Frequently Asked Questions
What are you exactly?
We are an open workshop that aims to provide access to machines and tools for everyone who is interested. You can work on your own projects, but also collaborate with other club members on larger endeavors or help expand the workshop. We were founded by students at RWTH Aachen who were looking for suitable premises and tools for a wide range of hands-on projects. What started as a small idea has since grown into a well-equipped workshop.
What are you not?
We are not a service provider. All team members volunteer at the workshop without financial compensation, which is why we value mutual consideration and personal initiative.
Who can use the workshop?
The workshop is organised as a non-profit association and can therefore be used by any club member. While we primarily target students at Aachen universities, we also welcome new members from all backgrounds. Everyone who enjoys tinkering, building, and making is welcome.
Do I need to be a member to use the workshop?
Yes, you need to become a member to work in the workshop. For large machines (e.g., our lathe), completing a workshop course is additionally required.
How much does a membership cost?
You can find the current fees in our fee schedule. It is not possible to run the workshop free of charge, but we try to keep costs as low as possible for everyone. The workshop does not generate any profits — all income is used to cover running costs or is reinvested within the current year.
What can I use the workshop for?
The workshop may be used for all private projects; commercial use is excluded.
How are you organised?
We are organised as a non-profit association and do not generate any profits. We have a four-member executive board and a dedicated workshop team that takes care of all ongoing tasks and supervises operations.
Can I repair my car, motorcycle, or bicycle at your workshop?
Bicycles can be worked on at any time — we have specialised tools available. Minor work on motorised two-wheelers can also be carried out by arrangement. Working on cars is not permitted due to the lack of parking spaces.
Is parking available?
There is space for motorcycles and bicycles. Unfortunately, car parking is not available on site. However, you may drive up to the workshop for loading and unloading. Free parking is usually available around the Ostfriedhof or alternatively in the numerous parking garages in our area.
What equipment do you have and what is planned?
We now have a fully equipped woodworking and metalworking area. You can find more details about the individual areas under the Workshop tab.
Is it possible to reserve machines?
A reservation system was planned but has not proven to be necessary.
Do I need prior knowledge to use all the equipment in the workshop?
On your first visit, you will receive a brief introduction to the workshop rules and the most important codes of conduct.
However, a specialised introduction is required for the use of selected devices and machines. Such an introduction may be a relatively short briefing or a one- to multi-day course, which is offered regularly by the workshop. The exact scope of the introduction depends on the complexity and hazard potential of the machine in question.
We currently offer workshops and advanced introductions for the following equipment:
- Lathe
- Welding equipment
- Table saw
- Laser cutter
- CNC milling machine
How does it work with consumables and wear materials?
You are of course free to bring your own materials and process them at our workshop. In addition, the workshop maintains a small stock of various materials (wood panels and strips, sheet metal, tubes, etc.) that can be used free of charge or for a small fee. This also applies to wear materials (e.g., milling cutters, drill bits, sandpaper, etc.). For larger projects, we kindly ask you to purchase your own wear materials.
Does the workshop belong to RWTH or FH Aachen?
The association is accredited through RWTH Aachen. However, non-RWTH members can also join.
What happens if something goes wrong or I or another member gets injured?
Insurance coverage exists for all accidents caused by the association.
The workshop is generally not liable for any self-inflicted injuries or damages resulting from use. Every member is therefore advised to take out private liability insurance. For selected machines (e.g., lathes), having liability insurance is a prerequisite for use.
Do you have protective equipment in the workshop?
Yes, we have a PPE cabinet (personal protective equipment) in the workshop:
- Hearing protection
- Safety goggles
- Various gloves
Please always wear sturdy footwear or safety shoes. Please also note that you may be prohibited from working if the supervisor on duty considers your clothing inadequate and/or if it poses a risk to other members.