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Workshop + fabrication
We provide a variety of tools to translate design thinking into tangible objects. These include both traditional woodworking and digital fabrication tools.
Woodworking shop
Our comprehensive woodworking shop provides all tools required to produce anything from small models to full-sized building components. Students in all SALA programs can use it as a resource for both studio and technical courses. We train our students in the safe use of tools and machines appropriate to their projects.
The shop is located in the basement of the Lasserre Building and has two areas. The machine room contains most of the equipment and is open over 50 hours per week. The assembly room with benches, power, and some machines is available around the clock. You can sign out a large selection of hand tools and portable power tools for use in the assembly room, at your desk, or even outside of SALA.
Digital fabrication tools
In addition to traditional woodworking tools, we have several types of digital fabrication devices. They shape materials by directly reading data from computer files. This allows the construction of objects that would be difficult to make otherwise. These devices include:
CNC router
Our three-axis CNC router is capable of cutting out parts in 2D or milling shapes out of material in 3D. A common use for this machine is to mill the topography of project sites for studio courses.
Die cutter
Our die cutter works similar to the laser cutters to cut paper and thin card stock for use in models or displays. It directs a knife through the material being cut.
Laser cutters
Our two laser cutters use energy from a carbon dioxide laser to cut through or etch into materials. Applications include creating contour models and cutting out building parts or parts for experimental machinery.
3D printers
3D printers can create detailed models that would be hard to realize by traditional means. The printers use a thin wire or filament of PLA plastic to build models up layer by layer.
You must book access to 3D printers, laser and die cutters, and CNC router.
Materials for sale
We sell a range of commonly used materials in the workshop. If you need materials we do not stock, please speak to the workshop staff about possible sources.
Contact information
For the workshop: workshop@sala.ubc.ca
For digital fabrication: digifab@sala.ubc.ca
Graham Entwistle
Workshop + Digital Fabrication Technician
gentwistle@sala.ubc.ca
Adriana Ermi-Sprung
Workshop + Digital Fabrication Technician
aermi-sprung@sala.ubc.ca
Room 2, Frederic Lasserre Building
604.822.2810
Hours
September to April:
Monday – Thursday
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Summer:
Check blogs.sala.ubc.ca/salafab for the most up-to-date hours.