Established in 1962 as Central Shops, later becoming Engineering Shops during the 80's.

Our shop is operated by three highly skilled Instrument Makers with extensive experience in machining, welding, computer design, woodworking, and general craftsmanship. We can help troubleshoot challenges, develop practical solutions, and tackle difficult or specialized projects. We also have access to an experienced electronics and controls technician who can provide additional support for a wide range of projects.

We maintain an inventory of commonly used materials, fasteners, and fittings, and can also source and order any additional parts, materials, or tools required to complete your project.

We encourage you to bring your projects and ideas to us for discussion. We can assist with selecting appropriate materials, dimensions, tolerances, and manufacturing processes, while helping you work within project deadlines and funding limitations. Our goal is to streamline and accelerate the process from concept to realization.

Services Provided:

• Modification and repair
• Machining
• Welding (MIG and TIG)
• Sheet metal fabrication
• Plastic fabrication
• Woodworking
• Prototyping
• Electronics and computer work
• GibbsCAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) / Mastercam
• SolidWorks® 3D modelling
• Project Management
• The Engineering Shops is equipped with two computer numerically controlled (CNC) mills capable of machining parts of vast complexity in three dimensions as well as a CNC Lathe.
• We also have four manual lathes of various sizes to meet all your needs.
• We are also is equipped with MIG and TIG welders. The MIG welder is used for steel fabrication. The TIG welder is used for welding aluminum and stainless steel as well as vacuum parts and for repairs.
• We can build or repair any of your woodworking projects and have the capability of working with plastics and a variety of other materials.

Project Management

We will coordinate your project from start to finish, and can accomodate building and outsourcing components as needed.

For Your Project:

 When meeting with us to discuss your project, please bring along any of the following items you may have:

• Computer Assisted Design (CAD) drawings
• Photographs
• Hand-drawn sketches
• Verbal descriptions of required modifications, repairs or new parts
• Related information on selection of materials or processes
• Actual parts that are significant which will be helpful for sizing and referencing
• Your CFOAPAL if you work on campus and your unit uses UniFi

Shop Rates (May 1, 2025):

• $15.00/hour for Engineering undergraduate student support
  
• $40.00/hour for Engineering undergraduate laboratories and demonstrations
• $65.00/hour for Engineering research
• $80.00/hour for non-Engineering departments and units on campus with chart "1" CFOAPAL
• $100.00/hour for off-campus clients and on-campus clients with chart "2" CFOAPAL