Make-A-Thon Resources
Safety & Tools
How to stay safe and get the most out of the tools at the Make-A-Thon
Before You Build
General safety
- Follow the instructions of organizers, mentors and lab staff at all times.
- If you are unsure how to use a tool, ask before you start.
- Wear safety glasses when cutting, drilling, soldering or sanding.
- Wear closed-toe shoes, and tie back long hair and loose clothing near machinery.
- Keep walkways and workspaces clear, and clean up when you're done.
- Report any injury, spill or damaged equipment to an organizer right away.
- Take breaks, eat, and sleep. Tired people make mistakes with tools.
Tool guide
Soldering
Soldering irons run at several hundred degrees and produce flux fumes.
Safety rules
- Treat the iron as hot at all times. Always return it to its stand, never rest it on the bench.
- Work in a ventilated area and keep your face out of the fumes.
- Wear safety glasses. Solder can spatter and wire clippings can fly.
- Wash your hands after soldering, especially before eating.
- Unplug or switch off the iron when you step away.
Tool guide
Arduino & electronics
Most problems come from wiring mistakes, so slow down before you power up.
Safety rules
- Disconnect power before changing wiring.
- Check polarity and voltage ratings before connecting batteries or supplies.
- Never short a battery. Keep loose wires and metal tools away from battery terminals.
- If something gets hot, smells, or smokes, disconnect power and tell a mentor.
Tool guide
3D printing
The print team runs the printers for you, so you won't handle them yourself. Your job is to send a clean, efficient file: the faster it prints, the sooner your whole team gets it.
Slicing tips
- Slice in Bambu Studio and submit the sliced .3mf with your original design file.
- Slice efficiently: avoid supports by orienting parts flat and designing so they aren't needed. They add a lot of print time.
- Avalaible filament types: PLA, PLA Pure, PETG, TPU 85A/90A. Just set what material you want to use in the slicer and add it as a comment.
- Check the estimated print time before you submit. Long prints hold up the queue, so split big parts into smaller pieces.
- Watch your print's status in the queue. When it shows Ready for Pickup, collect it from the pickup spot.
Tool guide
CAD & fabrication
Hand tools and workshop equipment demand your full attention.
Safety rules
- Only use tools you have been shown how to use. Ask a mentor if you aren't sure.
- Wear eye protection when cutting, drilling, sanding or filing.
- Clamp your work. Never hold small parts by hand while cutting.
- Tie back long hair and loose clothing, and wear closed-toe shoes.