CRASH Space has a wide variety of tools and machines for members to use. Check out our summary below, or read on for more in-depth lists. Everything in the space is free for members to use, and some things are free even for non-members!
Print and Design
Riso Printer
Paper Cutters
Screen Printing
Art Supplies
Electronics
Electronics Workbench
Multimeters
Soldering stations and Hot air gun
Power Supplies
Hot knife
Oscilloscopes and Function Generator
Wire and Components
Electronics Kits
Fabrication
35 Watt Epilog Laser Cutter (24x12in work area)
155 Watt Boss Laser Cutter that cuts sheet metal (55x36in work area)
What it is used for: The front room where all public events are held and where most people just hang out and do work together. As the name suggests, the public room is open to all, membership or not. This is the room that is shown in the virtual meeting or where we meet physically, and is a common hangout/open discussion spot for everyone. Feel free to bring your crafts and work alongside or with others, but be mindful if there is a scheduled meeting which has priority over the space/active discussion. The front room also has art supplies, crafting kits, and the risograph.
Fun Name: Betty Rizzo AKA Rizzo (From the movie Grease)
What it does: a digital duplicator that utilizes a stencil-based printing process, known for its distinctive aesthetic, which includes imperfect registration and bold color combination.
Colored paper (all printer and riso paper can be found in the hallway cabinet)
Glue sticks and super glue
Pens/Pencils/Sharpies/Erasers
Pushpins
Bone folders
Xacto blades
Cutting mats
Washi tape
Rulers
Tape
Colored pencils/markers/crayons
Stapler
Scissors
Lightboxes
Laminator
Kits & Tools
Ring making
Learn To Crochet
Beads & Jewelry
Electroforming
Electroplating
Learn to Solder & Badges
Woodburning
Mould making (back storage unit)
Resin (back storage unit)
Button Maker (back storage unit)
Heat Press (back storage unit)
Storage
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What it is used for: Stores food, lockers, and the chemicals cabinet
Member Storage
Wire shelves to make project storage accessible to members. Members can leave items for up to 30 days with a parking permit.
Spray Paint, Adhesives, & Chemicals
Notes: Stores various spray paint and chemicals, use carefully, and do not drink. You will find adhesives, lubricants and solvents here, including Isopropyl alcohol on the shelf to the left
Microwave, Fridge, and Snacks
Fun Names: The Food Forge
Notes: The microwave is for food heating up and not for scientific use
FabLab
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What it is used for: Holds books, 3D printers, and sewing machines
3D Printing Area
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Large Format 5 Toolhead 3D Printer
Max object size: 360×360×360 mm (14.17 × 14.17 × 14.17 inches)
What it is used for: Back left room where the small laser cutter, scrap supplies, electronics equipment, and misc electronic parts are stored. Also the location of 3 project workbenches for use while in the space. 72 hour storage is provided on the table near the light blue outside exit door for projects being actively worked on, to keep the surfaces clear. For more longer term storage, see the section on “Parking Permits” in the Storage section above.
What it does: Uses a 45 watt co2 laser to cut wood, acrylic, and other thin materials
Software:
Vector Editor: Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, etc.
Output Software: Corel Draw 2014 on computer next to it
Max object size: ~609 x ~304 mm (24 x 12 inches)
Notes: A variety of acrylic can be found next to the laser cutter and is up for grabs
Misc Tools
Drills
Heat Gun
Hot Plate
Hot Knife
Electronics Cabinet
Fun Name: Department of Digital Accoutrements (AKA the Breadboard Bureau)
What it does: Stores Misc. electronics components such as capacitors, switches, resistors etc.
Electronics Testing Equipment
What it does: Stores soldering irons, oscilloscopes, fume extractors etc.
Shop 2 – CNC & Machine Tools
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What it is used for: Machine shop room where metal machining and sawing is done. If the door is closed, machines are heard, or the light on the door is on, then safety glasses must be worn before entering. These may be found at the back of shop 2 or hanging on the wires near the inside entrance. Exercise caution on entering if machines are active!
Manual Mill
Specific Model: Benchmaster M 11 Manual Mill 36376
Fun name: Millicent The Million Year old Mill (or Millie for short)
What it does: Moves the workpiece against a stationary, rotating cutting tool to precisely remove material
What it does: Catches dust, cuts out wood and acrylic using automated machine instructions and a special made horizontal drill bit.
Note: You CANNOT use regular drill bits on the mill, they will break!
Software:
3D Model Software: Any (Ex: Blender, Fusion 3D, Tinker CAD, SketchUp)
Max object size: 24 x 18 x 4 inches
Large Tool Chest
Fun name: Iron Man
What it does: This is where you can find most of our tools such as the screwdrivers, aliens (allen wrenches), measurement tools, most hand tools wrenches sockets taps dies. The portable drills are located next to the small drill press in shop 1
Notes: Located along the back wall of the shop 2
HackerBoxes
A variety of HackerBoxes for member use. If you take something out of the box, please leave a post-it in the box noting it is no longer in the box.
Woodshed
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What it is used for: Storing the woodworking tools, vacuum sealer, and clamps. Note: The keys to enter the shed are located behind the large tool chest in shop 2
What it does: High Powered Stationary Dremel with adjustable speed foot pedal.
Notes: This is located to the left of the drill press and is attached to the wall via U bolts. Use the switch on the main body to turn it on, and the provide pressure to the foot pedal below to activate/adjust speed
What it does: Cuts and engraves thicker materials than the Epilog and can be outfitted to cut through certain metals
Notes: Has passthroughs on the front and sides to allow bigger materials in a single dimension to be fed in.
