Equipment

Bambu X1 Carbon

There are a total of 10 Bambu X1 Carbon 3D printers in the 187 Benefit Street Studio Lab available exclusively for first-year students to use on their class projects.

EFS provides white PLA filament for all of the 3D printers. Students are not allowed to use their own filament on the machines.

Training

To utilize the 3D printers, students must undergo the EFS 3D printer training. Training received elsewhere will not be considered valid for access to the 3D printers.

Currently (2/20/2026) trainings must be conducted as an entire class. 3D Printers are to be used for class work only. 

3D Printer Training Slideshow

Reservations

There is a 6-hour per person, per day, printing limit for the 3D printers. If a print will take longer than 6 hours, students should talk to a monitor or technician before sending the file

Once a student has successfully completed the 3D printer training they will be able to reserve a 3D printer through the EFS reservation system.

Instructions

3D Printing Instructions 2023

Learning 3D Printing

Design for Manufacturing

Post-Processing 3D-Printed Objects

Software

Rhino

Rhino can create, edit, analyze, document, render, animate, and translate NURBS curves, surfaces, solids, point clouds, and polygon meshes. There are no limits on complexity, degree, or size beyond those of your hardware.

McNeel Rhino Tutorials

Rhinoceros 3D tutorial

Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is the first 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tool of its kind. It connects your entire product development process in a single cloud-based platform that works on both Mac and PC.

OnShape

OnShape is a free, full-cloud 3D CAD system that lets everyone on a design team work together using any web browser, phone, or tablet.

Tinkercad

Tinkercad is an easy-to-use tool for creating digital designs that are ready to be 3D printed into physical objects. Users are guided through the 3D design process through ‘Lessons’, which teach the basics before moving on to more complex modeling techniques.

Tinkercad information

Learning Tinkercad

Modeling Custom Designs for 3D Printing

Designing a Replacement Part using 3D printing

Tinkercad Keyboard Shortcuts

OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is free software for creating solid 3D CAD models using programming.

3D Printing Pen

There are several 3D Printing Pens available for students to check out from the monitor at the 187 Lab to use on their class projects.

A 3D printing pen works similarly to a glue gun, but instead of glue, it uses thermoplastic filament. Users can draw or build physical objects much like a regular 3D printer but in a freehand manner.

Tutorial

Silhouette Cameo 4

Students can check out Cameo cutters and accessories from the 187 Benefit Street Studio Lab.

The Silhouette Cameo 4 is an electronic cutting machine designed to accurately cut or draw on a variety of flat materials.

Capability

The Cameo 4 can precisely cut a diverse range of materials, including vinyl, cardstock, paper, fabric, heat transfer material, and adhesive foil, among others.

AutoBlade Technology

The machine is equipped with an AutoBlade, which automatically adjusts the blade depth based on the material being cut, ensuring consistent and optimal cutting results.

Dual Carriage System 

The Cameo 4 has s dual carriage system, enabling the simultaneous use of two tools. This allows users to cut and draw, sketch, or score in a single pass.

Wireless Connectivity

The Cameo 4 connects to computers or mobile devices via Bluetooth, facilitating the direct sending of designs for cutting.

Software

Silhouette Studio

Silhouette Studio is a robust, free design software that gives makers the freedom to imagine, design, and create unique craft projects. With dozens of design tools and easy integration with Silhouette cutting machines, Silhouette Studio is the ultimate tool for crafters who want to make their own unique, personalized projects.

Tutorials

Silhouette Instructional Handbook

Making your first cut

Loading the mat

Cutting without a mat

Sketching with pens

Cutting fabric

Silkscreening

Troubleshooting

Getting Started with Your Silhouette Cameo® 4

Universal Laser Systems VLS 3.50

The 187 Benefit Street studio provides first-year students with access to 5 Universal laser cutters. 

Training

Students will have access to the laser cutters once their entire section has completed their training on how to operate them safely and effectively. Training received elsewhere will not be considered valid for access to the EFS laser cutters.

Laser Training Slideshow

Reservations

After completing the training, students will be able to make reservations to use the laser cutters by signing into the EFS Reservation System.

Time

To ensure fair usage and availability for everyone, each student will be allowed to use the laser cutter for a maximum of 1 hour per day. This time restriction helps manage the demand for the equipment and ensures that everyone has a chance to use the laser cutters without monopolizing the resources.

Quickstart Guide

Users must remain at the laser cutter while it is in use as materials in the laser cutter can catch fire at any time. If you have any questions about the laser cutter, please speak to a monitor or technician and they can assist you.

Material Guidelines

• The maximum material thickness allowed to cut is ⅛”.

• Most natural materials can be cut in the laser cutter.

  • No Plastics

• Please talk to a monitor or technician before cutting unusual materials.

