---
title: Dirty Fabrication
menu: Dirty Fabrication
taxonomy:
    area: dirty-fabrication
---

# Dirty Fabrication Area

**Metal fabrication and machining workspace**

The Dirty Fabrication area is our metalworking and fabrication space located primarily in the backyard, with tools and equipment distributed between the garage and shed. This area is equipped for welding, machining, cutting, and heavy fabrication work.

## Area Overview

### Space Details

| Feature | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| Primary Location | Backyard |
| Secondary Locations | Garage (tools), Shed (tools) |
| Total Area Size | 1,500 sq ft |
| Backyard Area | 800 sq ft |
| Garage Section | 400 sq ft |
| Shed Section | 300 sq ft |
| Capacity | 8-10 people |
| Access Level | Standard members |
| Hours | 8 AM - 8 PM daily |

### Equipment & Tools

The Dirty Fabrication area contains CNC machines, welding equipment, fabrication tools, and power tools.

=> [View CNC Equipment](/equipment/cnc)
=> [View Welding Equipment](/equipment/welding)
=> [View Cutting Tools](/equipment/measuring/cutting)
=> [View Drilling Equipment](/equipment/measuring/drilling)

## Location Breakdown

### Backyard Area (Primary)
**Size:** 800 sq ft
**Capacity:** 4-6 people

**Major Equipment:**
* CNC Mill (3-Axis)
* CNC Router (Large Format)
* MIG Welder
* TIG Welder
* Plasma Cutter
* Fabrication tables

**Workspaces:**
* Primary fabrication zone
* Welding stations (2)
* Metal storage area
* Scrap metal bin
* Outdoor ventilation for welding

**Features:**
* Covered workspace (canopy)
* Weather protection for sensitive equipment
* Grounding for welding
* Fire extinguishers (Class ABC and D)
* Proper ventilation

### Garage Section
**Size:** 400 sq ft
**Capacity:** 2-3 people

**Major Equipment:**
* CNC Lathe
* Surface Grinder
* Manual Lathe
* Manual Mill
* Bandsaw
* Drill Press

**Workspaces:**
* Precision machining area
* Bench workstations
* Tool storage cabinets
* Material storage racks

**Features:**
* Climate controlled
* Epoxy-coated floor
* Overhead lighting
* Power drops (110V, 220V)
* Tool organizers

### Shed Section
**Size:** 300 sq ft
**Capacity:** 1-2 people

**Major Equipment:**
* Hand tools storage
* Cutting tools
* Grinding equipment
* Measuring tools
* Consumables

**Storage:**
* Organized hand tool racks
* Material shelving
* Consumables inventory
* Safety equipment

**Features:**
* Weatherproof storage
* Pegboard tool organization
* Labeled bins
* Secure locking

## Equipment Categories

### CNC Machining
=> [CNC Mill](/equipment/cnc/cnc-mill) - 3-axis precision milling
=> [CNC Router](/equipment/cnc/cnc-router) - Large format cutting
=> [CNC Lathe](/equipment/cnc/cnc-lathe) - Precision turning

### Traditional Machining
=> [Manual Lathe](/equipment/cnc/lathe-manual) - 24" swing capacity
=> [Manual Mill](/equipment/cnc/mill-manual) - 9x49 table
=> [Surface Grinder](/equipment/cnc/surface-grinder) - Precision finishing

### Welding
=> [MIG Welder](/equipment/welding/mig) - Steel and aluminum
=> [TIG Welder](/equipment/welding/tig) - Precision welding
=> [Plasma Cutter](/equipment/welding/plasma) - Fast metal cutting

### Cutting & Drilling
=> [Bandsaw](/equipment/welding/bandsaw) - Metal cutting to 6"
=> [Drill Press](/equipment/welding/drill-press) - Precision drilling
=> [Angle Grinders](/equipment/measuring/grinders) - Grinding and cutting

### Hand Tools
=> [Cutting Tools](/equipment/measuring/cutting) - Saws, snips, shears
=> [Measuring Tools](/equipment/measuring) - Calipers, micrometers, gauges
=> [Pliers & Grippers](/equipment/measuring/pliers) - Vise grips, locking pliers
=> [Wrenches & Sockets](/equipment/measuring/wrenches) - Complete sets

## Capabilities by Location

### What Can Be Done Here

**CNC Machining**
* Milling complex parts (backyard - CNC Mill)
* Large format cutting (backyard - CNC Router)
* Precision turning (garage - CNC Lathe)

**Fabrication**
* Welding (backyard - MIG and TIG)
* Metal cutting (backyard - Plasma, garage - Bandsaw)
* Drilling (garage - Drill Press)
* Grinding (backyard - Angle Grinders)

