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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a makerspace?
A MakerSpace is a collaborative work space that exists inside a school, library or as a separate public/private facility, designed for making, learning, exploring and sharing. These spaces generally offer a variety of industrial-grade equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, soldering irons and even sewing machines, depending on the specific establishment. These spaces help prepare those who need the critical 21st century skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), providing hands-on learning and critical thinking skills while fostering entrepreneurship as incubators and accelerators for business startups.
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Membership
membership
What are the memberships and how do they work?
Think of a gym membership, but for the resource library that has all the tools needed to make exactly what you want to. Just like a gym membership, you pay a month fee that allows access to the areas you want to be in. Our Limited Month Membership gives 4 visits over 30 days; our Unlimited Month Membership is unlimited access during member hours over 30 days. You can change between a Limited and an Unlimited, and you stop and start them whenever you want to use a month of making.
Is there an age limit for members?
Our standard memberships for working solo in the resource spaces are designed for individuals 18 years of age and up. Makers under the age of 18 can join adult Unlimited Members while working in certain shops with 1:1 supervision. The Computer Lab, FabLab, and Assembly Area is available for supervised 1:1 use by Makers aged 10 to 14; the Metal Shop, and most of the the Wood Shop tools may be used under 1:1 adult supervision by makers aged 15 and 17.
When do members get to use the space?
Member hours are Tuesday - Friday, 5pm - 9pm and Saturday & Sunday, 9am - 5pm.
Are there any extra costs members have to pay to use certain tools?
While the majority of our equipment is included in membership, there are additional costs for the use of specialty equipment such as the CNC router, 3D printers, laser cutter, and water jet. If you have specific questions regarding a resource, you're welcome to ask the questions when making your resource reservation. For all general resource questions, you can refer to the appropriate resource page, give us a call, or send us a message.
Do you offer corporate memberships or discounts for companies interested in getting access for their employees?
Yes, we love working with local companies that wish to give their employees access to CraterWorks! Contact us and we can start the conversation of what that looks like for you.
Can members have project materials delivered directly to the space?
At this time we are not equipped to accept your deliveries and ask that all project materials are brought with you as needed.
Equipment
Equipment
What type of equipment, tools, and resources do you have?
Our space is home to a variety of premium woodworking, metalworking, computing and culinary equipment, including table saws, wood planers and jointers, plasma cutter, tube bender (tube shark), welders, bandsaws, computers, plotter, 3D printers, CNC Router, laser cutter/engraver, water jet, commercial kitchen – and much more! Our inventory of tools and equipment is constantly growing, so please refer to the “What We Do” page to view specific details for each area
How do I reserve time in a space, or on a tool?
Once you've completed a shop safety orientation, you can reserve time to use a tool (lasers, 3D printers) or work in that shop (wood shop, metal shop). Give us a call during open member hours and let us know which tools you want to use and when, and we'll put you on the schedule. We highly encourage members to schedule ahead of time to ensure the resources are available.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)- is it required in the space? Is it offered in the space?
Yes, participant safety is our main priority, and we encourage everyone to bring (and use!) their own appropriate protective equipment when working in the space. There is certain PPE available for use, though, having your own is always the best choice! Each resource space does have unique requirements, depending on the tools used. For any resource area specific PPE questions, don't hesitate to ask the front desk steward when you call to reserve your space.
Are consumables or materials for making supplied in the space?
There are some consumables available for purchase. Materials include standard PLA filament for the 3D printers, as well as wood available for the laser cutters. All other consumables and materials must be supplied by the makers themselves.
Are there any options for storing material for projects I'm currently working on?
There are lease spaces available for both producers and standard members. These spaces are compounded with a membership and are limited. If you have questions on the space availability, drop us a message and we will find the right fit for you.
What can I cut on the lasers and the Wazer? What can I print on the 3D Printers?
Each of our digital fabrication tools come with unique specs that allow for different materials to be cut, engraved, or printed. Refer to the specific tool information to get an in-depth view of what is possible! Any material other than what is provided in-shop for these tools will need to be approved of by the staff and stewards on shift.
Do you accept donations?
Yes, we gladly accept donations in the form of new equipment and tools! To ensure we are keeping in line with current industry practices and continuing to provide the most advanced resources for our members, we do not customarily accept used equipment; however, on occasion and if authorized by the donor, we have the ability to take in specific used equipment for refurbishing and reselling, which helps further our cause as an organization. These situations are evaluated on a case by case situation. If you would like to inquire about a possible equipment donation, either new or used, please contact us at explore@craterworks.org to discuss further. We appreciate your support!
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