Metal Shop at Loveland CreatorSpace

The Loveland CreatorSpace Metal Shop provides tools for machining, welding, fabrication, sheet‑metal forming, grinding, sanding, finishing, and general metalworking. This page outlines the equipment available, required training, safety expectations, and best practices for using the metal shop responsibly.

1. Overview

Our metal shop supports:

• Machining (mill, lathe, drill presses)

• Welding (MIG, TIG, Stick)

• Sheet‑metal forming and shaping

• Grinding, sanding, and deburring

• Fabrication and prototyping

• Metal cutting (band saws, chop saws, cold saws)

• Finishing, blasting, and coating

• Heat‑treating and powder‑coating (ovens)

This area contains high‑energy tools that require training, attention, and respect.

2. Required Training

Before using any metal shop equipment, members must:

• Complete the Metal Shop Orientation

• Demonstrate safe operation of core tools (grinders, drill presses, chop saws, sanders)

• Receive tool‑specific training for restricted equipment:

  • Bridgeport mill

  • PM‑1440‑2V metal lathe

  • Miller Multimatic 220 AC/DC welder

  • Grizzly 3‑in‑1 shear/brake/roll

  • English wheel

  • Planishing hammer

  • Heat‑treating oven (0v‑11)

  • Powder‑coating oven

Welding and machining require additional authorization.

3. Safety Rules

General Metal Shop Safety

• Safety glasses required at all times.

• Hearing protection recommended for grinders, sanders, and cutting tools.

• No loose clothing, jewelry, or gloves near rotating machinery.

• Tie back long hair.

• Keep the floor clear of metal chips and offcuts.

• Use proper ventilation when welding, sanding, blasting, or coating.

• Never leave machines running unattended.

• Report damaged tooling, dull bits, or unsafe conditions.

• Do not cut wood in the metal shop. Sawdust mixed with machine oils damages seals, affects accuracy, and can combust.

Fire Safety

• Know the location of fire extinguishers.

• Keep flammables away from welding, grinding, and oven areas.

• Use the welding hood and table for all welding operations.

• Do not weld near solvent containers or paint booth materials.

4. Available Equipment

Machining

• Bridgeport Mill — precision vertical milling (training required)

• PM‑1440‑2V Metal Lathe — turning, facing, threading (training required)

• Central Machinery Mini Lathe 

• Nova Voyager DVR Drill Press — high‑precision, variable speed

• Ace Hardware 10" 5‑Speed Bench Drill Press

Assembly & Forming Tools

• No. 1 & No. 3 Arbor Presses

• Central Machinery 20-Ton Shop Press (Item 32879)

Welding & Fabrication

• Miller Multimatic 220 AC/DC Welder — MIG, TIG, Stick (authorization required)

• Welding Table with Hood — ventilated, fire‑safe

• Grizzly T28366 10" Slow‑Speed Cold Cut Saw

• Chicago Electric 14" Industrial Cut‑Off Saw

• Band Saws:

  • Grizzly G0513 17" Bandsaw

  • Craftsman 14" Bandsaw (Aluminum Only)

  • Wells Model 8M Metal Bandsaw

Sheet‑Metal Tools

• Grizzly 3‑in‑1 Shear/Brake/Roll

• Woodward Fab English Wheel — forming compound curves (training required)

• Kaka Industrial 12" Plate Shear

• Di‑Acro Finger Brake No. 24

• Central Pneumatic Planishing Hammer (Item 94847) — training required

• Central Machinery 34104 Bead Roller

• Slip Roll - MicroLux SJ-300

Finishing, Blasting & Coating

• Paint Booth — ventilated finishing area

• Central Pneumatic 93608 Abrasive Blast Cabinet — metal blasting

• 8 in Slow-Speed Grinder

• 1/4 HP Bench Grinder

• JET Belt Sander / Disc Grinder - JSG-96

• Baldor Industrial Buffer 3/4 HP

• Powder‑Coating Oven — for powder‑coat curing (training required)

• 0v‑11 Heat‑Treating Oven — for metal heat‑treating (training required)

5. PPE Requirements

Minimum PPE in the metal shop:

• Safety glasses (required at all times)

• Hearing protection for grinders, sanders, chop saws

• Welding helmet, gloves, and jacket for welding

• Closed‑toe shoes (preferably leather or work boots)

• No gloves near rotating machinery (mill, lathe, drill press)

• Respirator or dust mask for sanding, grinding, blasting, or coating

• Tie back long hair

6. Using the Metal Shop

Before You Begin

• Inspect machines for damage or missing guards.

• Check tooling (end mills, lathe bits, grinding wheels) for wear.

• Verify workpieces are clamped securely.

• Ensure proper ventilation for welding, blasting, or painting.

• Plan your cuts, toolpaths, and workholding.

During Use

• Maintain proper stance and balance.

• Keep hands away from rotating parts.

• Use clamps, vises, and fixtures — never hold work by hand.

• Stop immediately if you hear unusual noises or vibration.

• Do not force tools; let the machine do the work.

After Use

• Turn off and unplug tools.

• Clean metal chips from machines and floors.

• Wipe down surfaces and remove debris.

• Return tooling to proper storage.

• Empty chip trays if full.

• Leave the shop cleaner than you found it.

7. Welding Guidelines

• Welding authorization required.

• Use the welding hood and table for all welding operations.

• Keep flammables away from the welding area.

• Inspect cables, leads, and clamps before use.

• Use proper PPE (helmet, gloves, jacket).

• Ventilate the area before and after welding.

• Clean up slag, spatter, and debris.

8. Machining Guidelines

Bridgeport Mill

• Training required.

• Use proper collets and tooling.

• Secure workpieces with vises or clamps.

• Keep hands away from the spindle.

• Never adjust the workpiece while the spindle is running.

PM‑1440‑2V Metal Lathe

• Training required.

• Remove chuck keys immediately after use.

• Keep hands away from rotating stock.

• Use sharp tooling and proper speeds/feeds.

• Do not wear gloves near the lathe.

9. Sheet‑Metal Guidelines

3‑in‑1 Shear/Brake/Roll

• Training required.

• Do not exceed thickness limits.

• Keep fingers clear of pinch points.

• Use proper technique for bending and rolling.

English Wheel

• Training required.

• Use slow, controlled passes.

• Keep hands clear of wheels.

• Do not adjust wheels while material is under pressure.

10. Respecting Shared Equipment

• Do not monopolize machines for extended projects without communication.

• Follow the Ask Before You Touch policy

• Report dull tooling, broken bits, or damaged guards.

• Treat tools with care — many are expensive and difficult to replace.

• Remember that this is a shared, community workspace. Be respectful toward the shop and especially each other.

11. Need Help?

Contact the Metal Shop Area Lead or ask in Slack (#machine_shop) for assistance, training, or troubleshooting.