Welcome to the Physics Shop Site
SHOP ORIENTATION
Layout — make it flow
The shop is divided into 3 workflow areas:
- Woodworking area
- Metalworking area
- Finishing area
The layout below is based on a long-term, 12-year plan to upgrade the shop to an ideal "project shop". To keep the map updated and communicate a sense of progress, I have added colored dots that indicate the level of conformity to the standard of 3S. Gray indicates that the equipment is not yet available.
Equipment placement has been determined by the physical movement and handling of different materials and the associated processes. The arrows in the layout plan represent the ideal or natural movement from start to finish. There are workbenches, tables, carts, and storage in each work area, placed where most convenient and needed.
Equipment — the potential
Below is a pictured list of all of the equipment to help you become familiar with them. The main shop is located in Hilbun Hall 031. Go to the Training page to learn more about the equipment.
*** ALL EQUIPMENT MUST STAY IN THE PHYSICS SHOP. Each lab must purchase their own tools; each lab may borrow—with permission—one tool for one day per month. ***
General Equipment
PPE
All necessary personal protective equipment is located in the gray cabinet next to the main entrance.
Hand tools
Most hand tools, from measuring and layout tools to saws, pliers to ratchets, are located near workbenches and inside tool carts.
Drill Press
This station "hole"-sters an assortment of hole-making bits and is located between the woodworking and machining areas behind the tool island.
Bandsaws
The vertical bandsaw fills multi-purpose roles, while the horizontal bandsaw is best for crosscutting. These are located in the tool island.
Measuring table
This station provided the a host of measuring tools to ensure parts made with precision and is located in the tool island.
Hardware
Located next to the sink to the back-left of the shop.
Compressed air
Three hose connections can be found in all workflow areas (woodworking, metalworking, and finishing) of the shop.
Finishing/Paint
Finishing chemicals such as lacquer, paint, and wax are located safely in the flammables cabinets near the main entrance.
3D Printer
The Markforged Mark Two printer is located in Hilbun 048. Special access and training must be requested from Chase Boone.
Soldering station
Located in Hilbun 048. Special access must be requested from Chase Boone and "hot work" procedures must be completed.
Woodworking Area Equipment
Table saw
Our SawStop table saw has a flesh detection feature to protect the user from injury. Table saws have endless capabilities.
Track saw
The tracks allow this special saw to make accurate, straight cuts, and is best used for dividing sheets of plywood for the table saw.
Dust collector
Extremely important; this keeps the shop clean from wood dust while using large tools.
Dust extractor
Extremely important; this keeps the shop clean from wood dust while using hand tools and is a capable shop vac.
Circular saw
Located in WS1 (Workbench slot 1), this saw is best used for dividing dimensional lumber, such as 2x4, 2x6, etc.
Router
Located in WS2. A multi-role tool for creating grooves, rabbets, dadoes, edge profiles, and joinery. It can also flush trim edges and follow patterns.
Jig saw
Located in WS3. This is best for profiling shapes and curves, and this can cut wood or metal with the right blade.
Sanders
The disc sander is good for rounding corners, while the belt sander is good for flattening edges. A hand sander (WS3) can do the rest.
Hand drills
These are good for drilling holes, tapping threads, and installing hardware.
Chisels
These are mostly used for creating joinery or modifying surfaces.
Hand plane
These are mostly used for flattening surfaces.
Sharpening stones
Essential for any tools with blades to maintain a sharp edge.
Machining Area Equipment
Lathe
An essential machine for making circular or round features and parts. Using a lathe is called "turning".
Mill
An essential machine for dimensioning, surfacing, slotting, milling, drilling, and tapping.
Welder
Welding creates a permanent connection between metal parts. Special certification, training, and "hot work" procedures are required.
Belt grinder
Good for approximate shaping and flattening of metal parts.
Sheet metal machine
Our 3-in-1 machine can shear, bend, and roll sheet metal.
Surface grinder
This machine creates flat and smooth surfaces with high precision.
Safety — keeping yourself well
Go to the Safety page.