This paper proposes a mobile augmented reality (MAR) system aimed to support students in the use of a milling and lathe machines at a university manufacturing laboratory. The system incorporates 3D models of machinery and tools, text instructions, animations and videos with real processes to enrich the information obtained from the real world. The elements are shown when the user points the camera of a mobile device to specific parts of the machinery, where augmented reality (AR) markers are placed. The main goals of the project were (1) create an AR system that guides inexperienced users in machinery handling and (2) measure the acceptance rate and performance of the system in the school manufacturing laboratory. The guidance is provided by means of virtual information about how to operate the machinery when the trainer is not present. The system was implemented as a mobile app for Android devices and it was tested by 16 students and teachers at the university manufacturing laboratory through a survey. The results of this study revealed that students, laboratory technicians, and teachers had positive opinions and good acceptance about the use of the MAR system in the manufacturing laboratory. ß 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:967-981, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae;