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faq [2017/06/13 23:40]
wildapricot-zeimantz_erich [Am I allowed to borrow tools and take them out of the building?]
faq [2023/12/10 21:17] (current)
dan_dude [Can I hire you to build something?]
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   * If you decide to pursue a membership, we'll give you a membership application form to take home and fill out.   * If you decide to pursue a membership, we'll give you a membership application form to take home and fill out.
   * We ask that you visit us one additional time to complete the sign up process.     * We ask that you visit us one additional time to complete the sign up process.  
 +  * Bring a valid form of ID if you plan to sign up
 +  * Please have the application with all needed signatures to the front desk by 8:00pm
   * All new members must be vetted and confirmed by two current members and one board member.     * All new members must be vetted and confirmed by two current members and one board member.  
   * If you cannot make a Tuesday meeting, please contact the [[mailto:info@milwaukeemakerspace.org|info@milwaukeemakerspace.org]] email account.  Occasionally we can make arrangements to meet prospective new members on days other than Tuesday, but we cannot guarantee certain days and times are available to meet with you.  Please remember that we are a volunteer organization and our members have other commitments.   * If you cannot make a Tuesday meeting, please contact the [[mailto:info@milwaukeemakerspace.org|info@milwaukeemakerspace.org]] email account.  Occasionally we can make arrangements to meet prospective new members on days other than Tuesday, but we cannot guarantee certain days and times are available to meet with you.  Please remember that we are a volunteer organization and our members have other commitments.
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 ====Can I apply online?==== ====Can I apply online?====
 Short answer: No.\\ Short answer: No.\\
-Longer answer: Maybe in the future we'll create a form to get the process started, but currently we only sign up new members at the Space and in person.  Meeting people face-to-face helps you get a feel for our group and helps us get a feel for you.  Each new member is formally endorsed by a current member to ensure we've had a chance to answer any questions they may have and adequately review our policies.+Longer answer: Meeting people face-to-face helps you get a feel for our group and helps us get a feel for you.  Each new member is formally endorsed by a current member to ensure we've had a chance to answer any questions they may have and adequately review our policies.
  
 ====Do I have to have an email address?==== ====Do I have to have an email address?====
 Short answer: Yes.\\ Short answer: Yes.\\
-Longer answer: An email address is needed for correspondence and invoices.  Remember that we are a volunteer organization and we do not have any employees.  At 200+ members, asking us to call by phone or send letters through the mail is something we simply don't have the time or resources to do.  Thankfully, setting up a free email account online is relatively easy.+Longer answer: An email address is needed for correspondence and invoices.  Remember that we are a volunteer organization and we do not have any employees.  At 550+ members, asking us to call by phone or send letters through the mail is something we simply don't have the time or resources to do. Thankfully, setting up a free email account online is relatively easy. 
 ====How can I pay my dues?==== ====How can I pay my dues?====
 http://wiki.milwaukeemakerspace.org/newmemberpamphlet#dues_payment http://wiki.milwaukeemakerspace.org/newmemberpamphlet#dues_payment
  
 ====What if I don't want to become a member, but I still want to hangout?==== ====What if I don't want to become a member, but I still want to hangout?====
-That's cool!  There are several people we consider "Friends of the Space" as well as regular guests.  Some people have expressed guilt that they can't afford the dues or can't make the time to use a membership regularly or they live too far away.  You can still participate on the mailing list, attend meetings and events, however for liability reasons you are considered a guest and will not be able to use any tools or equipment.+That's cool!  There are several people we consider "Friends of the Space" as well as regular guests.  Some people have expressed guilt that they can't afford the dues or can't make the time to use a membership regularly or they live too far away.  You can still participate on the public mailing list, and attend meetings and events, however for liability reasons you are considered a guest and will not be able to use any power tools or equipment.
  
 ====I'm a new member and I don't know where to get started!==== ====I'm a new member and I don't know where to get started!====
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 We recommend first contacting the tool's owner.  Each machine has a number and an information sheet attached to it.  That sheet indicates who owns it and who can train you on it.  If you're unsure how to contact someone, post a message to the mailing list and ask to be trained on a particular machine.   When all else fails, ask a fellow member. We recommend first contacting the tool's owner.  Each machine has a number and an information sheet attached to it.  That sheet indicates who owns it and who can train you on it.  If you're unsure how to contact someone, post a message to the mailing list and ask to be trained on a particular machine.   When all else fails, ask a fellow member.
  
-==== I love you guys!  How do I donate tools/money/stuff? ==== +==== How do I donate tools/money/stuff? ==== 
-Milwaukee Makerspace is a non-stock corporation operating in the State of Wisconsin.  We are recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational charity. If you would like to make a donation please visit a Tuesday night meeting and speak with a Board Memberor send an email to [[mailto:info@milwaukeemakerspace.org|info@milwaukeemakerspace.org]]+Milwaukee Makerspace is a 501(c )(3) non-profit educational charity.  
 + 
 + **Financial donations** will be very gratefully accepted! They can be made here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SSUNJVYKXRZZJ  
 + 
 + **Equipment and materials ** donations: Unfortunatelydue to limited volunteer resources, we must control any non-financial donations. **[[Miscellaneous/DonationPolicy|See this page]]** for info on what we might accept and how. 
 ====I want to bring some friends/family by to see the place!==== ====I want to bring some friends/family by to see the place!====
-Great!  As you may know we have meetings open to the public on Tuesdays starting at 7 PM.  Members can bring two guests to the makerspace. All guests must sign the [[http://milwaukeemakerspace.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/MakerspaceReleaseGuest.pdf|guest liability waiver]]. Copies of the waiver are available at the front desk in the lobby.  Members must supervise their guests at all times.  Guests must be at least 10 years of age.+Great!  As you may know we have meetings open to the public on certain Tuesdays starting at 7 PM. [[https://milwaukeemakerspace.org/calendar|Please check our calendar for details on the location of the next meeting.]] Members can bring two guests to the makerspace. All guests must sign the [[http://milwaukeemakerspace.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/MakerspaceReleaseGuest.pdf|guest liability waiver]]. Copies of the waiver are available at the front desk in the lobby.  Members must supervise their guests at all times.  Guests must be at least 10 years of age.
  
 ====Can my friend help me with my project, even if they're not a member?==== ====Can my friend help me with my project, even if they're not a member?====
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 ====Do you have any events for kids?==== ====Do you have any events for kids?====
 We occasionally host or participate in events that are open to children.  Every event is different and interested parties should contact the member or members planning a specific event to determine if kids are welcome to attend.  As stated elsewhere in our rules, guests must be at least 10 years of age and be supervised at all times.  For other kid-friendly events and workshops, please consider the following groups: We occasionally host or participate in events that are open to children.  Every event is different and interested parties should contact the member or members planning a specific event to determine if kids are welcome to attend.  As stated elsewhere in our rules, guests must be at least 10 years of age and be supervised at all times.  For other kid-friendly events and workshops, please consider the following groups:
-  * [[http://www.bbcmkids.org/|The Betty Brinn Children's Museum]] 
   * [[http://www.discoveryworld.org/|Discovery World]]   * [[http://www.discoveryworld.org/|Discovery World]]
   * [[http://www.wistem.org/|STEM Wisconsin]]   * [[http://www.wistem.org/|STEM Wisconsin]]
   * [[http://www.stemforward.org/|STEM Forward]]   * [[http://www.stemforward.org/|STEM Forward]]
-  * [[http://www.mpm.edu/plan-visit/calendar|Milwaukee Public Museum Calendar]] +  * [[http://www.mpm.edu/|Milwaukee Public Museum]]
-  * [[http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/home/museum/visit/families.html|Harley-Davidson Family Activities Page]]+
   * [[http://www.sanc.org/education|Schlitz Audubon Nature Center]]   * [[http://www.sanc.org/education|Schlitz Audubon Nature Center]]
   * [[http://urbanecologycenter.org/|Urban Ecology Center]]   * [[http://urbanecologycenter.org/|Urban Ecology Center]]
-  * [[http://www.mpl.org/foryou/kids/|Milwaukee Public Library - Kids Page]]+
 ====What if I want to bring in tools for my own use only?==== ====What if I want to bring in tools for my own use only?====
-That's fine too, but we'll ask that you mark your property with your name or initials and keep those tools separate from the rest of the group's.  You'll need to keep them in your personal storage space.+That's fine too, but we'll ask that you mark your property with your name or initials and keep those tools separate from the rest of the Makerspace/hack racks/project space.  You'll need to keep them in your personal storage space.
  
