Email us or just reply to this article if you have any suggestions about what should appear on this page. Posts to this article will be deleted as they are entered into the FAQ, so if you're interested in discussion, we recommend the Questions & Answers Forum which will also be under close watch for subjects to put here.

• Where is TechShop Located?
• TechShop RDU is located at 5905 Triangle Dr., about a mile South East of the intersection of 70 and 540. You can view a map on our Location & Hours page.
  Other TechShop locations are being built now.

• What Are TechShop RDU's Operating Hours?
• Location & Hours page.

• Can You Show Me How To Use the Tools and Equipment?
• YES!  We offer several types of classes:
  • "SBU" (Safety and Basic Usage) classes are designed to provide you with safety training and get you up-to-speed on a specific tool or machine safely in about an hour or two.
  • "Advanced" and "Project" classes offer instruction in more extensive concepts and techniques
  You do NOT have to be a TechShop member to take classes at TechShop!  Everyone is invited.  We will also offer a range of programs and activities for kids and adults, including programs for home-schooled kids.

• What Classes Does TechShop RDU Offer?
• Here's our Class list page.

• How do I pay for a class using a gift certificate, class coupon, or Groupon?
• Call the front desk at 919-782-2344 or send an email to frontdesk@techshoprdu.com to reserve a space. Make sure to bring your payment with you when you come to the class, and try to arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow sufficient time to process your payment.

• What Tools and Equipment Can I Use at TechShop?
• We provide our members with just about every machine, tool and process that you can imagine, far more than is practical in a home workshop. We provide you with access to milling machines and lathes, Epilog laser cutters, sheet metal equipment, welding equipment, an indoor automotive work bay, woodworking equipment including a 5' x 8' CNC ShopBot router, plastics working equipment, hand tools, a 3-D printer, computer-controlled vinyl cutter, industrial sewing machines, and lots more. For a complete list of our tools and equipment, please see the Tools category of the TSRDU wiki or the Equipment page (Temporarily unavailable).

• Can I Use Any Tool or Machine in the Shop?
• Yes, as soon as you have passed the SBU (Safety and Basic Usage) class that covers that tool or equipment. Some of the tools at TechShop do not require an SBU class checkout, but any machine that can injure you or can be damaged requires you to pass an SBU before you can use it.  Once you take the SBU class, you can use that tool or machine as much as you want with your active TechShop membership.

• Can I Reserve Time on a Machine?
• Yes!  As an active TechShop monthly or annual member, you may reserve time on any machine by calling the friendly TechShop front desk staff at 919-782-2344. Some of the machines are very popular, such as the Epilog laser cutters and the Bridgeport style vertical milling machines.  As our membership grows, we will install multiples of these machines to be sure everyone who wants to use them can get time on them.

• How Much Does a TechShop Membership Cost?
• Please see the Membership page for current pricing for Daily, Monthly, 6-Month, and Annual TechShop memberships.

• How Can I Buy a TechShop Gift Certificate for Myself or Someone Else?
• A TechShop Gift Certificate is a great present for anyone!  We offer TechShop Gift Certificates in denominations from $10 to $1,000.  The certificates can be redeemed for memberships, classes, special events, member storage, or anything from our TechShop Gear retail store.

• Can My Kids Work on Projects With Me at TechShop?
• Yes!  Kids and young adults (12 through 17) can work on projects at TechShop under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian.  Most classes at TechShop are open to kids as young as 12 years of age when taken with their parent or guardian. (The parent or guardian does not need to take the class, but needs to be there with the student.) 

• How Long Has TechShop Been Open?
• TechShop Menlo Park opened on October 1st, 2006.  TechShop Durham opened on March, 21st 2009, but was offering classes and private work/office space before then.
  TechShop Durham became TechShop RDU when it was relocated early in 2010.

• Does TechShop Carry Liability Insurance?
• Of course, we have liability insurance and we require members and people who take classes at TechShop to sign a Liability Release Waiver.  We also require members to receive safety training on machines and equipment before they can use them.  We don't want anyone to experience an injury.  We always strive to build a safety-conscious culture at TechShop.

• Can I Open a TechShop Franchise in My Area?
• Not yet, but we have plans to open additional locations soon.  We are not ready to offer franchise territories yet, but if you are interested in discussing this with us in the near future, please check the check box that says "OPEN A TECHSHOP IN MY AREA" when you first sign up on the TechShop Mailing List Subscriptions page.

• What Clothing and Shoes Should I Wear to TechShop?
• When you come to work on your project or take classes at TechShop, please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes.  If you are going to use the welding equipment, CNC plasma cutter, or take the metal casting class, we also recommend that you wear long natural fiber pants and a natural fiber long-sleeved shirt (synthetic clothes can melt and cause burns).  If you are planning to use other equipment such as milling machines or lathes, please wear a short-sleeved shirt, tie back any long hair, and leave loose jewelry at home.

• Does TechShop have a digital flier I can send to my friends?
• Yes, you can download the design for our postcard flier here. Please do not print this out yourself. If you desire physical fliers to pass out, please contact us; we will be happy to supply you with as many as you need in their proper postcard form.