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STEAM Studio Resources

Everything you need to access, use, and plan around STEAM Studio — policies, FAQs, standard operating procedures, and scheduling.

Policies

STEAM Studio maintains high safety standards. All users and visitors are expected to follow these rules — failure to comply may result in loss of studio access.

Wear safety glasses at all times in designated areas. Look for signage indicating required zones.
Wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes at all times in the studio.
A signed Safety Contract must be on file with Studio staff before using any equipment.
Do not touch others’ work or equipment without explicit permission — items may be sharp, wet, or delicate.
Tool certification is required before using equipment unsupervised. Schedule a certification appointment with staff.
Long hair must be tied back and loose clothing secured when operating machinery.
UNCA students in classes that meet at STEAM will complete and sign their safety contract on the first day of class. Community and external users should contact steamstudio@unca.edu before visiting.

Standard Operating Procedures

Review the SOPs for each tool before scheduling a certification appointment. You must be certified to use a tool before operating it without direct supervision.

Before you get started

All users must have a signed Safety Contract and Liability Waiver on file with the Studio Technician. The contract includes a training record indicating which tools you are certified to use. Review the relevant SOPs and certification checklists below, then email lrosenbe@unca.edu to schedule your certification appointment.

Safety Contract & Liability Waiver

Wood shop certification checklist

Metal shop certification checklist

Woodshop Certification Checklist
Wood shop equipment SOPs
Compound Sliding Miter Saw Hand Drill Planer
Desktop ShopBot Hand-held Router Table Saw
Disk Sander Hand Planer Vertical Band Saw
Edge Sander Jointer Wood Lathe
Dimensioning Lumber Circular Saw Blade Types and Applications
Metal shop certification checklist
Machine & Fabrication Shop Equipment
Angle Grinder General Welding Milling Machine
Belt/Disc Combination Sander Horizontal Metal Band Saw Vertical Sliding Metal Band Saw
Bench Grinder Laser Cutter/Engraver
Drill Press Manual Lathe
Circular Saw Blade Types and Applications
Videos

Intro to the water jet

A walkthrough of the water jet cutter — how it works, what it can cut, and what to know before your certification.

FAQ

Common questions about access, pricing, safety gear, and more.

Students enroll in the Intro to STEAM class (LA 172). Successful completion is the first step to gaining studio access. Students in Art or Mechatronics classes that require fabrication work receive access during class time and after hours by prior arrangement.

STEAM Studio’s primary function is to serve UNCA students. Volunteer and support roles for non-UNCA members with limited access are periodically available. Middle and high school students can enroll in Community Tool School or Crafting Passages. UNCA alums may apply for the Post Bac Fellowship.

STEAM Studio is not designed for mass production. We support prototyping, custom work, and small-batch production at industry-standard rates. External and student pricing is available for CNC machines, and commonly used materials are kept in inventory. See the price sheet for details.

Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes, eye protection (we have safety glasses to borrow — prescription wearers must wear them on top of regular glasses), long hair tied back, and no loose clothing near machinery.

Yes — tours are available by appointment. Email steamstudio@unca.edu to discuss date, time, group size, and any special needs. Tours are free; tours with a demonstration or hands-on activity require a fee.

Yes. Designed and fabricated right here at STEAM Studio.