Mechanical Engineering Tools
MIT OpenCourseWare offers this introductory workshop in machine tools and computer tools for mechanical engineering students, created by Prof. Douglas Hart and Dr. Kevin Otto. Students learn hands-on use of the bandsaw, milling machine, and lathe alongside computer instruction in MATLAB, Maple, and CAD, with an emphasis on solving engineering problems rather than programming or algorithm design. Assignments are project-based and tied directly to mechanical engineering applications, intended as an early practical grounding for students who have just declared the major, typically taken during the first IAP session after declaring. The course includes MIT's course materials, assignments, and project descriptions, all free to access through OpenCourseWare with no certificate offered. It suits anyone wanting a concrete introduction to the physical and digital tools used throughout a mechanical engineering curriculum.