Facilities and Machine Shop
The Bowdoin Machine Shop aims to provide convenient, flexible, and cost-effective machine shop services to the Bowdoin teaching and research community. Services include consultation, design, manufacturing, modifications, and instrument repairs.
Ben King is a machinist whose capabilities include conventional and CNC machine tools, CAD design, welding, brazing, mechanical and woodwork. Ben can be contacted via email – bking2@zo23.com or at 721-5344. Feel free to visit the shop in the North end of the Searles Science building basement. Advanced notice is appreciated.
Our Machine Shop is Capable of A Variety of Fabrication Methods
Machine tools:
- Trak DPM5 CNC mill and Trak DPM3 CNC mill – We have two of these 3 axis CNC mills with user friendly conversational controls that simplify working with complex geometry and repetitive tasks. These also have manual capabilities adding versatility for simple mill-drill jobs.
- Trak TRL lathe – This is a large capacity (24”x 70”) CNC lathe with a conversational programming. This system greatly simplifies the cutting of internal and external threads. It also has manual capabilities and handy features for cutting tapers, fillets and other simple tasks.
- Okuma CNC lathe – This is a much more sophisticated CNC machine capable of great speed and accuracy. In addition to conventional single point turning, it has live tooling and a programable C axis spindle, permitting axial or radial milling.
- Graziano SAG14 Lathe – This is a classic 1970’s geared head, toolroom lathe. While it lacks CNC control or digital readouts, it’s a very handy machine for simple jobs that don’t require those features.
Other Power tools:
- Delta drill press – Basic hole making
- Delta 14” vertical band saw – Straight and contoured cuts in wood, plastic and metal
- Johnson horizontal band saw – Cutting long material to length
- Delta 10” table saw – Cutting and ripping of wood and plastic sheets, strips and planks
- Craftsman radial arm saw – Cutting long material to length.
- Delta 1” belt sander - Smoothing and contouring wood plastic and metal.
- Jet 8” bench grinder – Tool sharpening
- K.O. Lee tool & cutter grinder – Tool sharpening, precision grinding
Welding and brazing:
- Lincoln PT 375 TIG (GTAW) welder – High grade welds in a variety of metals
- Marquette AC stick (SMAW) welder – Basic welding
- Linde oxy-acetylene (GMAW) set – Gas welding and brazing, flame cutting
Other: Trinco blast cabinet
Material: - The stockroom can provide some building nmaterial for small projects. The machinist can assist ordering for specialized applications or large projects, which must be paid by the originating department or grant.