Approved Materials

• Wood (1/8 in Thick)

  • Baltic Birch Plywood

  • Basswood

  • Hardwood

  • Veneer

• Fabric

  • Cotton

  • Silk

  • Wool

  • Linen

• Paper

  • Baltic Birch Plywood

  • Basswood

  • Hardwood

  • Veneer

Prohibited Materials

• Woods

  • Masonite

  • Construction Plywood

• Fabric

  • Synthetic

• Paper

  • Corrugated Cardboard

  • Foam Core

• Plastics

• Metals

Document Settings

• Bed Size = 24 in x 12 in

• Color Mode = RGB

• Stroke Width = .001

Color Mapping

• Vector Cut = R (255) G (0) B (0)

• Vector Score = R (0) G (0) B (255)

• Vector Perforate = R (0) G (255) B (0)

• Raster Fill = R (0) G (0) B (0)

Tutorials

Laser Cutting: Design for Fabrication

Introducing Illustrator

Woodward-Fab 12″ 3-in-1 Bend-Roll-Shear Machine

Every EFS classroom is equipped with a 3-in-1 Bend-Roll-Shear Machine
It is a multifunctional industrial machine used for three distinct metalworking processes: 

• Bending
  Used to deform metal sheets to create parts and components that require bent sections, such as brackets, channels, and frames.

• Rolling
  The rolling function involves passing a metal sheet between two rollers to gradually shape it to create cylinders, cones, and other curved shapes.

Shearing
The machine’s shearing function uses a sharp blade or blades to make clean and precise cuts through the metal, producing straight edges or customized profiles.

Tutorial

Laguna 14 TWELVE

There are two band saws available in every EFS woodshop.

Students are permitted to use the band saws under the supervision of an instructor or staff member once they have successfully completed the mandatory Bandsaw Box Training in the fall.

The bandsaws are for cutting wood, wood-like materials, and thin acrylic sheets. 

Please do not cut foam, cardboard, or other material with the bandsaw.

Guidelines

Using a bandsaw safely requires following specific guidelines and best practices to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Here are some essential safety tips for using a bandsaw:

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, dust masks, and close-fitting clothing to avoid entanglement hazards.

Familiarize yourself with the machine

• Understand its controls, adjustments, and safety features before operating it.

Check the machine before use

• Ensure that the bandsaw is in good working condition. Check for loose parts, damaged blades, and proper blade tension.

Position the workpiece correctly

• Place the workpiece firmly against the table and the fence (if applicable) to ensure stability during cutting. Keep your hands and fingers away from the blade path.

Adjust the blade height

• Set the blade height just above the workpiece’s thickness to minimize the exposed blade.

Maintain a safe distance

• Stand to the side of the blade, not in line with it. This way, you’ll avoid any potential contact with the blade if the material binds or the blade breaks.

Start the saw properly

• Turn on the bandsaw and allow the blade to reach full speed before engaging the workpiece.

Use proper cutting techniques

• Feed the material into the blade gently and consistently, using even pressure. Avoid forcing or pushing the workpiece too quickly, as it can cause the blade to bind or stall.

Avoid awkward cuts

• If a cut seems difficult or unsafe to make, consider using a different method or tool for that specific cut.

Keep the workspace clean

• Regularly remove debris and waste materials from the cutting area to maintain a safe working environment.

Never remove waste materials while the blade is still moving

• Wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before cleaning the workspace or making adjustments.

Use a push stick or jig

• For small or narrow workpieces, use a push stick or a jig to keep your hands safely away from the blade.

Do not reach over the blade

•  If you need to adjust the workpiece or make any changes, turn off the bandsaw and wait for the blade to stop moving completely.

Turn off the machine when not in use

•  Always power off the bandsaw when you’re finished using it.

Nova Voyager DVR

There is a drill press available in every EFS Spatial Dynamics studio classroom.

Instructions

Installing drill bits

Drill bits are held in the drill press by what is known as a “chuck”, essentially a clamp of 3 teeth that applies even pressure around the bit to hold it in place. All the drill presses in the division of EFS have had keyless chucks installed to eliminate the need for the Chuck key. To open hold the upper knurled surface while spinning the lower knurled surface counter-clockwise. The teeth should open allowing for bits to be inserted. To close the chuck Turn the lower knurled surface clockwise. When inserting a drill bit into the chuck be aware of how the chuck is holding the bit making sure it is centered and holding the appropriate area. Once the bit is held in the chuck fully tighten by holding both knurled surfaces and turning them away from each other to secure the bit.

Worktable

Material should always come in secure contact with the work table while drilling. The table can be adjusted to accommodate a range of materials and bit lengths. Allow for at least ¼” of clearance between the drill bit and material. The work tables have been fitted with a replaceable surface. Avoid drilling through this surface into the metal bed below.

