Machine Workshop
Access to machinery to work with timber, foam, plastics and aluminium
The Machine Workshop is a hands-on makerspace. We provide access to all the key tools, technology, and training that you will need to build your designs. At the Machine Workshop you can work with materials like timber, foam, plastics and aluminium on a range of machines like bandsaws, drop-saws, thicknessers, routers and a whole range of hand tools.
We believe that it is critical for every designer to understand how things are constructed, and the best way to learn is to build it yourself. We pride ourselves on providing you with all the support you need from a range of local experienced makers, such as furniture designers, architects, fabricators and woodworkers. We have helped students create furniture, full scale building mockups, prototypes and architectural models to name a few. If you have an idea for a project you want to create, we’ll be able to help you build it. So come in and have a chat.
Our facilities are open to all students and staff from the Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning; both undergraduate and postgraduate. All you need to do is complete the Safety Training.
The Machine Workshop is open Monday through Thursday from 1:00pm - 5:00pm during Semester 1 & 2 to students that have completed Level 1&2 Inductions. During busy parts of the semester these times may be extended.
Have you done your Level 0 & 1 inductions yet? Complete them at the Training Center.
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Angle Grinder
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Band Saw
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Bench Grinder
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Bench Saw
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Cordless Drill
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Disc Sander
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Domino
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Dremel
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Drill Press
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Drum Sander
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Hand Tools
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Heat Gun
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Jigsaw
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Ladder
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Milling Machine
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Planer
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Plunge Cut Saw
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Radial Arm Saw
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Random Orbital Sander
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Router
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Scissor Lift
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Scroll Saw
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Sliding Arm Saw
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Spindle Sander
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Thicknesser
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Tormek Sharpener
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Varga Saw
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Walkie Stacker
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Wood Turning Lathe
The Machine Worksop is a hands-on makerspace providing access to a range of tools and technologies for you to operate and experiment with your own hands.
Many of the tools within the Machine Workshop are potentially hazardous. To access the Machine Workshop you must complete:
- Level 00 MSD Building Induction
- Level 01 Safety Induction (Online) (Gives swipe access to use Model-Making Space)
- Level 02 In-person Safety Induction
- Level 03 Machine Specific Safety Induction (1:00pm - 2:00pm daily or by appointment)
**All Induction training must be renewed yearly to access the Machine Workshop**
Safety Induction System
If you have a desire to create we want you to have the opportunity to access and use equipment yourself as quickly and easily as possible in all the MSD Makerspaces. To achieve this we have developed a three tier safety induction system that is easily tailored to the varying safety risks of each area. Meaning you get access quickly while still ensuring a safe environment for everyone. You only need to complete the higher tier inductions if you need access to higher risk equipment.
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Level 00 – MSD Online Building Induction
To get swipe access to the MSD Building and Baldwin Spencer Building you must agree to the conditions of use set out in the Level 00 – MSD Online Building Induction.
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Level 01 – Safety Induction (Online)
This induction introduces and assesses your understanding of general safety principles and procedures that must be adhered to in all ABP Makerspaces. If you want access to any of these spaces you must successfully complete the Level 01 – Safety Induction (Online).
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Level 02: In-person Safety Induction
This in person safety induction provides a tour of all ABP Makerspaces demonstrating safety procedures and features such as emergency stop buttons and fire extinguishers. You will also learn basic safe use of hand tools to allow you to book equipment like power drills. Completing this induction will grant you access to the advanced hand tools in the Forbo Model Making Space, the Robotics Lab (G23) and the Machine Workshop (G24).
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Level 03 – Safety Induction (In person)
These in person safety inductions are specific to machines with higher safety risks, such as power tools and the industrial robots. After completing the Level 03 induction for each machine you will have access to operate that machine yourself. Level 03 training is provided individually for each machine so that you only need to spend time training for the tool you want to use. If you want access to others simply complete the Level 03 for that machine.
Materials & chemicals can be dangerous
For safe handling and disposal please refer to the specific MSDS Located on the Workshop website.
Cannot find the right MSDS or have a new material?
The material may not be safe to use, or we haven’t assessed it yet. We recommend using a known material as a substitute. If you must use an unknown material, please:
- Acquire the correct Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer
- Email the SDS to fabworks@unimelb.edu.au and request a review
- Wait for review and response... this may take several days
- If approved, it is safe to use in the Workshop
The full library of training information for all making and design equipment in the Melbourne School of Design is provided in the Training Centre.
The Machine Workshop is a window into the worlds of model making, woodworking, carpentry, and construction. It takes many years of training to understand the tools, techniques, and develop the skills to become a master at any of these trades. Our focus is to expose students to a wide breadth of techniques and hopefully inspire a lifelong appreciation of making.
The Machine Workshop is an environment that requires hands-on building by you under direct supervision and guidance by our staff. Below is our guide to follow prior to starting a build.
The Process of Making
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Complete the Safety Inductions
Without completing the Level 01 & Level 02 Safety Inductions will not be allowed in the Machine Workshop.
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Sketch out an idea of what you’d like to make
This can be a rough hand sketch of a shape or form, drawing of a piece furniture, Rhino model, or even just an idea of what you’d like to make. If you’ve never made anything before feel free to come ask the Machine Workshop staff about the process.
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Determine you timeframe
What’s your timeframe for completion?