Software:
Vector Editor: Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, etc.
Output Software: Inkscape (installed on the computer)
Cutting Area: 850mm x 1380mm (33in x 54in)
Work Area: 1016mm x 1778mm (40in x 70in) + Material Pass Throughs
Notes: A variety of acrylic can be found in Shop 1 and is up for grabs
Allowed / Prohibited Materials & Thicknesses
❌ UNSAFE Materials
NEVER CUT
VINYL & PVC – or any other material that contains chlorine. This will damage the laser and release toxic fumes that can cause permanent lung damage
Faux Leather – often made from vinyl. If you want to cut faux leather, make sure you get specifically laser safe material from a known supplier.
Polycarbonate – releases toxic fumes.
ABS – Produces Hydrogen Cyanide and melts badly.
✅ Laser SAFE materials
Always know what type of plastic you are cutting. Some plastics release very toxic fumes that can damage the laser or your lungs. Get material from reputable suppliers
Plastics
Arylic (PMMA) – Best plastic for laser cutting. Cuts cleanly and produces smooth edges. Also Etches nicely.
TPU/PU(polyurethane) – Often found sold as TPU/PU fabric. It looks similar to vinyl but is laser safe to cut and engrave. It’s generally stretchier than Vinyl. Make sure you buy it from a known source because cutting vinyl is toxic and will damage the laser.
Delrin (Acetal) – Cuts well but can melt at the edges; produces some formaldehyde fumes.
PETG – Can be cut but prone to melting and warping; produces sticky residue. Not recommended for beginners.
Polypropylene (PP) – Safe but not recommended. Cuts well but edges can be rough or deformed due to melting.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – Safe but not recommended. Melts easily and produces messy cuts; not ideal for precision work.
Wood
Plywood – cuts well up to a 1/4 inch. Not recommended over a 1/2 inch thick.
Baltic Birch is a specific type of plywood that cuts really well on the laser. It has thick plys on the surface that makes sanding it easier. It can be sourced from Anderson Plywood and other local Lumber companies, but usually is not found at Lowes or Home Depot. 5x5ft in sheet is around $25 as of 12/2024
Solid Wood – Can be cut in similar thickness to Plywood. Also good for etching.
MDF – Use formaldehyde free MDF. More refined MDF will cut and engrave better.
Paper Products
Cardboard – cuts well
Chipboard – sort of like cardboard without the corrugations, cuts very well. Available in various thicknesses, great for templates, test cuts and prototyping.
Paper – Use low power settings, keep an especially close eye on it as it likes to catch fire.
MISC
Veg Tan Leather – Smells awful, like burnt hair or getting your teeth drilled. Cuts well. You might want to experiment wetting with water before cutting. (Reminder, Chrome Tan is NOT allowed)
Rubber – Can be cut or engraved for making stamps. Silicone sheets can be useful for making gaskets.
Glass – Can be Etched but not cut. Look up tutorials. Plant Matter-thin material like leaves can be cut/etched. Thicker things like Pumpkins can be etched (pumpkins smell bad). You can experiment, but be careful not to catch things on fire and dont make a mess.
Plant Matter – thin material like leaves can be cut/etched. Thicker things like Pumpkins can be etched (pumpkins smell bad). You can experiment, but be careful not to catch things on fire and dont make a mess.
Metal Cutting
This laser only cuts steel. It requires Oxygen assist and a special cutting head. Metal cutting is only allowed after you have been allowed by the Facilities Chair (currently Michael I).
Mild Steel Sheet Metal up to 20 gauge
Stainless Steel Sheet Metal up to 18 gauge
Metal Marking
Most metals can be marked using a laser marking spray. It comes in a spray paint style can. The metal surface is covered with the marking spray then laser etched. Wherever the laser etches will be black and the rest of the spray washes off easily. READ THE SDS/MSDS sheet for the marking spray. Some can be rather toxic if improperly handled
What it does: Acts like a drill press with a smaller working area.
Notes: Uses a dial to determine speed and power. Clamps can be found in the wood shed.
Hardware:
Power: 120V, 60Hz, 1/4Hp, 5.9A.
Drill Bits: 1/2″ chuck, Bits are located in red box to the right of drill press, or on shelf in the back right of shop 2
Max object size: ~250 x 250 mm (10 x 10 inches)
Outside Area
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What it is used for: Getting some air, parking your car, and throwing out your failed projects trash
Main Parking Spots
Fun Name: Tammy Tandems
What it does: 2 Tandem spots that belong to our space. Commonly used by whoever is hosting, and whoever arrives after them
Notes: 35 Watt Level 2 charger in locked panel available to members.
Hardware: Asphalt
Trash and Recycling Dumpsters
Fun Name: Jankyard
What it does: Makes our problems, projects, and other trash, go away.
Notes: The key to open the dumpsters is located in shop 2, behind the tools cabinet
Hardware: Steel, Plastic, and stickers
Lavatories
Sink
What it does: Industrial sink with stronger soap. Use this sink for larger cleanups. Ask before dumping any heavy chemicals or mystery concoctions down the drain as we have more sensitive plumbing.
Porcelain Thrones
Tip Top Tim
Porcelain Petunia
Contacts
Facilities Email: facilities@crashspace.org
Volunteer Facilities Committee (click to expand)
Michael I: (He/Him) Facilities Chair
Top level point of contact. Familiar with all of the machines.
Lavie: (She/Her) Facilities Assistant
Strong familiarity with Machine tools and manufacturing
Theo: (He/ Him) Facilities Assistant
Strong familiarity with 3d Printers and Laser cutters
