Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Urban Workshop located?
A: We are located at 365-A Clinton Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Near the cross roads of Redhill and Bristol in the heart of Orange County California.
Q: What are Urban Workshop’s operating hours?
A: Urban Workshop is open Monday through Friday 9 am to 9 pm and Saturday / Sunday 9 am to 4 pm.
Q: Can you show me how to use the tools and equipment?
A: YES! We offer introductory level classes through advanced classes to get you up to speed quickly and safely.
Q: What type of classes does Urban Workshop Offer?
A: We offer several levels of classes:
– Introductory / sign-off classes are intended to provide you with the basic skills to operate a specific piece of equipment safety.
– Courses are a series of classes designed to more you toward mastery within a specific area of the workshop.
– Project classes provide a way to get experience on a set of techniques with the guidance of our staff instructors.
– Maker Mentoring one to one sessions are offered to help you quickly work thru a specific challenge or learn a desired skill quickly.
Q: Do I need to be a member to take classes?
A: No! Anyone can take classes at Urban Workshop. In fact, we encourage you to take classes ahead of time so that when you join you can immediately work on the equipment you want.
Q: What tools and equipment does Urban Workshop provide?
A: We provide our members access to just about every machine, tool and process that you can think of including milling machines, lathes, Epilog laser cutters, welding equipment, sheet metal equipment, CNC machining, Wood shop equipment, a large 4’ X 8’ CNC router, hand tools, Dimension Elite 3D Printer, Computer lab, engineering and design software, electronics lab, CNC vinyl cutter, conference room. Overhead projector, and much more.
For a complete list please see our Equipment page.
Q: Can I use any tool or machine in the shop?
A: Yes, as soon as you have taken and passed the introductory class for that tool or machine, if one is required.
A majority of the tools and some of the machines at Urban Workshop do NOT have a class requirement. However for safety reasons, if a machine can injure you or can be damaged through improper use, then you need to take and pass the associated basic use class.
Q: Can I reserve time on a machine?
A: Yes! With an active Urban Workshop membership, you can reserve time on any machine in advance by using our web portal, mobile app, or by calling the front desk at 949-296-2153.
Q: How much does the Urban Workshop membership cost?
A: For current Urban Workshop membership pricing and special offers please see the membership page for details.
Q: How do I cancel or get a refund for an Urban Workshop membership or class?
A: Please see the Refund and Cancellation Policy page for complete details.
Q: Can my kids work on projects with me at Urban Workshop?
A: Children and young adults (12 to 15 years of age) can work on projects at Urban Workshop under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian if they are included in your membership. Young adults age 16 – 17 can use the shop once their parents have approved and the signed the waivers. Please call and ask about add-on and family memberships.
Many classes at Urban Workshop are open to children and young adults (12 to 15 years of age) when they are taken with their parents or legal guardian. However, due to the inherent risks to the operator there are some tools and machines available at Urban Workshop that kids are not permitted to operate at any time including the milling machines and lathes.
Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to enter the workshop space at Urban Workshop except for during staff guided tours, age-appropriate classes and certain special events.
Q: How long has Urban Workshop been open?
A: Urban Workshop opened July 15, 2014.
Q: Does Urban Workshop carry liability insurance?
A: Yes! We have liability insurance and we require members and anyone who takes a class at Urban Workshop 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 be injured at Urban Workshop so we will always do our best to promote a safety conscious culture at Urban Workshop.
Q: Does Urban Workshop provide project materials?
A: We stock consumable materials that members can purchase for the 3D printer, vinyl cutter, and large format printer. Otherwise members need to bring their own project materials. Members do enjoy pre-negotiated discounts on materials from our local partners.
We also encourage members to leave their left over parts and cut off materials in the shop for other members to use. As a result we have a significant “Bin wall” for members to rummage thru. We will receive materials you have delivered to Urban Workshop on your behalf so that it is available when you come in to the shop.
Q: Does Urban Workshop provide tooling for the machinery?
A: Urban Workshop has a basic selection of the most common cutting tools and bits members can borrow for their projects. We recommend that you bring your own tooling if high tolerances or special tools are required for your project.