• Do not remove tools from Chattlab Makerspace.
• Never walk away from a tool that is still running.
• A hard hammer shouldn’t be used to strike a hardened tool, wood tool or any machine part. Use a soft-faced hammer.
• Operate machines only with all required guards and shields in place. Return guards if they must be removed.

• Clean up every time whenever you leave an area, including sweeping the floor.
• Clean and return all tools to where you got them.
• Use compressed air sparingly; never aim it at another person or use it to clean hair or clothes.
• Shut off and unplug machines when cleaning, repairing, or oiling.
• Never use a rag near moving machinery.
• Use a brush, hook, or a special tool to remove chips, shvings, etc. from the work area. Never use the hands.
• Keep fingers clear of the point of operation of machines by using special tools or devices, such as, push sticks, hooks, pliers, etc.
• Keep the floor around machines clean, dry, and free from trip hazards. Do not allow chips to accumulate.
• Mop up spills immediately and put a chair or cone over them if they are wet enough to cause someone to slip.

• Any projects left overnight must be cleared with the area lead.
• Do not store metal or materials unless you are renting space, or cleared with Area Lead. Otherwise it’ll be thrown away or put in free bin.
• Steel is stored in the loading bay. Store on racks when possible. Material code rules apply.
• General welding is done in the loading bay. When welding, pull the sliding door closed to prevent dangerous arcs from damaging others' eyes.
• Please contribute $5/hr when working with the welders to cover gas and maintenance costs. Coordinate with the area leads.

• Baileigh brake and sheer

  

  This machine includes a brake, sheer, and roll. The brake can be used for making sharp, precise bends in sheet metal. The sheer is used to cut sheet metal. And the roll is used to give a gentle curve to sheet metal.

  The manual can be found here.

  → Read more...

  2020/09/08 15:19 · leamon
• Logan Metal Lathe

  

  A versatile machine used for turning metal.

  We haven't been able to find a good copy of the manual. If you know where we can find it, please let us know!

  → Read more...

  2020/09/08 15:37 · leamon
• Bridgeport vertical mill

  

  A versatile machine for all metalheads!.

  → Read more...

  2020/09/08 17:09 · leamon
• Welder Station 1
• Welder Station 2
• Welder Station 3
• Northern Industrial Metal Band Saw
• Drill Press
• Sandblaster