 ====I have this tool I want to bring in!  Who do I talk to?==== ====I have this tool I want to bring in!  Who do I talk to?====
-First, speak with the Area Champion of the shop where the tool will be stored. For small items, their approval is sufficient. The Board of Directors will review any large equipment being proposed, if the Area Champion is in agreement. (i.e. anything that you need help to lift should be discussed before you bring it in) and decide if it's useful to the group.  Your proposal may be turned down if we don't have space, don't have the money to install it, don't believe it would be used often, or we already have a similar tool.+First, speak with the Area Champion of the shop where the proposed tool will be stored. For small items, their approval is sufficient. The Board of Directors will review any large equipment being proposed, if the Area Champion is in agreement. (i.e. anything that you need help to lift should be discussed before you bring it in) and decide if it's useful to the group.  Your proposal may be turned down if we don't have space, don't have the money to install it, don't believe it would be used often, doesn't have the training or maintenance plan, or we already have a similar tool.
  
 ====What is an "Area Champion"?==== ====What is an "Area Champion"?====
-The space has many different areas, welding, forging, an electronics lab, a laser cutter lab, etc. For each area we try to have someone who takes responsibility for taking care of the area and training people on how to use the area. We call these people Area Champions. Interested in learning how to use a 3D printer? Talk to one of the 3D Printing Area Champions. But remember, like everyone else, they volunteer their time, so be kind and respect their contribution and efforts.+The space has many different areas, welding, forging, an electronics lab, a laser cutter lab, etc. For each area we try to have someone who takes responsibility for taking care of the area and training people on how to use the area. We call these people Area Champions. Interested in learning how to use a 3D printer? Talk to one of the 3D Printing Area Champions. But remember, like everyone else, they volunteer their time, so be kind and respect their contribution, process and efforts.
  
  
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   * We all want to avoid damaging equipment and ourselves.    * We all want to avoid damaging equipment and ourselves. 
   * We're all here to learn, and if we can learn to be safer by watching out for each other, that's a good thing.    * We're all here to learn, and if we can learn to be safer by watching out for each other, that's a good thing. 
-  * If someone dismisses your concerns, please confer with another member or members in the space at the time.  Also consider contacting the Board of Directors [[mailto:info@milwaukeemakerspace.org|info@milwaukeemakerspace.org]].+  * If someone dismisses your concerns, please confer with another member or members in the space at the time.  Also consider contacting the Board of Directors [[mailto:bod@milwaukeemakerspace.org|bod@milwaukeemakerspace.org]].
   * What sorts of things could be unsafe?   * What sorts of things could be unsafe?
       * Failure to wear proper safety gear (personal protective equipment: goggles, gloves, earplugs, etc.)       * Failure to wear proper safety gear (personal protective equipment: goggles, gloves, earplugs, etc.)
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 ====Can I hire you to build something?==== ====Can I hire you to build something?====
-**Short Answer:** No one ‘works’ at Milwaukee Makerspace we’re all just members, and we are not a business. If you want someone at Milwaukee Makerspace to make something for you, or help you make something yourself, your best bet is to come down to a Weekly Meeting at 7pm on a Tuesday and introduce yourself, talk about what you want, and see if anyone is interested in helping you out. You never know, you might find someone up for a new challenge, or just as excited about your potential project as you are. 
  
