Covering the basic tools in the main workshop, how to use them safely and effectively.
Ideal if you are not comfortable with some of the non-induction machine tools, or want to learn some of the basic skills used in the workshop.
Sessions can be in small groups or 1:1 to cover specific tools or techniques.
Sessions will be relatively short - 30 minutes to an hour. Content will be tailored for the group from the list below.
Core workshop
This content is always covered
Topic
Detailed contents
Rationale
Selection and use of PPE
Types of PPE
Goggles.
Required for pretty much any power tool
Face Shields
Alternative to goggles - may be more comfortable for long duration use. Protects the full face and allows use of prescription glasses.
Hearing Protection
Needed when there is a lot of noise being made - not just by your job but possibly by others in the workshop.
Put it on before you feel uncomfortable with the noise - by that time the damage may already be done.
Ear defenders & disposable ear plugs available
Dust Protection
Used when your work will generate dust and/or fumes, eg sanding, linishing, grinding, wood turning, using power saws etc. We have different types of mask available for different uses, including general purpose masks and ones for special protection for some jobs such as plasma cutting or forging.
FFP1 - >5 micron filtration. Non-toxic dusts, sanding, cutting, drilling, water / oil based aerosols
FFP3 - < 2 micron filtration. Carcinogenic dusts, metal fumes
Gloves
Latex/Nitrile for general dirty jobs
Leather for heat work/welding
Anti-vibration might be wise for some tools but we don't have them because they need an accurate fit so bring your own.
Overalls
Cotton for regular workshop use, where they're hung up
Leather apron for metalworking
Tyvek disposable suits for paint and grease
Keeping the user safe in the workshop
Always covered - no one should be able to say "I wasn't told about using PPE"
General Workshop Ettiquette
Considering what others are doing, or might come in wanting to do
Work in one area at a time - don't spread out across all the benches
Don't leave things hanging out into the aisles
Only using a tool if you're sure you can safely
If you're not sure, ask maintainers/inductors/others in the workshop/mailing list for help
Where might you send sparks, dust, chips or swarf? Warn others or consider moving.
Maintain safe clearance around dangerous jobs
Warning people if you're about to make a lot of noise
Not "shoulder-surfing" unless invited to, most people will be happy to talk about projects, but be polite if they say no
Taking care of your safety
Stopping others from doing dangerous things
Trying to help out others if they're struggling
Cleaning up properly after yourself
Tidy up as you go
Allow enough time to clean as part of the job, this is absolutely required and you may get pulled up on it if you don't
And cleaning a little more of the general workshop if you have time, everyone is expected to contribute to keeping rLab a nice place to work
Putting tools and materials away when you're done
Putting batteries back on charge
How to report broken/non-functional tools
Reminder you won't be in trouble for breaking something; you will be for hiding it
Label the tool as broken so others won't try to use it
Tell the maintainers
If you're not sure who is maintainer for that tool, post to the mailing list
Learning to look after tools
Asking to learn how to do maintenance jobs
Becomming a tool maintainer
Becomming an inductor on a tool
Working with others in the shared space
Maintaining the workshop in a useable state
Base Modules
Discuss with the users which modules they want to cover, there should be time to cover most of these but some might get dropped if no-one taking part in that session needs/wants them
Topic
Detailed contents
Estimated Time
Marking out
Choosing a reference surface/edge
Pencils on wood, markout fluid and scriber on metals, Sharpie on anything :-)
Marking it
Using squares
Using rulers, tape measures & calipers.
Marks for reference, parallel, waste etc.
10 minutes
Measuring tools
Rulers & tape measures
Calipers
Micrometers
5 minutes
Tool selection
Cutting Tools
Joining Tools
Finishing Tools
Finding tools in the workshop
5 Minutes
Drill selection
Types and what they are used for
Metal - HSS / Cobalt
Masonry
Wood
Flat wood
Forstner
Hole saws
Step drills
Sizes
Centre punching on metals/starting with an awl on wood
Blade changing (and starting a cut from an inside hole)
10 minutes
Using hand files
Types and what they're for
How to lubricate a file
Cleaning with file card
Action for curved surfaces
10 minutes
Other techniques - some woodworking skills
Woodworking with hand tools
Chisels
Planes
Drilling
Joining - using glue, screws, nails, dowels, dovetail joints
Finishing with sandpaper, oil, wax
Advanced Modules
These modules cover slightly more advanced but still non-induction topics. If you'd like to cover these please let the person running the workshop know. They'll be done at the end of the workshop so that people who're not interested can leave earlier.