When is Wood Shop Orientation?
The FIRST FRIDAY of EVERY MONTH @ 6 pm.
I can’t make it to Wood Shop Orientation: Normally we hold an orientation mid month. Watch the Email distribution list or digital white board in the wood shop or TC Maker calendar for dates.
Click Here For The Wood Shop Orientation Notes
A few tools require training before use:
Tool | How to Get Checked Out |
---|---|
SawStop Table Saw | Attend Wood Shop Orientation |
Grizzly Planer | Attend Wood Shop Orientation |
Drum Sander | Email [email protected]. |
Grizzly and Jet Lathes | Email [email protected]. |
There other tools in the shop which can be very dangerous if not used correctly. General rule is if you don’t know exactly how to use something, ask someone or email [email protected] to schedule a training session.
To get the most out of our space, you will need to do some work to “clue into” what is going on!
You Can:
During classes/orientations, any work should be “No Noise” work. Excess noise from orbital sanders, tables saws, etc. make it hard for the instructor to communicate. Be Excellent, avoid making noise.
Reclaimed wood is any material that has paint/finish on it – or any material which has had metal in it.
Simple Answer – DO NOT use any machine that you can’t hold in your hand.
If you think your reclaimed lumber deserves an exception – email [email protected] for permission or clarification BEFORE use of any reclaimed lumber.
Put an Orange “Borked” Tag on it – and Email [email protected] with what is going on.
We don’t separate wood scrap or dust from other garbage – as it all goes to the same big dumpster which is located outside to the right of the delivery doors in front.
If you’d like to take sawdust for your stoves – go for it!
It is all of our responsibility to care for the tools we have, as this is our shop.
Every first Friday of the month from 6pm to 10 pm we close the shop to perform preventative maintenance on the machines. Everyone and anyone is encouraged to come help! Don’t know how …not a problem – we’ll teach you!
If you’d like to adopt a tool and be its primary care-taker – contact the wood shop manager – again – training can be provided!
Track down the wood shop manager, or email [email protected]. There are always projects, maintenance, administrative tasks, and other items that need doing to keep the place running! No matter your interest or skill level, we can figure out something for you!
Shop Project List Located At: https://tinyurl.com/ShopProjects
That is the great thing about a community shop. Either ask the peers around you or send an email to [email protected] to schedule training.
To answer this question either:
Please do not Ask the Wood Shop Manager, as they’ll ask you to reread this FAQ 🙂
Email [email protected] with your proposed class…we’d love to have you teach!
Check our Classes Page for the next Metal Shop Orientation
If this time doesn’t work for you email [email protected] to possibly arrange for a different time.
Tool | How to Get Checked Out |
---|---|
Welders | Email [email protected] or take one of our welding classes. |
Plasma Torch | Email [email protected] or take the class. |
Metal Saws | Attend Metal Shop Orientation |
Acetylene Torch | Email [email protected] |
Drill Press | Attend Metal Shop Orientation |
Blacksmithing Tools | Email [email protected] |
Welding classes are offered at least once a month they are great way for beginners to get comfortable with welding. Check out our EventBrite page.
There other tools in the shop which can be very dangerous if not used correctly. General rule is if you don’t know exactly how to use something, ask someone or email [email protected] to schedule a training session.
To get the most out of our space, you will need to do some work to “clue into” what is going on!
You Can:
Depends on the class, for instance during a welding class it would be acceptable to work in the blacksmith area or vice versa. The biggest thing is that you don’t interfere with the class. This means keeping the noise down. The instructor has the right to ask you to leave or stop what you are doing if they think it is interfering with their class
Put an Orange “Borked” Tag on it – and Email [email protected] with what is going on.
General garbage goes in the big red trash cans. Metal scrap goes into the green drums and our scrap guy will empty them when full.
If the red trash cans are full please empty them into the dumpster outside.
In general, the shop managers deal with machine maintenance however items such as replacing empty gas bottles or replacing wire in the MIG welders can be done after you attended the metal shop orientation or received training from the shop managers.
Track down the Metal shop manager, or email [email protected]. There are always projects, maintenance, administrative tasks, and other items that need doing to keep the place running! No matter your interest or skill level, we can figure out something for you!
That is the great thing about a community shop. Either ask the peers around you or send an email to [email protected] to schedule training.
Please look at the donation box for the recommended donations for welding time for different welding gases. Consumables such as drill bits and angle grinder wheels are not supplied by the shop. The propane used in the blacksmithing area must be paid for by the user, see the sign in the blacksmithing area for more details. Do not bring in personal propane tanks.