The work table can tilt left and right by loosening the nut below the table at the front of the machine. The work table can also rotate left and right and be adjusted for height by loosening the handle at the back of the column and rotating the handle up or down. Always make sure the work table is secured at the column before starting the machine. All materials should be in stable contact with the work table while drilling.

Drilling

Material must be held securely in place while drilling. Some bits require materials to be clamped to the surface. Often a firm hand can be used to stabilize a material if the bit is small. Never remove pressure from the material while drilling. A general rule of thumb is the smaller the drill, the greater the required RPMs. And the speed should be faster for soft materials and slower for harder materials. Turn on the machine (may differ depending on machine training) and let it come up to speed before lowering the quill with the handle to the right. Feed the bit into the material with only enough force to allow the bit to work. Feeding too slowly may cause burning of the workpiece. Feeding too quickly may cause the motor to slow and/or the bit to break. Turn off the drill press when finished or adjusting the material location.

Depth stop

The drill press features depth stop to allow for accurate drilling of repeated depths. To use the depth stop first secure drill bit and adjust table location. Indicate on the material the depth of the hole desired. With the material on the worktable and the machine off, lower the drill bit to desired depth and adjust the nut on the depth indicator on the left of the machine.

Jigs and fixtures

Often repeated drilling operations can be better accomplished by creating fixtures or jigs on the worktable to position materials. Students should seek guidance from Faculty, technical staff, or shop monitors to avoid unintentional injury to person or work.

Drill Bit Types

Twist Drill bits

Size range: 1/16”-½” 

Materials: metals, woods, plastics

Twist bits are the most typical type of drill bit available, with 2 flutes twisting around a core. When drilling, the twist bit acts like an inclined plane removing debris cut by the sharp drill bit end. When installing twist bits into the chuck the open end of the twisted flute should be exposed to allow debris to freely exit the drill bit.

Spade Drill bits

Size range: ¼”-1”

Material: Wood

Spade drill bits are generally used where a large hole is needed but can be located where appearance is marginal. When using spade bits in the drill press they should be clamped in the chuck at the end by the hexagonal shank. Gripping the flat shank end prevents the bit from slipping in the chuck while under load. Materials being drilled with a spade bit should be secured to the machine bed with 2 clamps before drilling.

Forstner Drill bits

Size range: ¼”-1-⅜”+

Material:  wood

Forstner bits are excellent for drilling large holes where appearance is valued. Forstner bits drill a flat-bottomed hole that can be useful in many woodworking applications. Forstner bits can also drill a partial hole in a material as long as the center of the bit has stable purchase into the material. Forstner bits can be used to excavate large areas that would otherwise have to be carved by hand.

Hand Drills

There are several power drills available for students to check out from the monitor at the 187 Lab to use on their class projects.

Tutorials 

Change a Drill Bit 

Selecting a Drill Bit 

Driving Screws 

Singer Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine

There are several sewing machines available to check out at the 187 Benefit Street Studio for students to use for studio sewing projects.

Students must provide their own sewing thread and fabric. There is a selection of heavy-duty synthetic fabric available at 187 Benefit Street that students can use at no cost.

Instructions

Sewing machine quick start guide

Singer instruction manual

Singer sewing help

Tutorials 

Getting Started 

Inserting Bobbin 

Threading the Needle 

Needle Basics 

Adjusting Tension 

Presser Foots 

Powermatic 31A Belt/Disc Sander

There is a belt/disc sander available in every EFS woodshop.

Students are permitted to use the sander under the supervision of an instructor or staff member once they have successfully completed the mandatory Bandsaw Box Training in the fall.

A belt/disc sander is a tool used primarily for sanding and smoothing flat surfaces in woodworking applications. 

The main uses of a disc sander include:

• Smoothing flat surfacesRemoving material

• Squaring edges

• Shaping and rounding corners

• Preparing surfaces for finishing

JET JOSS-S Oscillating Spindle Sander

The primary purpose of a spindle sander is to sand and shape intricate or curved profiles that are challenging to achieve with other sanding tools like sanding blocks or belt sanders. The oscillating and rotating motion of the spindle sander helps to prevent the formation of flat spots, resulting in a smoother and more consistent finish on curved surfaces.

The spindle sander is often used for:

• Smoothing rounded edges

• Sanding concave and convex surfaces

• Refining details on intricate designs

• Sanding inside holes and cutouts

JET 22″ Scroll Saw

There is a scroll saw available in every EFS woodshop.

Students are permitted to use the scroll saw under the supervision of an instructor or staff member once they have successfully completed the mandatory Bandsaw Box Training in the fall.

The scrollsaws are for cutting wood, wood-like materials, and thin acrylic sheets. 

The fine blade of the scroll saw allows for tight curves and precise corners and is commonly used for woodworking projects that require detailed and intricate cuts, such as crafting decorative ornaments, fretwork, and delicate designs.