Makerspace Tools and Guides-MIT

Maker Tools and Materials- MIT Edgerton Center

Choosing and using digital fabrication, shop, and craft Maker tools

Choosing the proper tools and materials to execute a maker's goals is extremely important, and the "right choice" will vary from one project to the next. Being able to determine which tools and materials are appropriate for any given application is as important to the process of creation as the ability to use them. Typically, the first decision is what materials to use, and the second is what tools work best with the chosen materials.

The printable shop charts available for download below illustrate and explain many common hand fabrication tools and materials. 

Maker Tool and Material Shopping Lists

 Make shopping for your Makerspace easier with these curated lists of tools and materials that we like using in our Makerspace and PD workshops. (We are not affiliated with any seller or manufacturer and we do not earn revenue from these recommendations - we just like them for their combination of quality, price, and availability.)

• Electronics

• Arduino and micro:bit

• Craft tools

Digital-fabrication Software and Technology Resources

Digital fabrication tools have a definite "wow" factor and are a great way to get people into a Makerspace. A major

benefit of these tools is safety for the user.  The tool are controlled digitally rather than manually, so Makers can use these devices to create complex parts with minmal physical interaction.  3D printers are very common in Makerspaces and there is lots of good 3D modeling software available.  Vinyl/Craft Cutters are good alternatives or entries to the expense and complexity of Laser Cutters, and 2D modeling software is used for both these tools.

• 3D Printers​

• Laser Cutters

• Vinyl/Craft Cutters

• 3D Design Software

• 2D Design Software 

Electronics, Computers, and Other Maker Tools

Along with digital fabrication tools there are many other technologies commonly used in Maker spaces.  Electronics can be used to add control, motion, sound, and light to any project.  Physical computing involves the use of computer-based logic along with electronic inputs (sensors, switches) and outputs (motors, lights, sound).  Computer-based photo and video tools are great for creating digital projects or sharing physical ones. Sewing and textiles are increasingly popular with a variety of new machines and materials.

• ​Electronics

• ​Sewing and Textiles

• Photo and Video

• Physical Computing (Arduino, Micro:bit)​

Hand-fabrication (Shop) Tool Resources

​The hand tools, power tools, materials, and safety equipment found on this annotated list are commonly used in Makerspaces for K-12 makers, with appropriate supervision.  

• Tools, Materials, and Safety Equipment for a K-12 Makerspace

Materials

From wood, stone, and iron to semiconductors and nanoparticles, materials determine what can be designed and made. While maker activities may use sophisticated electronics parts, etc., many of the best projects use cardboard, paper, and recyclables.

• Material Supplier List (out of date - update coming soon!)

Printable Illustrated Shop Charts

These illustrated shop charts are handy visual guides to common tools and materials found in a makerspace. The charts are downloadable (pdf format) and printable for quick reference in the shop.

• Benchtop Tools

• Materials

• Cutters​

• Measuring

• Fastening

• Misc. Tools

• Fixturing

• Tape

• Hand Tools​

• Safety & Housekeeping