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Perks & Recreation

the 8

Students using tools and carrying wood in The 8

Hours

1 pm–Midnight, daily
Shop hours may vary

Contact Us

(206) 685-7612
mcmahon8@uw.edu

Get ready to unleash your creativity at The 8, located in McMahon Hall! This multi-use community center is the ultimate hub for students seeking innovation and collaboration. Dive into the makerspace, equipped with state-of-the-art metal and wood shops and cutting-edge 3D printing technology – all set to bring your wildest ideas to life. Don't miss out on the chance to hone your skills using industry-standard tools, just like the pros. Looking for a spot to hunker down and study or a quiet spot to hang out? The 8 houses booths with space for students to gear up for their next exam or a cozy spot to relax, away from your room.


"I like that the dorm is close to the classes and we have The 8 so we can study and interact with people when we want to."

—Sophomore, McMahon Hall


Using The 8

I am a… Makerspace, Games, Study Space Wood and Metal shops
On-campus HFS resident FREE FREE
UW Student, non-HFS resident FREE FREE
UW Faculty User fee* User fee*
Conference Guest No Access No Access
Unaffiliated with UW  No Access No Access

* User fees are as follows: $15/Day Pass, $25/Quarterly Membership, $40/Summer Membership and Conference Guest membership to Area 01 Dabble Lab, Sound Lab and Image Lab.

Before you use the makerspace

Complete the Training Quiz.

If you are NOT an on-campus HFS resident, read and sign our User Agreement

After you have completed the safety training quiz, you will be eligible to register for workshops and reserve work time in the space with a staff member present.

The user agreement and safety training quiz must be completed annually.

Please note that certain machines and equipment require additional training (for example, equipment in the woodshop and machine shop).

Register for workshops and classes

Keep track of the fun events, and register for workshops and classes going on at The 8 at our registration site.

Register Now

Partnerships 

The 8 offers outstanding opportunities for classes, workshops and events. Partnering with The 8 helps bring more engagement with UW students to your department or organization by connecting with them where they live. If you would like to work with us to schedule an event, class, tour, project or anything else, please submit your request via our Perks & Rec Request form or email Alyssa Hall for more information. 

Ways to partner with The 8 

Creative events and gatherings: Whether its designing and building projects in our makerspace, hosting a fun get-together in our VR Experience Room or hanging out in our recreational billiards, tennis table and games area, The 8 has a place for you and your friends to have fun. The 8 also has ample study space, with sweeping views of University Village and Montlake in the background. 

Academic and learning partnerships: Supporting the academic mission of the UW is a vital part of our mission. We are interested in partnerships with campus departments and colleges to provide a large range of student-learning possibilities. Our strong partnerships with DXARTS and the UW College of Engineering provide us connections with the arts and sciences departments on campus. Please email Alyssa Hall at amh76@uw.edu with any questions or inquiries about how you can get involved. 

Registered Student Organization (RSO): The 8 may be the perfect space for your RSO’s next event. Our diverse resources combined with our flexible and fun spaces provide your organization with the spark it needs for dynamic membership engagement. Whether it’s work or play, The 8 has an ideal mix of both. RSOs can apply for time-limited workspace in The 8. Please contact Kory Dean to request additional details. 

Professional-grade equipment and tools 

Featuring industry-standard equipment, The 8 gives you exclusive access to top-of-the-line equipment typically beyond reach in non-academic campus spaces. Level up your game by mastering your craft on cutting-edge machines and tools and embrace your inner pro! 

Metal Shop 

  • TRAK DPM Manual /3-axis CNC Bed Mill 
  • Clausing Metosa C1440S Lathe 
  • Delta 8” Industrial Grinder 
  • Delta 16 ½” Variable Speed Drill Press 
  • Delta 6” Belt/9” Disc Sander 
  • Wilton 14” Vertical Band Saw 
  • Jet 7” Horizontal-Vertical Band Saw 
  • DeWalt 14” Chop Saw 

Wood Shop 

  • Sawstop Cabinet Table Saw with Router 
  • Delta 16 ½” Variable Speed Drill Press 
  • Dyna CNC Router 5’x8’ bed 
  • Rigid 13” Thickness Planer 
  • Rigid 6 1/8” Jointer/Planer 
  • Delta 14” Vertical Band Saw 
  • Delta 6” Belt/9” Disc Sander 
  • Makita 10” Slide Compound Chop Saw 
  • Safety Speed Vertical Panel Saw – 74” max crosscut 
  • Grizzly 1” x 30” Belt/5” Disc Combo Sander 
  • DeWalt 20” Variable Speed Scroll Saw 
  • 3D/FABRICATION 
  • Universal Laser Cutter 36” x 24” cutting surface 
  • LPKF Protomat S100 Circuit Board Prototyping Machine 
  • Dremel 3D45 3D Printer 
  • Creaform Go Scan 50 White Light Portable 3D Scanner 

Meet the team

Alyssa Hall smiling

Alyssa Hall

Residence Education Specialist for North Campus
(206) 221-7712 / amh76@uw.edu

Alyssa has worked as a professional staff member at the UW since 2019 and has served in various roles within HFS. Alyssa earned her BA in Political Science from the Univeristy of Washington Seattle. Alyssa oversees the operations of The MILL and The 8.

Kory Dean smiling

Kory Dean

Instructional Shop Technician
(206) 616-7424 / kjdean@uw.edu

Kory has worked at UW since 2021, in a dual role with the College of Engineering and HFS. Kory teaches classes and workshops and oversees the repair and upkeep of equipment in The 8.

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