FAQs
Everything You Need to Know About MakerSpace
What is Makerspace?
MakerSpace is community driven member run, shared workshop space, located in Sutton In Ashfield.
MakerSpace is a place for all to come and learn, create, collaborate and share on their projects. We have multiple work stations and studio specialities including Woodwork, Textiles, Metalwork, an upcoming podcast studio, Printmaking and so much more.
What services does MakerSpace provide?
MakerSpace provides a space for you to come and work on any project you may have in mind. We have state of the art facilities including; 3D printers, Co2 laser cutters, a 10 needle embroidery machine, Long arm quilting machine, sewing machines, overlockers and knitting machines, a small enamelling kiln, a printmaking area and a metal workshop.
How much is MakerSpace?
To join MakerSpace Members will pay a monthly subscription fee starting from £15. This will allow the member to have full access to all the workstations, machinery and parts of the building. Some equipment will require an induction before it can be used.
We plan to initially open 8am until 8pm, 7 days a week , and eventually offer 24/7 access.
This regular income from membership subscriptions is to cover the costs of Rent, Rates, Services (Electric, Water, Gas, Broadband), Insurances, Maintenance, Breakages, etc.
There will also be a small add on charge for resource hungry equipment and those that require high maintenance costs, e.g. CO2 Laser, 10 Stitch embroidery machine.
How will working alone and at night work?
Using equipment at the Space will be no different to people using equipment in their shed alone.
Most equipment that has a high risk to their usage will have emergency stop / e-stop buttons (e.g. Table saw)
The responsibility will be on the member to ensure they personally take all precautions over their own safety when working alone such as:
- make wise choices of which tools to operate when working alone
- have an independent way to call help
- know the address of Ashfield MakerSpace
- ensure family/Next of kin/a friend knows where they are
The address is:
MakerSpace Ashfield, 70 High Pavement, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts. NG17 1BT
Can I Bring my own machines/equipment?
We appreciate that users may like to use their own laptops / tablets for their work so this will be allowed but any equipment would need an up-to date PAT test before they can be used inside MakerSpace .
What about insurance?
It is essential you use the Space safely as a responsible adult, as one of our main values is “Be Safe!”.
Our insurance certificate is displayed on the entrance foyer notice board.
Will there be a booking system?
We have a system called Fabman for our MakerSpace. With this we can manage our machines and members easily, safely & efficiently. You will be able book certain equipment and the learning spaces with a Fair usage policy. For example the large CO2 laser will only be bookable in 2 hour a day up-to 2 weeks in advance to prevent block bookings. This is to ensure all members have equal access to the equipment.
This system will also keep track of all your inductions through the building areas to specialised equipment.
Will I be able to hire a room at MakerSpace?
At present we do not have the space to support rooms/space to hire. However, a member could book the learning space to run a taster / learning session for other members. E.g. a beginners spoon carving workshop or learn to knit.
We also have a shared cafe area available for groups after 5pm weekdays and weekends. This will be available to run courses including ones where non-members can attend.
To enquire about this space please contact us via, info@makerspaceashfield.org.uk
What about the security of small tools?
Tools will be marked with MakerSpace Ashfield (where we can), and will also be marked using ultra violet pen marking, and Smart Water on the costly tools.
We hope there will not be too much theft of tools and equipment as Members will be stealing from themselves as they (and others will have to pay for their replacements). Many of our hand tools have kindly come from donations and are not brand new, but in excellent condition and full of life.
Any other Questions?
Do you have any other questions that haven’t been answered here? If so please send us an email at
info@makerspaceashfield.org.uk
You can also fill out the form on our contact page and one of our team members will aim to get back to you within 3-5 working days.
You can also send us messages on our Facebook group which can be found here.