Regear Fab Lab Maker Space

Lowell drives a long lathe bed into the narrow machine shop. Two older lathes were removed to make space for the long bed. The old lathes have been sold.

Regear Fab Lab Maker Space is a project-based learning environment for local students and makers. We have a fully equipped wood shop and some metalworking equipment. Makers are welcome to use the space and equipment for their projects, with appropriate safety training and experience. Rates vary depending on how much participation is required from Lowell.

This Maker Space offers tools and training to people who want to learn metal- and wood-working, carpentry, basic electricity, wood finishing, and historic preservation/repair. There are 6 tracks for makers to choose from:

(1) Unpaid internship. The intern works alongside Lowell (shop owner) and learns "on the job" with a flexible schedule.

(2) Specific classes are offered to homeschool students and the wider community to build a project (e.g., cedar chest, garden bench, picnic table). Classes typically meet weekly for a 3-hour period over 8 weeks. A fee is charged for materials and instruction.

(3) Individual attention can be arranged to help a student complete a personal project such as a piece of furniture.

(4) Commission jobs are made by Lowell with minimal involvement by a paying customer.

(5) Qualified students and community members can use tools such as welders, drill press, or saws, at an hourly rate.

(6) Cut-to-size service. Some customers need only materials cut-to-size or planed and sanded, and then complete their project at their own home.

Other local Maker Spaces may be restricted to enrolled student majors, or offer only "hobby-sized" tools. Regear Fab Lab has professional-sized equipment and many tools. Woodworking tools include saws, jointers, lathes, wide sander, planer, drills, vacuum press bag. Metalworking tools include welders, abrasive saw, bandsaw, 3 lathes, milling machine, grinders, bearing press, tube benders, and many hand tools. A current goal is to add metal casting equipment in the future.