Open Lab » Marston Makerspace » UF Libraries

What is Open Lab?

Open Lab is when the Marston Science Library’s mini makerspace is open for hands-on use.The makerspace offers a variety of tools and equipment for making, creating, building, repairing, and sharing ideas. Knowledgeable student assistants are available during open hours to guide you, answer questions, and help you use the machines. Whether you’re just getting started or have experience, Open Lab is a welcoming space to explore your creativity. Please note that our resources are for in-Makerspace use only and cannot leave the room. If you’re interested in checkout items, take a look at the UF Libraries tool checkout. Materials are limited, and if you need something specific for your project (like three yards of dinosaur flannel to sew pajama pants, glitter heat transfer vinyl in a certain shade of blue, or a specific replacement capacitor), you must provide it.

Where is it Located?

The makerspace is located in the basement of Marston Science Library, just across from the elevators.

When can you visit?

Open Lab is available Monday through Friday from 2 to 7 p.m., though hours may vary around breaks and holidays. We have a maximum capacity of 15 students in the space at a given time for safety reasons. Please see below for our holiday/breaks hours of operation and our current capacity.

Hours

Capacity

Who can visit?

Marston Makerspace is open to everyone. Access is not restricted based on major, departmental affiliation, lab enrollment, completion of training modules, etc. We welcome both academic and hobby projects. The space is staffed and supervised during Open Lab; no booking or appointment necessary — just walk in and get started!

Does it cost money?

We charge for only two things: 3D printing, and button supplies. Everything else is free for reasonable personal use while working in Makerspace! There is no fee to use our sewing machines, soldering stations, glue guns, cutting machines, heat presses, hand tools, etc.

What can you find in the space for use during open lab?

Office Supplies

Scissors
Rulers
Paper cutters
Hole punchers
Tapes
Glues
Hot glue guns
Pencil sharpener
Watercolor markers
Sharpies
Colored pencils
Gel pens
Rubber bands
Zip ties
Twine
Construction paper

Construction tools

Dremel rotary tool
Power drill and drill bits
Oscillating tool
Heat gun
Sandpaper
Screwdrivers
Hammers
Mallets, pliers
Wrenches
Hacksaw
Tape measures
Levels
Utility and precision knives
Wire cutters
Clamps and vises
Hex keys
File set and deburring tool

Sewing supplies

Sewing, serging, and embroidery machines
Thread
Straight, safety, and T-pins
Quilt clips
Seam rippers and gauges
Measuring tapes
Tailors chalk
Scrap fabric
Zippers
Buttons
Iron-on repair patches
Fusible bonding tape
Hand-sewing needles
Interfacing and Stabilizer
Standard and mini irons with ironing boards and mats
Handheld steamer

For more information and guides, see our dedicated pages for sewing and serging, and embroidery.

Soldering and electronics repair

Soldering stations
Fume extractor
Digital calipers
Multimeter
Oscilloscope
Bench power supply
Precision screwdrivers
Assorted electronics components

Assorted Materials

Reuse materials and assorted donations:
- Cardboard
- Foam
- Packing materials
- Empty 3D filament spools
- Ribbon
- Flowers
- Stickers
- Googly Eyes
- Sequins
- and more (variable based on donations)

Heat Press and Vinyl

Cutting mats
cutting rulers
t-shirt ruler
rotary cutters
Silhouette Cameo 3 and 5 cutting machines with sticky cutting mats
weeding tools
light board
transfer tape
limited materials (adhesive vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, static cling vinyl, cardstock, etc.)
Multiple heat presses for t-shirts
bags
mousepads
laptop sleeves
mugs
tumblers
Sawgrass sublimation printer