Tools & Equipment
Make (almost) anything
Using the wide variety of tools and equipment at Phoenix Forge is the primary benefit of membership. Each machine, work bench, and workshop at the makerspace can be used and/or reserved following an introductory class on safe usage and basic operation.
Don’t see a tool you need listed? Let us know! We are always looking for ways to improve and expand the makerspace, and regularly add new equipment and capabilities to each area.
Scroll down or click on an area below to see what’s available, and how you can use it for your next project
Wood Shop
- Jointer (8'')
- Planer (16")
- SawStop Table Saw
- Band Saw (14")
- Resawing Band Saw (18")
- Scroll Saw
- Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- Drum Sander (36")
- Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Oscillating Edge Sander
- Combination Belt/Disc Sander
- Drill Press
- Wood Lathe
- Router Table
- ShopBot CNC Router
- Vacuum Forming System (available soon)
Members can use the majority of the tools in the shop after taking the Wood Shop Orientation. The wood lathe and CNC ShopBot require an additional orientation for usage. See our class list for more information.
To ensure your safety in the wood shop, impact resistant eye protection, closed-toed shoes and short or rolled-up sleeves are required at all times. Hearing protection is occasionally required and always recommended, and is available in the wood shop or at the member services desk.
In order to keep our members and our equipment safe, we only allow use of new wood products purchased from a reputable supplier such as Woodworkers Source. It must be kiln-dried, unsealed, untreated, unpainted, and formaldehyde free. All found wood or “alley wood” is prohibited. Different species, and even subspecies, of wood can create acute health concerns for those using it and working in the same area therefore we cannot safely allow certain exotic woods.
Metal Shop
- Vertical Bandsaw
- Horizontal Bandsaw
- Knee Mill
- Finger Brake
- Magnetic Brake
- Tubing Bender
- Parts Washer
- Stick Welder
- MIG Welder
- TIG Welder
- Oxy-Acetylene Torch
- Hand-Held Plasma Cutter
- Abrasive Blasting Cabinet
- Angle Grinders
- 2x72 Belt Sander
- CNC Mill & Lathe (available soon)
Members can use the majority of the tools in the shop after taking the Metal Shop Orientation. Access to the welding area requires an additional orientation. See our class list for more information.
Shatter-proof eye protection, closed-toed shoes are required at all times in the metal shop. Long pants are required while in the welding area. We suggest clothing made from natural materials, and leather or steel-toed work boots. Additional PPE such as welding masks, jackets, gloves, respirators and ear protection are available for use.
New and salvaged material must be clean, free of dirt, grime, paint, varnishes, enamel, moisture, and abrasive materials. Salvaged metals of unknown origin might contain unsafe alloys and are not allowed to be worked on in the shop. Galvanized metals are also prohibited. Tool steels or hardened steel cannot be cut using the stationary tools. If you need assistance in sourcing these materials please refer to the preferred vendor list and/or consult shop staff.
Gauge Limits on Equipment | ||
| Brake: | Mild Steel: 16 gauge max; Stainless: 20 gauge | |
| Magnetic Brake: | Mild Steel: 16 gauge max to bend, 20 max to hem; Stainless: 20 gauge | |
| Hydraulic Shear: | Mild Steel: 14 gauge max; Stainless: 24 gauge | |
Prototyping
- Prusa MK3S 3D Printer
- Raise3D Pro2 3D Printer
- Raise3D Pro2 Plus 3D Printer
- Glowforge Laser
- Universal Laser System - VLS 4.75
- Universal Laser Systems - PLS 6.15D (with rotary attachment)
- 3D Scanner
- Computers with digital design & fabrication software
- Vinyl Cutter
- Epson T7270 Large Format Photo Printer
- Heat Press
Members receive an overview prototyping equipment following a 1-hour prototyping orientation. Basic machine training is available at any time from our prototyping technicians, with more advanced laser cutting and 3D printing classes coming soon.
See our class list for more information.
Laser cutters: Our Universal Laser Systems machines are designed for sheet goods, and can handle material up to 1/4”. Natural materials are preferred, and must be uncoated (no polyurethane). However acrylic- and watercolor-based stains are OK. Check the materials database within the laser cutting software, or ask one of our prototyping staff if you have any concerns.
Our large format printer prefers epson brand paper on 2inch or 3 inch rolls, up to 44inches wide.
The makerspace contains five enclosed filament-based (FDM) 3D printers available for members on a first-come, first-served basis. One-on-one consultation time with our prototyping staff is available for reservation in the member portal, and printing jobs can be submitted in person or via email with a membership in good standing.
Software: PRUSA Slicer and ideaMaker are our most commonly used slicing programs for preparing 3D files for print. For 3D modeling, Fusion360 is available on select desktop and laptop computers in the makerspace.
For first-time printers, we suggest exploring Thingiverse and Printables for example projects and free files, and Tinkercad for approachable model making software.
Materials & Pricing: We have a variety of filament types and colors available for printing projects, or you may bring your own (note: our printers currently heat to a maximum of 300 degrees celcius.
Most common filaments such as PLA, TPU, ABS are 5 cents/gram. Exotic filaments such as carbon fiber infused filaments are 8 cents/gram. If you choose to use your own material, it is 3 cents/gram to cover the cost of machine usage.
Jewelry
- Flex Shaft
- Rotary Tools
- Polishing Wheel
- Soldering Torch/Station
- Ring & Bracelet Mandrels
- Jeweler's Saws
- Table Vise
- Hand Tools
Jewelry benches can be reserved after members have taken the first Introduction to Jewelry class. The soldering station is available after members have taken the Introduction to Ring Making class. Additional project-based classes are held regularly—see our class list for more information.
Eye protection is required at the benches, and a respirator or face mask is encouraged.
Most classes are taught using brass and copper, however, students are free to bring their own sterling silver, gold, or other precious metals.
Electronics
- Soldering Stations
- Soldering Irons
- Digital Voltmeters
- Oscilloscopes
- Variable Power Supplies
- Consumables: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Bread Board, etc.
Members can use the electronics benches at anytime when reservations are available. Project-based classes are held regularly for members to build their skills.
See our class list for more information.
Textiles
- Long-Arm Quilting Machine
- Heavy Duty Sewing Machines
- Rotary Fabric Cutter
- Washer/Dryer
- Screen Printing (Coming Soon)
Sewing machines are available to members at all times on a first-come, first-serve basis. Members must complete the textiles orientation to learn basic operation and safety. Project-based classes are held regularly for members to build their skills.
