Q Where is TechShop located?
A TechShop Menlo Park (Company HQ) is located at 120 Independence Dr, Menlo Park, California, just to the east of 101 near Marsh Road on the San Francisco peninsula. map

See our Locations page for information and directions to our other TechShop locations.
Q What are TechShop's operating hours?
A Please see our Hours page for operating hours and holiday schedule.
Q Can you show me how to use the tools and equipment?
A Yes! We offer Safety and Basic Use (SBU) classes to get you up to speed quickly and safely.

Please see our Take Classes page for a list of currently offered classes.
Q What type of classes does TechShop offer?
A We offer several types of classes:

- "SBU" classes are designed to provide you with basic safety training on a specific tool or machine.

- "Pathway" classes are offered as building blocks to help you meet your project goals.

- "Project" classes offer instruction in the specific techniques necessary to complete an in-class project.

Please see our Take Classes page for a complete list of currently offered classes.
Q Do I have to be a member to take classes?
A No! Anyone can take classes at TechShop. Taking a class is a great way for you to pick up new skills and experience the many ways a TechShop membership will empower you first hand.
Q What tools and equipment does TechShop provide its members?
A 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 4' x 8' CNC ShopBot router, plastics working equipment, hand tools, a 3-D printer, computer-controlled vinyl cutter, sewing machines, software and lots more.

For a complete list of our tools and equipment, please see the Equipment page.
Q Can I use any tool or machine in the shop?
A Yes, as soon as you have taken and passed the SBU (Safety and Basic Use) class for that tool or machine.

Note: A good number of the tools and some of the machines at TechShop DO NOT require an SBU class, but any machine that can injure you or can be damaged through improper use requires you to take and pass an SBU Class before you can use it.
Q Can I reserve time on a machine?
A Yes! With an active TechShop membership, you can reserve time on any machine in advance of your visit by calling the friendly TechShop front desk staff.

See our Locations page for phone numbers and information.
Q How much does a TechShop membership cost?
A Please see the Membership page for current TechShop membership pricing.
Q Can my kids work on projects and take classes with me at TechShop?
A Kids and young adults (12 to 17 years of age) can work on projects at TechShop under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian if they are included in your membership (call and ask about our Family Membership offer).

Many classes at TechShop are open to kids and young adults (12 to 17 years of age) when they are taken with their parent or legal guardian. However, based on the inherent risk to the operator there are some tools and machines at TechShop that kids are not permitted to operate at any time. These include the milling machines and lathes.

Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to enter the workshop areas at TechShop except for during staff guided tours, age-appropriate classes and certain special events.
Q How long has TechShop been open?
A TechShop opened on October 1, 2006.
Q Does TechShop carry liability insurance?
A Of course. We have liability insurance and we require members and anyone who takes a class at TechShop to sign a liability release waiver. We also require members to receive safety training on machines and equipment before they can use it. We don't want anyone to experience an injury. We always strive to build a safety-conscious culture at TechShop.
Q Can I open a TechShop in my area?
A We are expanding TechShop to other cities as company-owned locations and are not currently offering franchise opportunities. If you are interested in being considered should we decide to offer franchise opportunities in the future, please sign up on the TechShop Mailing List and check the box that indicates that you might want to "OWN AND OPERATE A TECHSHOP IN MY AREA."