With this being a brand-new column, I thought I’d take this week to offer some insight into the wonderful resources you have as a Tufts student. If I did my job right, my first article has left you thoroughly inspired to make something — a new side table, plate-ware or a cutting board, perhaps. But you’re stumped! You don’t have the tools or the space to get crazy and creative! Luckily for Tufts students looking to make, there are several free-to-use places on campus.
First and foremost is a lesser-known space tucked away on the first level of the SEC called the Nolop Lab. Complete with eight (soon to be 12) 3D printers, a laser cutter, a water jet, soldering tools and various woodworking and metalworking tools, it is well equipped to handle your basic fabrication needs. The staff is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and helpful (I know because I’m one of them!) and are a great resource within the lab. We also hold workshops every few weeks. Nolop is populated mostly by engineering students, but it is open to anyone and is great for beginners and experienced makers alike.
If you can’t find what you need at Nolop, and you have a Mech-E buddy that can swipe you in, there’s the Bray Lab across the street. While technically for engineers, I’ve found that no one questions you once you’re inside. They boast such a wide variety of hand and power tools including a lathe and a milling machine. Unfortunately, the lab is open only by appointment right now. In general, Bray is for more serious fabrication, and I wouldn’t recommend it for beginner builders.
If ceramics, jewelry making or fabric is more your jam, look no further than the Crafts Center. Located in the basement of Lewis Hall, the Crafts Center is a great place to make freely and safely. It houses a variety of tools and craft stations including paint and paper, screen printing, a woodshop, glass and jewelry making and more. It’s student run — they’re very nice — and completely free! It’s a great place to learn a new craft or perfect an old one and meet other passionate makers along the way. I would highly suggest joining theirFacebook page to keep up with events, workshops and other relevant information.
Last, but certainly not least, is the Fabrication Studio at the SMFA. Though not as close to most of us, it is another great resource, and definitely worth mentioning. It is designed to help artists with installation, sculpture and other 3D projects and thus has a plethora of woodworking and metalworking tools. If you live near Fenway, or love a 45-minute bus ride both ways, this shop is for you.
There are several non-Tufts resources in the Greater Boston area, but unfortunately that’s outside the scope of this article. Plus, none of them are free. So take advantage of our school's resources and come visit me in Nolop. I’ll be the dude with the crazy hair and the sawdust-stained jeans.