Metal storage is available on the rack. Use a green parking ticket to label your items and wrapping items such as lengths of angle iron together. It is also a good idea to write your name with a marker on items in case the green tag gets torn off. Talk to shop managers before bringing in materials that do not fit in the rack, we can help find space for such items.
Talk to metal shop managers depending on the size of the project we can find space in the shop or member storage (with the member storage manager’s approval.
If the tool lives in your member storage cubicle then there is no issue. Otherwise, talk to the metal shop managers before bringing in a tool or equipment. In general, tools and equipment that live in the metal shop need to accessible to all members (with appropriate training).
Email [email protected] with your proposed class…we’d love to have you teach!
If you’re “checked off”, yes; you’ll be issued a key that unlocks the power switch for the big tools. Otherwise, you must use them in the presence of the Shop Manager, either during his twice-weekly “help session” hours, or by appointment. For more details, inquire at [email protected].
By demonstrating your proficiency to the Shop Manager.
No. If you’re already familiar with machine tools, you may forego these single-evening classes. If you’re not familiar with metal machining, we highly recommend them; they’re a good way to get a running start.
Not necessarily. The shop endeavors to have a reasonable facsimile of everything you need to do basic machining, but if you’re serious about turning your own metal we recommend you purchase and bring your own cutters (particularly for the mill). If you plan to cut hard steels or exotic hard materials (see next FAQ), you MUST use your own cutters.
If you’re using the Hack Factory provided cutters, plastic, aluminum, bronze, brass, and mild steel are fine. If you really must cut hardened steel, stainless steel, spring steel, titanium and other hard metals on the mill and lathe please do so ONLY with your own cutters. If you HAVE to use the band saw to cut hard metal, please leave a note indicating the event so we can check the blade for sharpness and replace it if necessary. If you kill a blade, we’d love it if you’d replace it. Again, we’re about getting things done. Sh!t happens. We know this. But if we all work together as a community, we can keep the good stuff going strong!
As described just above, we’re a “can do” place, so of course there is! We have a motley but often useful assortment of long(ish) pieces on the wheeled stock rack, and several cabinets filled with flat stock, screws and bolts, and various bits and pieces that might be exactly what you need. Feel free to browse. If you use the last or nearly last of something… please note it on the whiteboard or send an email to [email protected]
Please please PLEASE report it to [email protected] …we promise not to bite your head off, but we really DO need to know when (and ideally how) things go wrong. If the tool is unusable, please tape a “Borked or Broken” slip to it (these slips are available at the doorway to the wood shop).
Drop us a line at [email protected].
First, put on your halo. If the tool is small, drop it in the appropriate toolbox drawer and let us know so that we may thank you enjoy the benefits of your generous contribution! If it’s larger than a breadbox, please send us an email first; since our space is limited, we may not be able to field all donations. Also, you can make a wish come true by perusing our Amazon “Hack Factory Wish List” and purchasing an item or two for us! (google “hack factory wish list” to get there.)
The laser cutter can be used by any properly trained members of TC Maker. You must be trained and an active member to use the laser cutter.
No, because of the popularity of this tool, we employ a scheduling system so members can complete long running jobs without being hassled.
We ask members to donate $5/hour for using the laser. This goes to paying for the laser’s upkeep.
The laser cutter orientation for the large laser is run 2-3 times a month on Wednesday from 7 to 8 pm in the laser cutter room. Please sign-up in Eventbrite as space is limited.
We run orientation nearly every week or every other week, please wait for the next event if you can’t make the current one.
If you have been trained, than you can follow these instructions.
This is covered in training, there are a number of banned and acceptable material. The most popular materials people use the laser for is wood and acrylic.
Because the Epilog uses very archaic software we currently require one on one training. I have been staying after the normal class on Wednesday’s (after 8) to run people though using the Epilog. Please mail [email protected] to schedule this training.
Tool | How to Get Checked Out |
---|---|
Full Spectrum Laser | Attend Wednesday Orientation |
Epilog Laser | Request Wednesday One on One training at [email protected]. |
Check out the Full Spectrum reservation calendar. Also keep an eye on the main blog. Laser outages usually warrant a front page post.
Put an Orange “Out of Order” Tag on it – and Email l[email protected] with what is going on.
We highly prefer that people default to putting the laser ‘Out of Order’ instead of trying to fix a non obvious problem as the laser has some very sensitive sub systems. When in doubt, put it out! (of order).
Into the dumpster on the side of the building. Please empty the bins if they are full.
We try to clean the laser weekly on Wednesday evenings, though sometimes this does not happen due to scheduling conflicts.
