Open Workshop & Tools
OuR workshop could be your happy place
The Rivet’s workshop is a shared creative space where ideas turn into real things. Whether you’re building your first project or refining your craft, our tools, studios, and supportive staff are here to help you make safely and with confidence.
You don’t need to own tools. You don’t need years of experience. You just need a place to start. And that’s exactly what The Rivet is for.
Location & Hours
1224 N Atherton St
State College, PA
(814) 234-0200 ex. 224
Maker+ Members may reserve equipment Mon-Wed.
Thursday 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Who Can Use The Workshop?
Our workshop is open to:
- Members during open workshop hours
- Day Pass holders during open workshop hours
Some tools require a short beginner class before independent use. This ensures everyone can work safely and comfortably in a shared space.
New here?
Most people start with a class or a tour to get familiar with the workshop before working independently.
EQUIPMENT & SHOP Updates
As of March 2026
There’s a lot new in the shop!
- We’ve added a large-format cutter/printer for stickers, labels, posters, and more (trainings coming soon!), plus a cold press laminator to make vinyl projects even easier.
- The woodshop now features five new woodturning lathes, making it easier to offer classes—stay tuned for their return!
- Our ceramics studio also got a major boost thanks to a generous donation, including a new wheel, kiln, extruder, and more tools.
- And for 3D printing fans: the Bambu H2D is now available for public use! Extra-large, multi-color printer, ready to go with no retraining needed.
More new additions are on the way… 👀
HOW TO GET STARTED
Take A Tour
Get a guided look at the workshop and ask questions.
Take A Class
Learn new skills and meet fellow makers with help from experienced instructors.
Learn Tool Basics
Some tools require an introductory class before independent use — this keeps everyone safe and confident.
Use The Workshop
Join as a member or purchase a Day Pass to work on your own projects during open workshop hours.
WHAT ARE OPEN WORKSHOP HOURS?
During open workshop hours, typically Thursday – Sunday, 12pm – 8pm, members and pass holders can work on personal or professional projects using shared tools and studio spaces.
Staff are present to answer questions, provide guidance, and help keep the space running smoothly. Maker Plus members can access expanded workshop hours Mon – Wed, as available.
What open workshop time is great for:
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Personal creative projects
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Skill practice after classes
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Prototyping and experimentation
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Small-batch production
- Access to professional equipment in a supportive space
Earn Workshop Clearances To Use Tools On Your Own
Some tools require a short beginner class before they can be used independently during open workshop time. These classes teach safe operation, best practices, and basic techniques. Click below to view clearance requirements and classes.
TOOL RESERVATIONS
Reserve Your Workspace
Many high-demand tools can be reserved in advance through our online system.
Good to know:
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Reservations are managed through Mindbody
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Most reservable tools require beginner training first
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Design and prep work should be completed before your reserved time
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Laser cutters are especially popular — planning ahead is encouraged
Simply log in and select the reservations tab near the top of the screen. If this is your first time accessing Mindbody, you may first need to create an account.
TOOLS & STUDIOS AT THE RIVET
Our workshop includes a wide range of making spaces. Each studio is designed to support hands-on learning and creative exploration.
Computer Lab
Our computers are fully loaded with the best software for 3D modeling, graphic design, programming, and more.
Jewelry Station
Jewelry working at it’s finest; this area includes flex shafts, roller mill, torches, and more hammers than anywhere else in the shop.
Plastics Lab
Our 3D printers are fun and easy to use. In the future, this area will be a place for plastic forming and DIY recycling.
Circuitry Station
Electronics get elevated with ESD surfaces, plenty of light, and all of the tools that you need to get creative.
Textiles Studio
This area boasts leather working tools, sewing machines, dress forms, a large cutting table, and a CNC embroidery machine.
Sign Shop
Customize anything using the vinyl cutter, laser cutters, and large format printer.
Pottery Studio
Our pottery studio has 7 wheels including a handicap accessible wheel. Our kiln is top of the line and fired regularly.
Machine Shop
This area includes a lathe, a milling machine, a shear/brake/roller and numerous hand tools.
Wood Shop
Our wood shop features just about every woodworking tool you would need, plus a few more to make the job easier including a full-size Sawstop Table saw for added safety and 2’x3’ CNC Router machine.
Welding Area
The Rivet’s welding space features multiple MIG/TIG welders, saws, grinders.
Materials & Supplies
When available, we offer free and donated materials, such as plywood, fabric, yarn, wood scraps, and glass scraps, to help makers try new ideas and get creative. Availability varies and is not guaranteed, but these shared resources are offered when possible to support your learning and project work.
You may choose to purchase a Materials Subscription, a cost-efficient and convenient way to ensure you have the supplies you need where you need them! Materials subscription can be used for 3D Printing filament, ceramics (clay, glaze, firing), print shop (large format printer and vinyl). Subscribers are billed monthly and can cancel at any time.
Materials Subscription
$18 / month
Use any combination of materials in conjunction with your Day Pass or Membership. Balance is tracked at the front desk.
Don't see what you need? Email us. We're often able to work with individual material needs. [email protected].
| 3D Printing | 500 g plastic (FDM or SLA) |
| Pottery | 10 lbs Kiln Credit |
| Large Format Printing | 5 vertical ft of media (paper or vinyl) |