**Assembly**
* Metal fabrication tables (backyard)
* Workbenches (garage)
* Vises and clamps (all locations)

**Material Handling**
* Material storage (garage and shed)
* Scrap metal collection (backyard)
* Cutting material to size (all locations)

## Safety Features

### General Safety
* Fire extinguishers at each location
* First aid kits
* Emergency stop buttons on machinery
* Clear evacuation routes
* Safety signage

### Welding Safety (Backyard)
* Welding screens and curtains
* Proper ventilation
* Fire blankets
* PPE storage (welding helmets, gloves, aprons)
* Grounding system

### Machine Safety (Garage)
* Machine guards
* Emergency shut-offs
* Lockout/tagout system
* Machine-specific training required
* Chip removal and cleanup protocols

### Tool Safety (Shed)
* Sharp tool storage
* Safety glasses requirements
* Tool return policies
* Broken tool reporting

## Access & Booking

### Booking Options
=> [Contact Us](/contact) to book time in the Dirty Fabrication area
=> [View Pricing](/resources) for area rental rates

### Access Levels
* **Standard Access:** Business hours, member rate
* **Extended Access:** Members only, 24/7 keycard
* **Training Required:** For all major equipment

### Equipment Training
* **CNC Machines:** 3 hours training
* **Welding Equipment:** 2 hours training
* **Traditional Machines:** 1 hour training
* **Hand Tools:** Safety orientation only

## Materials

### Available On-Site
* Scrap metal bin (free for member use)
* Common materials available for purchase
* Consumables (welding rods, grinding discs, etc.)

### Bring Your Own
* You're welcome to bring your own materials
* Material storage available for members
* Cut-to-size services available

## Rules & Guidelines

### General Rules
* Clean area before leaving
* Return tools to proper location (garage or shed as marked)
* Report broken equipment immediately
* Wear appropriate PPE at all times

### Welding Rules (Backyard)
* Check wind direction before welding
* Use welding screens when others present
* Fire watch required for outdoor welding
* Properly connect ground clamp
* Allow equipment to cool before storage

### Garage Rules
* Clean metal chips from machines
* Use proper coolant for machining
* Don't overload machines
* Report any unusual sounds or vibrations

### Shed Rules
* Return tools to marked locations
* Clean tools before returning
* Don't take tools to other areas
* Report broken or dull tools

## Workflow Tips

### Efficient Project Flow
1. **Material Preparation** - Cut material to rough size (shed - cutting tools)
2. **Primary Fabrication** - Welding and cutting (backyard)
3. **Precision Work** - Machining (garage - CNC and traditional machines)
4. **Finishing** - Grinding and deburring (backyard or garage)
5. **Cleanup** - Clean tools and return to proper locations

### Tool Organization
* Tools are marked with location tags
* Color-coded by section (backyard: yellow, garage: blue, shed: red)
* Use tools in their designated area when possible
* Ask staff if you need to move tools between areas

## Upcoming Improvements

* Additional CNC machine on order
* Larger welding tables
* Improved lighting in backyard
* Tool tracking system
* Online equipment booking

## Nearby Areas

=> [EE Garage](/areas/ee-garage) - For electronics and testing
=> [Clean Fabrication](/areas/clean-fabrication) - For precision assembly
=> [Kitchen](/areas/kitchen) - For breaks

## Need Help?

=> [Contact Us](/contact) for questions about Dirty Fabrication
=> [View All Equipment](/equipment)
=> [Return to Areas](/areas)
=> [Back to Home](/)

---

## Equipment Quick Reference

### Backyard Equipment
* **CNC Mill:** 3-axis, 10HP spindle
* **CNC Router:** 4'x8', 3HP spindle
* **MIG Welder:** 220V, steel/aluminum
* **TIG Welder:** AC/DC, aluminum specialist
* **Plasma Cutter:** 1" capacity
* **Angle Grinders:** 4.5" and 7"

### Garage Equipment
* **CNC Lathe:** 24" swing, 40" length
* **Manual Lathe:** 24" swing
* **Manual Mill:** 9x49 table
* **Surface Grinder:** Precision finishing
* **Bandsaw:** 6" capacity, metal
* **Drill Press:** Digital readout

### Shed Tools
* **Hand Tools:** Comprehensive collection
* **Cutting Tools:** Saws, snips, shears
* **Measuring Tools:** Calipers, micrometers
* **Wrenches & Sockets:** Complete sets
* **Grinders & Sanders:** Various types
* **Consumables:** Welding rods, discs, etc.
