CRAFT Hive Logo

     

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home About Safety Hub Schedule Contact  
     Workshops Resources Project Examples Tools & Equipment   

Home About Safety Hub Schedule Contact Workshops Resources Project Examples Tools & Equipment Search

 

This page lists all tools, materials, and equipment available in the OISE Makerspace for in-space use. All items must remain in the makerspace and are not available for loan. For machines requiring training, visit the Tools & Equipment page.

1. Hand Tools

ToolDescriptionNotes
Pliers (General)Standard pliers for gripping, bending, and cutting wireUse appropriate size for task
10-Piece Jewelry Pliers SetFor assembling, shaping, and cutting thin metal wire and componentsHandle with care — sharp edges
ScrewdriversVarious sizes for assembly and disassembly tasks 
Box CutterFor scoring and cutting materials such as cardboard and foamCut away from body; retract blade when not in use
ScissorsGeneral-purpose cuttingKeep sharp; store safely
Jewelry Saw Frame + BladesAdjustable saw frame with 144 blades for cutting metalBench Pin Clamp included for stabilizing material
Bench Pin ClampHolds material steady on the table while sawing or filing 
Steel Bench Block & Stamping HammerFor hammering textures and transferring stamp patterns onto metal 
Hammer SetGeneral-purpose hammers 
Double-Faced Soft HammerPlastic and rubber head; for leather crafts and soft formingWon't mar surfaces
Punch Disc CutterCuts sheet metal into precise round shapesUse with bench block
Metal File SetLarge carbon steel files + needle files for metal, wood, plastic, 3D prints 
Wood Ring ClampHolds small objects securely — protects fingers during delicate work 
Universal Table ViseClamps to work surface; holds large pieces of wood, metal, or resin 
Heavy Duty Metal Cutter ShearsCuts copper and brass sheetsUse appropriate shear for material thickness

2. Power & Electronic Tools

Drills & Rotary Tools

ToolDescriptionNotes
Hand DrillCordless electric drill for drilling holes in wood, plastic, and soft metalsCheck drill bit is secure; wear eye protection
Dremel — Flexible Shaft Rotary Tool (×4)Forward/reverse rotary tool for engraving, polishing, drilling, and finishingNOT for cutting
Rotary Tool Accessories Kit / Dremel Bits (×2)Full accessory set for use with the Dremel rotary toolMatch bit to material and task
Sandpaper Rolls SetFor use with the Flexible Shaft Rotary Tool on small pieces 
Oscillating Sander (for crafts)Sands wood, plastic, and metal surfacesWear dust mask and eye protection
Desk Vacuum CleanerRemoves dust and debris from the work surfaceEmpty regularly

Electronics Bench Tools

ToolDescriptionNotes
Soldering Station & Rework StationPrecision soldering for electronics assembly and reworkWork in ventilated area; avoid touching tip; wash hands after use
MultimeterMeasures voltage, current, and resistance in electronic circuitsVerify probe connections before measuring
Heat GunApplies concentrated heat for shaping acrylic and heat-shrink sheetsPoint away from people; surface will be HOT

3. Craft & Making Tools

ToolDescriptionNotes
LED UV LampCures UV resinClean after each use
Resin Jewelry Casting Molds (small)Small silicone molds for UV and regular resin (e.g., gemstone shapes)Clean after each use
Resin Molds (large)Larger silicone molds for UV and regular resinClean after each use
UV Resin Tools KitMixing sticks, spreaders, and related tools for resin workClean after each use
Resin Sanding & Polishing KitSanding and polishing supplies for resin, metal, paper, and wood 
Steel Punch Press ToolLetter and number metal stamp set for pressing patterns into metal 
Deckle (Paper-Making Frame)Includes pulp, plastic whisk, and spoon — for making handmade paper 
Wet Felting Tool SetFor wet felting techniquesUse with soap and water
Scissors (Craft)General-purpose craft scissors 
Note: Please keep all tools and materials in the makerspace. They are for in-space use only.

