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

Be Excellent To Each Other

Simple, right? Be a decent human being, share graciously, disagree agreeably, and keep others in mind whenever you're doing (or considering doing) things in the shop. There's never a reason for being un-excellent – even if they're not being excellent to you.

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

If you make a mess, clean it up. Then clean a little extra. Sweep some more floor, or wipe down some tables, or empty some garbage cans. We love people who clean toilets (+1000 XP). Do what you can to make the shop as clean as we can make it.

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.

Ask anyone who's here any questions you might have. From “where's the thing” to “what's that you're working on,” people here are happy to answer your questions. In a similar vein, when someone asks a question please do answer it as best you can. Sharing and learning depend on asking and answering questions, and that's two thirds of why TCMaker exists.

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.

• Stuff on the Blue Shelves by the stairs is up for grabs.
• 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 office. 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.
• Power tools live on the shelving by the Fence.
• Hand tools live on the Tool Rack.
• Electronics related tools live in the classroom in the Electronic Benchs area.
• Flammable things should go in the Black Cabinet.
• Member Applications (also for Guest Members) are in the front office on the welcome table. Completed forms should go in the bin.
• Tool Label stickers live in the Office with a sheet explaining how to use them as well as outside the classroom on the wall on the label board.

• More complicated Policies can be found here and membership policies here.
• You can bring guests, but they can't use tools, and you are responsible for their actions, and injury. (see Guest Policy )
• If you must bring a minor, you need to be supervising them at all times. They are your responsibility, not ours. They REALLY can't use any tools. EVER.
• 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 stereotypically 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.