January is a prime time to use the college’s Machine Shop

group of three men looking at the camera
Staff members in the Machine Shop are (from left) Mike Brown, Bob Breske and Angelo Giampetroni.

Are you working on research between semesters? The semester break in January affords faculty and students the opportunity to use the college’s Machine Shop during a less hectic time. Shop manager Mike Brown gives the low-down in this Q&A.

What is a particularly unique piece of equipment you have that has many applications? 

We have two Proto Trak mills that have the ability to thread-mill male and female parts. Additionally, these mills can perform three-dimensional movements from our CAD software. We also have a Sharp mill, complete with multiple tools along with flood coolant if required. This mill has a 10,000 RPM spindle with a spindle chiller for long-running programs. 

What else do you commonly provide?

We can provide manual and CNC machining. Also, we have the ability to mill three-dimensional projects with use of our EZcam software.

What are some of the pieces of equipment that you teach people how to use (as opposed to doing the job for them)? At present we teach milling and engine lathe and CNC milling machines. Next semester will be laser machine and CNC plasma and CNC routers.

Give us an idea of how many people you typically serve.

Students in classes and working with researchers number around 150, mostly in the spring semester. There were about 25 faculty at the end of the semester.

What do students say about their experience in the Machine Shop? They enjoy it and want more time on the machines.

What is the cost to the faculty member or CEAS client?

The charge for labor is $45 per hour. The material is an additional cost. In most cases, we are able to acquire the material to decrease the cost of shipping.

What is the process for someone wanting help on a project? For example, do they contact you to discuss before setting up a time?

Email a request (contact information below) and then come to the machine shop with a drawing. This helps in supplying an accurate quote. If the request is simple, then the individual can email or stop in at the machine shop.

Can a task be done same day?  

The projects can be done in one day, depending on the job requirement and jobs in the queue. 

Is there paperwork for the faculty member to fill out?

We have a lab charge sheet that requires a grant number and name of the requestor for a quote.

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