Woodshop at Loveland CreatorSpace

The Loveland CreatorSpace Woodshop is one of our largest and most capable areas, offering a wide range of tools for woodworking, furniture building, turning, CNC routing, and general fabrication. This page outlines the equipment available, required training, safety expectations, and best practices for using the woodshop responsibly.

1. Overview

Our woodshop supports:

• Furniture building

• Cabinetry

• Turning

• Joinery

• CNC routing

• General woodworking

• Finishing and sanding

• Prototyping and hobby projects

The shop includes both large stationary machines and portable tools, along with dedicated workbenches, clamps, and a glue‑up area.

2. Required Training

Before using any woodshop equipment, members must:

• Complete the Woodshop Orientation

  • Speak with the Woodshop Lead for in-person training

• Demonstrate safe operation of core tools (table saw, jointer, planer, drill press, sanders)

• Receive tool‑specific training for restricted equipment (SawStop, CNC routers, lathes)

• Understand dust collection, PPE, and cleanup procedures

Some tools require additional authorization, including:

• SawStop table saw

• 4' × 8' CNC router

• 4' × 4' CNC router

• Jet wood lathes

• Turncrafter Commander midi lathe

Ask an area lead if you are unsure whether you are cleared to use a tool.

3. Safety Rules

General Woodshop Safety

• Always wear safety glasses in the woodshop.

• Use hearing protection for loud tools.

• Tie back long hair and remove loose clothing or jewelry.

• Never operate tools while impaired or fatigued.

• Keep the floor clear of offcuts and sawdust.

• Use dust collection whenever possible.

• Never leave machines running unattended.

• Report damaged blades, bits, fences, or guards.

SawStop Table Saw

The SawStop is one of the most powerful and dangerous tools in the shop.

• SawStop training is required before use.

• Never cut conductive or wet materials.

• Verify blade type and brake cartridge compatibility.

• Use push sticks, featherboards, and guards.

• Ask for help if you are unsure about a cut.

CNC Routers

We operate two CNC routers:

• 4' × 8' CNC router (large format)

• 4' × 4' CNC router (mid‑size)

Rules:

• CNC training is required.

• Secure workpieces properly.

• Verify toolpaths before running.

• NEVER LEAVE THE MACHINE UNATTENDED WHILE RUNNING!

• Clean the machine after use.

Lathes

We operate:

• Jet 16-42 wood lathe

• Jet Mini Lathe JML-1014I

• Turncrafter Commander mini lathe

Rules:

• Lathe training is required.

• Always wear a face shield.

• Inspect blanks for cracks or defects.

• Start at low speed and increase gradually.

• Keep tools sharp and use proper technique.

• Turning Tools Guide

4. Available Equipment

Major Machines

• SawStop Table Saw

• Grizzly G0490X Jointer

• Jet Planer

• Performax 22‑44 Plus Thickness Sander

• Powermatic Disc/Belt Sander

• Grizzly Drum/Flap Sander

• Powermatic Oscillating Spindle Sander

• Boss Spindle Sander

• Hitachi C12RSH Chop Saw with infeed/outfeed table

• Nova Voyager DVR Drill Press

• Jet 16-42 wood lathe

• Jet Mini Lathe JML-1014I

• Turncrafter Commander mini lathe

• 4' × 8' CNC Router

• 4' × 4' CNC Router

• Dust Collection System

Band Saws

We have three band saws:

• Laguna 14" Wood BandSaw (Beige)

• Laguna 1412 Band Saw (Dark Grey)

• Delta 28-243S Bandsaw

Jigs and Other Tools

• Kreg Pocket Hole Jig System

Sanding Equipment

• Sanding station

• Powermatic disc/belt sander

• Boss spindle sander

• Powermatic spindle sander

• Performax thickness sander

• Portable sanders (orbital, belt, disc)

• Wide sandpaper selection

Work Areas

• Two large workbenches

• Glue‑up area

• Clamp wall with a wide selection of clamps

• Layout and measuring tools

• Storage for jigs, fixtures, and accessories

5. PPE Requirements

Minimum PPE in the woodshop:

• Safety glasses (required at all times)

• Hearing protection for loud tools

• Dust mask or respirator for sanding or cutting

• Closed‑toe shoes

• No gloves near rotating machinery

• Tie back long hair

• No loose or dangling jewelry (bracelets, necklaces)

6. Using the Woodshop

Before You Begin

• Inspect tools for damage or missing guards.

• Check dust collection connections.

• Verify blades and bits are sharp and appropriate.

• Clear the work area of clutter.

• Plan your cuts and toolpaths.

During Use

• Maintain proper stance and balance.

• Use push sticks, clamps, and jigs.

• Never reach over a running blade or bit.

• Keep hands away from pinch points.

• Stop immediately if something feels wrong.

After Use

• Turn off and unplug tools.

• Clean sawdust from machines and floors.

• Break down large, long scraps (no lumber should be sticking out of the garbage bins)

• Return tools, jigs, and accessories to their proper place.

• Empty dust collection bins if full.

• Leave the shop cleaner than how you found it.

7. Material Guidelines

• Do not cut metal, tile, or unknown materials on woodworking machines.

• Do not cut any of the following materials on the SawStop:

  • Metal, wet/pressure-treated lumber, laser-cut material, mylar-backed foam insulation.

• Use appropriate blades for plywood, hardwood, or softwood.

• Ask for help if you are unsure about a material.

8. Glue‑Up Area

The glue‑up area includes:

• Clamps

• Cauls

• Wax paper

• Squares

• Layout tools

Rules:

• Clean up glue drips.

• Do not leave projects unattended for long periods without approval.

• Label and date your project if it must remain clamped overnight.

9. Respecting Shared Equipment

• Do not monopolize machines for extended projects without communication.

• Follow the Ask Before You Touch Policy.

• Report dull blades, broken bits, or damaged fences.

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

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

10. Need Help?

Contact the Woodshop Area Lead or ask in Slack (#woodshop) for assistance, training, or troubleshooting.