FAQ

Yes, if you’ve completed the required training to use the woodshop, you may also borrow some specific tools. Not all tools are allowed for use outside of the woodshop. Borrowers must fill-out a form and agree to cover the cost of replacement or damage, should the tool not be returned intact and in a timely manner.

For access to training, visit our group page on the Harvard Training Portal. The group page links to all of the training we offer users of the Lab. (Note, this is a limited-access group, allowing only individuals associated with GSD access to this training).

In order to access the Woodshop, you will need to complete the following trainings –

– Fabrication Lab Orientation, Waiver and Release Agreement (GSD-FLO)
– Woodshop Safety Training
– Spray Booth Training (Required due to Project Room access from Woodshop)

The standard hours for the GSD woodshop are 10-10 M-TH, 10-6 Friday, and 12-8 each weekend day. Hours can fluctuate slightly based on TA coverage. The woodshop is only open for student use during the active semester and during J term.

Yes, prior experience is not required to use the woodshop. If you don’t have experience, you should expect to engage a staff member or on duty TA and ask for guidance in how to accomplish your task.

There are many options for purchasing material, both online and locally. It depends on what you need and how much of it you may be looking to purchase. It is always best to stop by the shop and discuss your project with a TA or staff member. Once they understand what you are hoping to do they can best advise where to purchase that specific material.

Occasionally the woodshop TA’s will perform some work, but only with the student present, in an educational sense, and with the goal of getting the student to a place where they are comfortable doing it themselves. The expectation is that students accomplish their own work in the woodshop under the guidance and oversight of the staff and TA’s.

No, there are no classes offered with the specific goal of using the woodshop as its primary resource. Many classes require modelmaking of some kind, but there is quite a bit of individual freedom in how the student goes about making that model. The woodshop is one resource among many available for that purpose.

Practice is important- understanding what to do is part of the process but developing and maintaining manual skill and muscle memory is equally important. Try to work some aspect of making into your daily routine- anything that requires sensitive touch, assembly/disassembly, a variety of materials, and an appreciation of pressure and force will be helpful as you work to develop skill.

Freedom, obvs.