-**Long Answer:** http://milwaukeemakerspace.org/2013/03/can-you-guys-build-me-a/+**Short Answer:** No one ‘works’ at Milwaukee Makerspace we’re all just members, and we are not a business. If you want someone at Milwaukee Makerspace to make something for you, or help you make something yourself, your best bet is to come down to a Public Meeting at 7pm on a Tuesday and introduce yourself, talk about what you want, and see if anyone is interested in helping you out. [[https://milwaukeemakerspace.org/calendar|Please check our calendar for details on the location of the next meeting.]] You never know, you might find someone up for a new challenge, or just as excited about your potential project as you are. 
 + 
 +Alternately, you can post on our mailing list. If someone responds you can discuss the project with them: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/milwaukeemakerspace We have over 900 people on our mailing list, many are members, but not all of them are. Someone might want to help with your project. 
 + 
 +**Long Answer:** Any agreement you make between a member and you or your organization is strictly between the two parties, and Milwaukee Makerspace claims no involvement. If you hire a member to create something for you, Milwaukee Makerspace has no jurisdiction over the agreement or the member. See Also: http://milwaukeemakerspace.org/2013/03/can-you-guys-build-me-a/ 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
  
 ====Can I host my event at the Makerspace?==== ====Can I host my event at the Makerspace?====
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 ====Can I bring my pet into the space?==== ====Can I bring my pet into the space?====
-Pets at the space can be a touchy subject.  We have already had several different animals at the space, ranging from kittens to Great Danes.  In general they seem to be reasonably well accepted by the membership, but we do want to remind everyone that this is a community with over 200 members in it.  Remember to be excellent to each other.+Pets at the space can be a touchy subject.  We have already had several different animals at the space, ranging from kittens to Great Danes.  In general they seem to be reasonably well accepted by the membership, but we do want to remind everyone that this is a community with over 300 members in it.  Remember to be excellent to each other.
  
 Our advice on how to be excellent to fellow makers: Our advice on how to be excellent to fellow makers:
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   - Tools can only be borrowed for member use only and should not be given to guests or non-members.   - Tools can only be borrowed for member use only and should not be given to guests or non-members.
-  - Small tools and hand tools only are to be borrowed (examples: hand drill, saws, clamps, hand truck, etc.). +  - Small tools and hand tools only are to be borrowed (examples: hand drill, saws, clamps, hand truck, etc.). If we only have one of a tool, it should not leave the building
-  - The member should ask the Area Champion before borrowing the tool. +  - The member must ask the Area Champion or a Board Member before borrowing the tool. 
-  - The member should post on the members-only Google Group noting which item is being borrowed and the anticipated amount of time it will be in use.+  - Make a post on the members-only Google Group declaring which tool you are borrowing and the anticipated amount of time it will be in use. Then reply to your post upon its return 
 +  - It is suggested, but not required to post a photo of the tool along with your description.
   - If the anticipated length of time the tool will be borrowed for increases, the member should update the members-only Google Group and the Area Champion.   - If the anticipated length of time the tool will be borrowed for increases, the member should update the members-only Google Group and the Area Champion.
   - If the tool is returned damaged or the tool is not returned, the Board of Directors will have the discretion to hold the member accountable for the cost of repair/replacement.    - If the tool is returned damaged or the tool is not returned, the Board of Directors will have the discretion to hold the member accountable for the cost of repair/replacement. 
   - Tools should be returned to the space as soon as possible and the tool should not be borrowed for more than 7 days.   - Tools should be returned to the space as soon as possible and the tool should not be borrowed for more than 7 days.
 +  - Violation of the guidelines above could result in revocation of your membership.
    
-//**If you have questions or concerns about borrowing a tool, please see an Area Champion or Board Member.**//+//If you have questions or concerns about borrowing a tool, please see an Area Champion or Board Member.//
  
 ==== Can I manufacture a firearm or firearm parts at the Makerspace? ==== ==== Can I manufacture a firearm or firearm parts at the Makerspace? ====
faq.1497397217.txt.gz · Last modified: 2017/06/13 23:40 by wildapricot-zeimantz_erich