Fabrication

• Laser Cutter/Engraver – Epilog – Fusion Pro 24 – 60 watt (Blake 130)
• Laser Cutter/Engraver – 18” x 24” 45-watt Epilog Helix laser cutter (Blake 227)
• Stop Saw cabinet table saw with extension table
• Hot wire foam cutters
• Variable speed scroll saw
• Standing drill press
• Multi-Material Wall-Mount Cutter
• Miter saw (12”)
• Handheld spiral saw
• Basic woodworking hand tools and battery powered tools
• Safety
  • Glasses
  • Earplugs
  • Masks are available upon request

• Online Canvas Training
  • Anyone wanting to access the Fab Lab will need to first do Canvas-based Makerspace courses:
    • Woodshop 1: Safety & Basic Use [required for access to the Fab Lab]
    • Laser Cutting & Engraving [required for access to the Fab Lab]
    • Woodshop 3: Shopbot CNC (for CNC)
      Note that LA may have customized Canvas training by fall of 2026.
  • For each, there is an online Canvas component and also a hands-on assessment that must be done at the Makerspace. Please note that the Canvas training has several (short) quizzes, then a final quiz at the end. It can be done as many times as is needed to get 100%. The canvas training is available to review later as a refresher as is needed.
     

• Hands On Assessment 
  • Complete the hands-on assessment after Canvas. It involves a task using various woodworking equipment and the laser cutter/engraver. 
  • Two options are:
    • At RU Makerspace
      A Makerspace staff person will guide you through it. Once that is done, you will be able to use basic word working tools and laser cutter there.
      With this training you will be able to use equipment at the RU Makerspace, as well as the equipment in Blake Hall.
      • If you do the in-person at the RU Makerspace, let the Fab Lab coordinator know so that you can be granted access to the Fab Lab and equipment.
    • At Blake
      As is needed for specific courses, we hire a student (either our own or from the RU Makerspace) to do the in-person assessments.
      With this assessment, you will only be able to use equipment in Blake Hall.
      • Be sure to sign the attendance sheet.

Not abiding by rules and guidelines will result in suspension of access to the Fab Lab.

Guidelines

•  Equipment
  • Space around fixed equipment such as the laser cutter, CNC, SawStop table saw, drill press and miter saw must be kept clear.
  • Nothing should be stored on top of fixed equipment.
  • Equipment manuals are in a binder in the metal cabinet.
• Work areas
  • Clean equipment and surrounding areas after using equipment.
  • Protect surfaces
    • Use cutting mats when cutting.
    • When gluing, cover surfaces. There is scrap paper of all sizes in the printer room.
  • Treated wood may not be cut, drilled or sanded inside of Blake.
  • Spray painting may not be done inside of Blake.
  • If in doubt, ask your professor or the Fab Lab coordinator where to work.
• Materials
  • The scrap bins are free for all to use.
  • Other materials should be supplied by the student.

Rules

• Do NOT work in the Fab Lab alone.
• Do NOT work when tired or frustrated.
• Wear safety glasses.
• The use of the Fab Lab equipment is restricted to academic work of enrolled students only.
• Immediately notify your professor or Fab Lab coordinator of issues with any equipment.
• Ensure that the door is locked when leaving.

These lists contain general reminders. For more information, refer back to the RU Makerspace’s Canvas training.

• Laser Cutter
  • Do not operate the Laser Cutter until completing the training series.
  • Students may NOT use the laser cutter for personal projects, work projects, or for academic work outside of the Landscape Architecture Department.
  • Do not log other students into the Laser Cutter. Student log-ins are monitored; students accept full responsibility for the condition of the laser cutter for the entirety of the period in which they are logged in. The student who is logged in will be held responsible for the full repair and replacement costs.
  • Use ventilation.
  • Abide by the Suitable Materials list.
  • When finished, power off the ventilation, laser cutter and log out of the computer.
  • Remove waste from the laser and clean the area around the machine.
• SawStop Table Saw
  • Do not operate the SawStop Table Saw until completing the training series.
  • Wear safety glasses at all times.
  • Wear ear protection when operating.
  • Distribute ear protection to everyone in the lab before starting the table saw.
  • Do not cut wet wood (like a log), treated wood, or wood that has been cut or etched in the laser cutters. Any of these may trip the safety mechanism and require replacement of the brake and blade.
  • Measure twice, cut once.
  • Do not use the table saw for anything other than cutting.
• Foam Cutters
  • Do not operate the Foam Cutters until completing the training series.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • Enable air ventilation unit during use.

• See FabLab Use and General Rules above.
•  Materials
  • Purchasing
    • Anything needed for classes should be presented with other course-related expenses.
    • Some materials are available. Ask the Fab Lab coordinator or helper for more information.
  • Storage
    • Materials may not be stored in hallways or around fixed equipment such as the drill press, table saw, laser cutter and CNC.
    • Treated lumber must be stored outside or in the shed. Consult with the Fab Lab coordinator or administrative staff to plan storage.
    • Drawers in Blake 130 may be used for smaller materials. Label drawers with contents and date you expect to remove it.
• Working space
  • In-progress projects must not block access to other equipment or hallways.
  • A plan for storing work should be made before students begin working. Contact the Fab Lab coordinator for guidance.
  • Spaces
    • Model Lab (Blake 130)
      Provides table space for small to medium sized projects. Empty drawers may be used for temporary storage. Please label drawer front with name and the date the project and materials will be removed.
    • Fab Lab (Blake 227)
      Only the table and bench may be used for projects. All materials should be removed at the end of each working session.
    • Basement hallway
      • Hallways must not be used as storage space and must not be blocked.
    • Outside of the basement door
      • May be used for cutting treated, drilling and sanding treated wood.
      • Keep the space around the doorway clear.