Welcome to the Engineering Machine Shop

The Engineering Machine Shop provides machining and fabricating services for the University community, specifically the Faculty of Engineering. We are a large, fully equipped facility and employ four machinists and two welder/fabricators. With an extensive array of machine tools, we have the ability to produce equipment for a broad range of research, teaching and testing needs. Students are not permitted to use the equipment in this shop.
Hours of operation 2023
Main Shop (EMS) - E3 2121
- Monday – Friday 8:45am to 4:15pm
- Closed for Breaks:
10:00am - 10:20am
12:00 - 12:30pm
3:00pm - 3:20pm
Disclaimer: The shop hours are subject to change and whenever possible such changes are announced in advance.
Online Work Request
http://engmachineshop.uwaterloo.ca/
Please note that access to the online work request is limited to the campus networks and campus wireless and remote access through the VPN. It is not available off campus without the VPN. To gain VPN access please go to uwaterloo.ca/information-systems-technology/services/virtual-private-network-vpn.

Contact
For further information, please call x 32110.
Manager, Engineering Machine Shop
- Brian Shuh (bshuh@uwaterloo.ca) or x 32495
Lead Hand, Engineering Machine Shop
- Phill Laycock (p2laycock@uwaterloo.ca) or x 32110
Note: in order to help us process your work as quickly and efficiently as possible please submit all relevant drawings and or CAD with your request. As the EMS can be quite busy at times please be aware that we prioritize jobs for undergraduate student teams first; otherwise, jobs are initiated in the order that they are received unless special circumstances may warrant a discussion with the manager.
Important Information
We would like to make our customers aware that the EMS inventory is now available online. Please follow the link below to access the website:
https://ems-stores.uwaterloo.ca/ems-site/
Attention: Items listed in our database are not necessarily in stock. If the item you require is not in stock, we can place an order. Generally, most items listed usually arrive in 3 – 5 business days.
Pricing: While we strive to maintain the lowest pricing on materials, please be aware that prices listed are not always up-to-date. Prices shown are based on the most recent shipment. When a new order is placed, the price will be adjusted accordingly.
Please note: We only accept Watcard and account numbers for payment. We do not accept cash or credit card.
The Engineering Machine Shop will be closed on the following dates:
- Monday, July 2nd for Canada Day
- Monday, August 7th for the Civic Holiday
- Monday, September 4th for Labour Day
- Monday, October 9th for Thanksgiving
- Monday December 25th to Monday January 1st 2023 for the holiday season

Engineering Student Machine Shop
Students have the option to do work themselves in the Engineering Student Machine Shop. This shop is staffed by qualified machinists and is available to all current Engineering and Architecture students participating in class projects, design teams and other scholarly activities. Please note that an access card is required and is obtained after completing the safety orientation session.
Safety Orientation Sessions
If you wish to access the Engineering Student Machine Shop, you must first take the ESMS Orientation Course on Learn.
This is a self-paced course that will instruct you on the machinery and safety concerns present in the ESMS.
To register, go to the Learn homepage and select Self Registration. You will need to enrol in the course labelled “Engineering Student Machine Shop Orientation”. Upon completion you will be eligible to receive an access card to use the Engineering Student Machine Shop. You can pick up the access card at the ESMS, E5 1101D.
Contact
Engineering Student Machine Shops and Student Design Centre
Any inquires regarding the Student Shops and the Student Design Centre can be directed to Graeme Adair at graeme.adair@uwaterloo.ca or x 39389.
This facility experiences maximum occupancy limits on a regular basis during the winter term as student teams prepare their vehicles etc. for competition. Early mornings are usually less busy than afternoons; plan accordingly if possible.