This should help to explain some of our rules, policies, and where stuff goes.

Be Excellent To Each Other

Short and to the point. Be decent, share graciously, disagree respectfully, and keep others in mind whenever you are doing (or considering doing) things in the shop. Be a model for others and always be excellent to each other.

If you forget any other rule, remember the First Rule. Pretty much every other rule flows from this one.

Never be afraid to ask questions. Questions are amazing. “Where do we keep the glue?”, “What are you working on? That looks amazing.”, “How do I safely make this cut?”. Our goals as an organization are to foster making, sharing, and learning, questions are and important part of that. If you are not sure of something, ask. Other members are happy to help. Though, obviously, respect people's boundaries.

On the other side of this, readily offer help. Someone looking confused? Has that person been mumbling about looking for a tool and rifling around through drawers for 10 minutes? Is someone doing something unsafe? Offer help and guidance. Offer to show them where that tool is, offer them with their problem, offer advice on how to make that cut on the table saw in a safe way. Sharing and learning depend on asking and answering questions, and that's two thirds of why TCMaker exists.

We are a completely volunteer run organization. It is the responsibility of every member to pitch in where they can and help keep the shop clean, tools working, people trained, and so on.

Whenever you use an area, leave it a bit cleaner than you found it. Things being kept clean and tools kept in their homes helps everyone work more efficiently in the shop and working together to keep the shop clean and in order makes the work easier on all of us. Do what you can to keep the shop clean (bonus XP for people who clean the bathroom).

If it's going to be in the shop when you aren't, put a label on it. You'll find green Parking Permits in various locations around the shop. Fill it out – please print neatly – and attach the permit firmly to the stuff you're leaving behind.

If it takes up a lot of space make sure it is out of the way of others trying to work.

If it is large, bulky, and going to need to be stored for a while make sure your talk to the member storage manager to make arrangements.

Shop tools are shop tools and need to stay at the makerspace. Members are not allowed to take tools home with them without explicit permission from a department's manager. The tools at the makerspace are for the use of all members and taking tools out of the space can cause a lot of problems for other members coming in expecting a tool that was there a few days ago is still going to be there.

We are a volunteer run non-profit. Machines can break and there is only so much volunteer time to keep things running. If you come in and the machine you wanted to use is broken and you have the knowledge or willingness to learn how to fix it please reach out to the area manager and see if there is a way you can help to get it back up and running.

Whether that's due to medication, alcohol, or being tired. Yes, we allow you to bring adult beverages to the shop. Use the tools first, and then when you're done, celebrate your victories with a nice beverage.

Due to federal regulations, you can't work on firearms in the shop. That would make TCMaker a firearms manufacturer, and that's a lot of work and legal hassle we don't want. For more information see the page about the firearms policy.

• The loading dock needs to be kept completely clear during business hours from the edge of the garage door to the door wall.
• A 4' wide path must be kept open through the center of the shop in case of fire.
• Trash and recycling cans can be found in most rooms. Please refrain from putting garbage in the blue recylcling bins. If the bin is full be proactive and empty it outside and place the bin back where you found it. Please replace the bag.
• Set the alarm when you leave if you're the last one out after business hours.
• Please keep the gate closed and locked at all times. If it is open please close and lock it.
• Keep the Office and Classroom doors closed to keep dust down. (When you're making a mess, and for a bit after.)
• You can put whatever you like that's food safe in the Member's Fridge, or the Basement Fridge, but if it gets furry, it's gonna go away. Respect other members needs for some cool space. Try to limit yourself to a six-pack sort of volume.
• Use the dust collection system when you're using anything that makes dust, and leave it on for about 5 minutes after you're done making dust.
• Empty the ShopVac when it's full, and vacuum off its filter with the dust collector.
• You too can shovel the steps.
• Don't start something that's going to take up a big chunk of space for weeks with out getting approval from the department head, or build something that will block access to other tools.
• It is a violation of our lease and city code to sleep in the space overnight. This is a big no-no.
• Follow the Tool Use stickers. If you're not trained to use something, don't hurt yourself, others, or the tool.

• Soda in the fridge and snacks above it should be paid for in the donation bin by the Office.
• First Aid Kit is on the wall in the classroom. If you notice it's out of something, tell the board or restock it. Do NOT remove it, or use its contents as tools.
• Fire Extinguishers are around the shop, familiarize yourself with their locations.
• The ceiling electrical drops are on a fuse. If it has 4 sockets, it's 20A, fewer, it's 15A. Extra fuses live in the office on the window by the door.
• Other electrical outlets are on a breaker we do not have access too. Tell a board member or shop manager and they'll request to have them reset the next business morning.
• Flammable things go in the Yellow Cabinet by the classroom, label items that are yours with your name an the date you are storing them.
• Member Applications are in the front office on the welcome table. Completed forms should go in the bin.
• Parking permits and out of order tags are located around the shop for easy access.
  • If you are leaving something make sure to store it properly and mark it with a parking permit.
  • If you find a tool is broken, mark it with an out of order tag and let the area manager know

• More complicated Policies can be found here and membership policies here
• You can bring guests, they must have a waiver on file, but they can't use tools, and you are responsible for their actions, and injury. (see Guest Policy)
• Alcoholic beverages are welcome (if you're of age), and you can share (if they're of age). You can't sell them, and you should not be overly intoxicated. You can't use any tools if you're impaired.
• Don't do things outside that will upset a stereo-typically cranky old neighbor. (or our landlord, or the city, etc.)
• After the lot is plowed, be mindful of the metal plate. A corner often gets turned up that will take out a tire, if not an oil pan.
• If you've got a question, ask a member of the Board of Directors, either in person (A few are usually there for Open Wednesdays) or by emailing [email protected] I promise they'll get back to you in something that almost resembles a timely fashion.
• Twin Cities Maker business cards are available to tell folks about us. Ask a member of the Board of Directors.