This guide covers everything you need to know in your first week as a member. For a higher-level walkthrough, also see the Start Here page.

Your First Visit

1. Join Signal — most day-to-day communication happens in our Signal group (contact us for an invite).
2. Take the orientation tour — covers all zones and safety equipment.
3. Sign waivers — liability and photo waivers must be on file.
4. Get your fob — received after signing your waivers; grants access.

Access Levels

Tool Certifications

Some tools require a short certification before unsupervised use:

• 3D Printers — 15-minute orientation
• Laser Cutter — safety quiz (required) + in-person training (~15 min)
• Drill Press — in-person training (~15 min)
• Power Tools — requires confirmation of general tool safety
• Embroidery Machine — in-person training (1 hour)
• Soldering Station requires confirmation of general tool safety

Space Layout

The space is organized into dedicated stations around a central work table.

              ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
              │         │Sewing / Cosplay  │      Wood Workshop       │
              │         │   Station        │                          │
              │                                             ──────────┤
              ├                                                       |
              │                                                       │
              │  Member           ┌──────────────────┐     3D Print   │
              │  Storage          │                  │       Farm     │
              │                   │   Central Table  │      ──────────┤
              │  Power Tool       │                  │     Analogue   │
              │  Library          └──────────────────┘      Station   │
              ├──────────                                  (DVD/VHS/  │
              │                                            Cassette)  │
              │                                             ──────────┤
              │                                        Laser Cutter   │
              │ Community Board                        + Materials    │
              ├────────────                                 ──────────┤
┌───────────┐ │                       │ Electronics 1  │Electronics 2 │
│  Office / │ │ Clothing Projects     │                │              │
│  Coffee / | └───────────────────────┴────────────────┴──────────────┘
│ Station   │
└────┬──────┘
 Entrance

Station descriptions:

• Member Storage — personal storage for ongoing projects
• Power Tool Library — shared power tools available for checkout
• Sewing / Cosplay Station — sewing machines, serger, dress forms, and fabric workspace
• Wood Workshop — workbench, hand tools, drill press, and dust collection
• 3D Print Farm — FDM and resin printers
• Analogue Station — DVD, VHS, and cassette production and encoding
• Laser Cutter + Materials — laser cutter with adjacent material storage (filament etc..)
• Electronics Station 1 & 2 — soldering, bench power supplies, and component storage
• Office Desk / Coffee Station — admin area and refreshments
• Central Table — shared work surface for layout, assembly, and collaboration

Rules of the Space

1. Clean up after yourself (5-minute rule).
2. Return tools to their designated homes, happy tools == happy home.
3. Report broken equipment immediately in Signal .
4. Guests must be accompanied by a member.
5. Know the location of the fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and other safety equipment before using the space.
6. Honor the color-coded labels on components and materials:
   • 🟢 Green — free to use
   • 🔵 Blue/Purple — free to use, but please replace after use
   • 🩷 Pink — ask before use
   • 🟠 Orange — do not use

Getting Help

• Signal — tag a founder for quick questions.
• Office hours — available by appointment.
• Peer tutoring — ask questions in the Signal chat to learn from other members.

First Project Ideas

Not sure what to make? Try one of these to get familiar with the tools:

• Custom phone stand (3D print, ~2 hours)
• Engraved keychain (laser, ~30 minutes)
• LED circuit (soldering, ~1 hour)
• Simple shelf (woodshop, ~3 hours)