This is a critical step that can quickly disregard your intricate sketch or expectations. Even after over 10 years of making I find it is hard to estimate how long things take to complete. A good rule from a former coworker on model making was “Estimate it, double it, and add a day” Whilst this initially sounds excessive, taking into consideration Level 3 machine inductions, material purchasing, and inevitable mistakes it’s not hard to understand the origin of this estimate. The Machine Workshop staff are happy to discuss timeline expectations with you before beginning work.
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Get specific about materials and costs
What is the projects scale, materiality, budget?
Add dimensions to your drawing or sketch to communicate intended scale. The size and material type will inform the cost estimating.
- The cheapest material is MDF, followed by Plywood, then pine, with Hardwood being the most expensive.
- Plywood works well when long flat areas are needed, it’s stronger, denser and more resilient than MDF.
- Hardwoods are typically used for making furniture, because of their strength, density, and beauty.
- The Fablab website has a list of prices for all materials we sell,including MDF & Plywood, excluding pine and hardwoods which must be purchased from outside suppliers.
- We often have extra materials for free that students can use so feel free to ask a Workshop staff member about availability.
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Check with workshop staff about your project's feasibility
If you haven’t discussed your project with a Workshop Staff member now is the time to do that. We can go over your sketch, timeframe, scale, materiality, and budget. Once we understand these things we can then advise on the best methods for building.
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Purchase your materials
Acquire your material from the Fablab or outside suppliers.
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Build your project!
Open Access for making is from 1pm-5pm daily during semester. You will need to have completed your Level 1 & 2 Inductions prior to entering the Machine Workshop and can complete your Level 3 Machine Inductions during Open Access as we guide you on completion of your project.
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Cleanup and storage
The Machine Workshop has limited storage and you must check with workshop staff about storing your pieces. Cleaning up dust and debris, returning tools and equipment, and properly disposing of materials is an expected daily process within the Workshop.
How do I get access to the Machine Workshop?
Access to the Machine Workshop is restricted to students and staff who have completed Level 1 and Level 2 inductions. Students wanting to use the larger power tools must complete Level 3 inductions for each specific machine.
Does the Fablab/Machine Workshop provide materials?
We have materials for purchase, with prices listed on our website. The Machine Workshop typically has offcuts of plywood and pine free to use, just check with staff before grabbing material.
Can I grab a hand-tool from the Machine Workshop and use it in the Model-Making Space?
No, any tools from the Machine Workshop are to be used exclusively in the Machine Workshop, unless otherwise authorised.
Where is the Machine Workshop located?
The Machine Workshop is located within the Fabrication Workshop(i.e FabLab) on the ground floor of the MSD building in room G23.
When can I use the Machine Workshop?
The Machine Workshop Open Access is 1:00-5:00 Monday through Friday during Semester.
Who can get access to the Machine Workshop?
All Melbourne University students, faculty, and staff can use the Workshop during Semester, after completing the required Inductions.
Will you help build my project?
We encourage every student to learn how to use the wide array of tools/machines in the Machine Workshop to build their own projects. However, we are happy to help with tasks that require more training and experience.
Is there access between Semesters?
Access between Semester is by appointment only.
Can I work on my own personal/commissioned project?
You can work on personal projects, and we encourage experimentation, so long as it doesn’t infringe on other students making projects for their Subjects. We don’t allow production or for profit work within the Machine Workshop.
For more information about the Machine Workshop, please contact:
David Fedyk (Machine Workshop Coordinator)
T: +61 3 9035 6598
E: david.fedyk@unimelb.edu.au
We believe that it is critical for every designer to understand how things are constructed, and the best way to learn is to build it yourself. We pride ourselves on providing you with all the support you need from a range of local experienced makers, such as furniture designers, architects, fabricators and woodworkers. We have helped students create furniture, full scale building mockups, prototypes and architectural models to name a few. If you have an idea for a project you want to create, we’ll be able to help you build it. So come in and have a chat.
Open Access Hours:
Monday - Friday: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm during semester-
Access
The Machine Workshop is a hands-on makerspace providing access to a range of tools and technologies for you to operate and experiment with. To access this space you must complete the necessary safety inductions tailored to the varying safety risks of each area.
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Support
Our Knowledge Base as an always-evolving collection of guides, tutorials and curated resources for you to use and engage with the Machine Workshop.
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Purchasing
The machine workshop has the ability to deal with a wide range of materials including timber, metals and plastics. You will find a selection of material in the workshop that is free for use but if you can't find what you're looking for you will need to purchase material for your project.
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Submit a Job
If you need some advice on ways to get going on your new project, or are stuck in the middle and need some technical assistance, submit and enquiry through our portal and our Workshop Technicians will guide you in the right direction.
Our Equipment
The Machine Workshop has a large collection of generic workshop tools along with more specialised woodworking tools including Japanese hand saws, a variety of carving chisels and hand-planes. If there's a hand tool that you need, you'll probably find it in the machine workshop.
The Machine Workshop has a large range of power tools that rely on additional power sources and other than sole manual labour. The workshop collection include sanders, routers, circular saws, and specialised joinery machines.
The Machine Workshop has a comprehensive collection of fixed machinery available for use to easily manage various tasks like cutting, shaping, drilling etc which are to be carried out on a variety of materials. As these machines machines come with higher safety risk ratings, Level 3 Inductions must be completed for each machine.
Projects & Research
Contact Us
Workshop Coordinator
Workshop Technician
Workshop Technician
Frequently Asked Questions
- G24 Glyn Davis Building (MSD)
- Opening Access Hours - Induction Level 1 and 2 Required
Monday - Friday: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm during semester
- E: msd-workshop@unimelb.edu.au
- T: +61 3 9035 6598