4. Electronics & Computing

Microcontrollers & Single-Board Computers

ItemDescriptionNotes
Arduino Uno R3 KitComplete starter kit with board, breadboard, wires, and componentsReturn all kit parts when finished
Arduino Uno R4 with Wi-FiUpgraded Arduino with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth supportReturn all kit parts when finished
Micro:bit KitBBC Micro:bit with accessories; ideal for introductory physical computingReturn all kit parts when finished
Raspberry PiFull single-board Linux computer for advanced projectsAsk staff for availability

Components & Accessories

ItemDescriptionNotes
Sensors KitVariety pack of sensors (temperature, motion, light, etc.)Return all components after use
MotorsDC motors and servo motors for robotics and kinetic projectsReturn after use
Water PumpSmall submersible pump for creative installationsReturn after use
Wires KitJumper wires, alligator clips, and breadboard connectorsKeep sorted by type

Cameras & Extended Reality

ItemDescriptionNotes
GoPro CameraAction camera for documentation and project captureReturn with all accessories
VR SetsVirtual reality headsets for immersive experiences and researchHandle with care; return in case
360° CamerasOmnidirectional cameras for immersive content creationReturn with all accessories

Other

ItemDescriptionNotes
Lego SetsLEGO bricks and kits for prototyping and creative makingReturn all pieces to storage
Colours / PaintsAcrylic paints and watercolours for mixed-media projectsReplace caps; clean brushes
Pipe CleanersFlexible craft wire with fiber coating 
Pom-PomsAssorted craft pom-poms 
StrawsPaper and plastic straws for structural and craft projects 

5. Consumable Materials

ItemDescriptionNotes
Crystal Clear Epoxy ResinTwo-part regular resin for casting and coatingMix in correct ratio; wear gloves; ventilated area
Crystal Clear UV ResinUV-curable resin for quick small-scale projectsCure under UV lamp; wear gloves
Acrylic Sheets — ColouredFor laser cutting or heat-formingLaser-grade approved
Acrylic Sheets — ClearFor laser cutting or heat-formingLaser-grade approved
Heat Shrink SheetsShrink and shape using heat gun 
Natural Dry Paper PulpFor making handmade paper with the deckle 
Jewelry Making Supplies KitBeads, wires, silver pendants, jump rings, tweezers, thimble ring 
Thin Reed Strip MaterialFlexible wood strips for sculptural and creative art projects 
Brass SheetThin brass sheet for cutting and stampingUse with appropriate shears
Brass Wire (6-pack)Brass and copper wire for jewellery and sculpture 
Copper SheetThin copper sheet for cutting and stamping 
Felting Wool — UndyedNatural wool for needle or wet felting 
Felting Wool — ColouredDyed wool in various colours for needle or wet felting 
Soap (Pure Olive Oil, Fragrance Free)Used in the wet felting process 
Liquid School GlueMulti-purpose craft glueReplace cap after use
Mini Micro Drill Bit SetFor use with the Electric Mini Drill Press — small sizes break easilyKeep 2 sets on hand
Cement / Quick-Set ConcreteFor sculptural and structural making projectsMix only as needed; wear gloves
PigmentsColour pigments for resin, paper, and paint projectsLabel containers; keep sealed
Tape (assorted)Masking, painter's, and adhesive tapes 

6. Protection Equipment

ItemDescriptionWhen required
Safety Work GlovesProtects hands during heavy-duty tool useCNC mill, laser cutter, metal work
Disposable GlovesProtects hands from resins, chemicals, and fine materialsEpoxy or UV resin work
Protection EyewearSafety glasses for eye protectionDrilling, sanding, milling, laser operations
Dust MasksFilters fine particles and dustSanding and cutting operations
Aprons (×4) — WashableFull-coverage apron to protect clothingResin and paint work
Note: If you are unsure which PPE is required for a specific activity, ask a staff member before proceeding.

HIVE Makers Summer Camp

This summer, ten students in grades 5 through 11 spent a week at the OISE HIVE designing, building, and coding their way through a hands-on makerspace experience. After exploring 3D printing, laser cutting, electronics, and art-making, the group came together for an ambitious final project: a fully interactive Smart House, complete with a working door lock, motion-activated lighting, a resin-cast swimming pool, and furniture that was both hand-built and 3D printed, all designed and created entirely by the students themselves. Along the way, they learned to problem-solve, collaborate across teams, and embrace the trial-and-error spirit that lies at the heart of making.

The full group of HIVE Makers Summer Camp students and instructors together at the OISE makerspace
The students' finished interactive Smart House final project
Another view of the students' completed Smart House, showing its lighting and built features
A student sketching and planning their design on a whiteboard
Students learning how to safely use a saw to cut material
Students working together across the makerspace's different stations
OISE

Copyright © 2026 The Hive | Thinking Through Making | Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto