Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who can use the space?
    • Current NYU students enrolled in an ITP/IMA course and Staff
  • Is there an orientation?
    • Yes and it is mandatory to gain access to the shop. Sign up HERE
  • What happens during orientation?
    • The orientation consists of a tour of the space, safety procedures, and end with a short quiz to begin using the space!
  • What can I make?
    • The space can be used for class projects, personal practice, and anything in between. Use the Tools and Equipment link at the top of the page to find out more about what is available.
  • Is the staff friendly?
    • YES! Always feel free to ask our staff for help. Whether it is about which tool might be the best for a job, to check out equipment, or what our favorite movie is, we are happy to help when we can.

Shop policies

Only current NYU students enrolled in an ITP/IMA course and ITP/IMA staff and residents can use the shop

The Wood Shop

  • You must have attended a safety seminar every year and take the safety quiz in order to use the shop
    • This is required by law
  • You cannot wear the following inside the wood shop
    • Loose fitting clothing
    • Open-toe shoes
    • Dangling Jewelry
    • Loose, long hair (hair must be tied back)
  • Goggles or safety glasses must be worn before entering the wood shop
    • You should also wear goggles or safety glasses when using a power or hand tool
    • Wear hearing protection when using any heavy shop equipment
  • No food or drink allowed in the wood shops
  • When you are done with a tool
    • Shut it off and make sure the tool is fully off before leaving shop
    • Fully clean the tool and the surrounding area
  • Turn on the shop dust collection when using the sander, miter saw, band saw, panel saw, or CNC
  • If a shop tool or piece of machinery is acting unusual, stop your work immediately and notify a shop staff
    • Do not attempt to fix a tool on your own
  • If you don’t feel 100% comfortable using a tool, ask a shop staff for help
    • That’s what we are here for!
  • Wood shop equipment and laser cutters can only be used when a shop staffer is on shift and present

General

  • You are not allowed to use any hand tools from the red cabinets without taking the safety test
  • Do not keep tools in your red bins
  • Do not remove shop tools or equipment from the floor
  • Aerosol paint, oil based paint, latex paint, and paint thinners should be used in appropriate spaces
    • Spray painting must be done in the spray booth located in the basement
  • Place tools back in their designated spots
  • Do not attempt to fix the 3D printers or laser cutters on your own

Materials and Storage

  • If a material has someones name on it, DON’T use it
    • Label your material clearly with your name, ID, and the current semester
    • If there is no name and is in the communal pile or junk shelf, feel free to use it for your own project
  • All flammables must be kept in the yellow locker (glues, spray adhesive, epoxy, etc) and spray paint is kept in the basement
  • Do not store or stage projects on shop tables
  • Don’t forget we share the space with our entire student body and staff

Don’t forget to clean up after yourselves!

Checkout Policies

Check Out

  • Checkouts have varied time frames, verify with staff when the item must be returned.
    • Extended check out: You may request an extension of your check out with valid reason.
  • You may not check out equipment for someone else.
  • You are responsible for the care of the equipment while it is in your possession.

Returning

  • Return equipment in the same condition as when it was checked out
  • Late Returns: You’re not allowed to check out equipment until you’ve return late equipment
  • Ban: You will be banned if your checkout is severely late and becomes overdue
  • Banned: You will not be unban even if you return equipment,
  • If you ignore multiple requests to return equipment you will be held responsible for the full cost of replacing the equipment.

Equipment Handling

  • Do not put tape or glue on our equipment
  • Do not disassemble our equipment
  • Do not use our equipment in ways it was not intended for
  • Do not leave equipment unattended on shop desk or on the floor