There is a sheet next to the computer in the laser room to indicate the last time the laser was cleaned.
Right now the shop manager is responsible for maintaining the Laser. If you would like to help maintain the laser you will have to be trained and commit to cleaning it from time to time, but help would be greatly appreciated! Please contact [email protected] if you would like to be a laser ‘intern’.
Any resistor, capacitor, diode, wire, solder, etc. in the electronics area that isn’t tagged by another member can be considered fair game.
Email [email protected] and the shop manager may be able to help.
Yes. We should always have solder available, and if we run out please notify the shop manager at [email protected] to restock.
While no training is required to use the electronics equipment, you should generally not use any equipment that you aren’t familiar with. Electricity being, you know, not always electrifying in the good sense. Ask another member or email [email protected].
Put an Orange “Borked” Tag on it – and Email [email protected] with what is going on.
Check out the TC Maker Facebook page or view our calendar.
Definitely. Organize with peers or simply let [email protected] know and the shop manager can help get the word out.
Track down the electronics shop manager, or email [email protected]. There are always projects, maintenance, administrative tasks, and other items that members can contribute their talents.
Email [email protected] with your proposed class…we’d love to have you teach!
CNC stands for computer numeric control, which means computer control of machine tools. CNC can generally refer to routers, mills, lathes, laser cutters, 3D printers, and many other tools that are computer-controlled. However, at the Hack Factory, the CNC shop specifically refers to CNC routers.
Check our Eventbrite page for orientation:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/twin-cities-maker-440413464
Wood of all types, plastics, foams, composites, aluminum, brass, and more.
When in doubt, email [email protected]
Accuracy is a complicated topic, and we cannot make a general statement about how accurate the machine is.
For the X-Carve, take a class, or watch the video and take the quiz.
For the 4×8, attend a 1-on-1 help session, where you can get in-person help running the machine. If after the help session you feel comfortable using the machine, and the shop manager or volunteer determines that you have demonstrated sufficient care for the machine to use it safely, you will be signed off. If you are very new to CNC, we recommend learning on the X-Carve.
The X-Carve is free to use.
There is a $5/hr suggested donation to use the 4×8, to support the upkeep of the machine.
Sign up for the newsletter:
http://www.tinyurl.com/getthenews
Sometimes more info is posted on the CNC Slack channel by members.
CNC wiki page:
https://wiki.tcmaker.org/shop_departments/cnc
4×8 wiki page:
https://wiki.tcmaker.org/documentation/cnc_routers/sequoyatec1325
Shapeoko wiki page:
https://wiki.tcmaker.org/documentation/cnc_routers/shapeoko2
There are usually some available at the shop, but community-use bits tend to be in poor condition, so we recommend you purchase your own.
You might try eBay or Amazon.
Regular router bits usually work okay for wood.
Lots of options. Here are just a few:
Vector drawing:
2D CAD:
CAD:
CAM:
The 3D Lab contains all of our various 3D printers.
The third Saturday or every month at 9:30am unless there is a conflicting holiday then it will be moved to an adjacent weekend. Check the classes page for the next class.
Yes, but this is reserved for people who cannot make the normal class time work. We try to limit the number of one-on-one trainings because it takes a lot of volunteer time and it is more effective to train groups at once at the monthly class. Please post in #dept-3d-lab on slack to request one-on-one training if you cannon make the normal class.
All of them. 3D printers have a lot of moving and, frankly, dangerous parts. Even if you are a seasoned 3D printing veteran you still need to go through orientation to make sure you know the ins and outs of our particular machines.
Clogged nozzle? Something making a bad sound? Things happen. Please label the machine with an orange “Borked” tag and post in #dept-3d-lab on slack with what is happening so we can get it up and running again.
Absolutely. You are free to use your own materials in the lab printers whenever you like but there are a few ground rules.
Orientation. Or, If you have already been through orientation and this is some new arrival, track down a 3D Lab manager or email us at [email protected] and we can set up a time to get you checked off on the new equipment if it needs special training.
Who takes care of the lab’s machines?
It is everyone who uses the 3D printers responsibility to maintain the machines. This is a shared work space and these are shared tools that we all need to care for. The 3D Lab managers will do routine maintenance as needed and deal with major issues as they arise but everyone is allowed and encouraged to help out.
Talk to one of the 3D Lab managers or email us at [email protected] There are always projects that need to get done. If you want to help out we would love and be grateful for any assistance.
Email [email protected] and cc [email protected]. We would love to hear what you have to teach and help you make it happen.
Sign up for the Slack and/or mailing list.
The #dept-3d-lab Slack channel or by email at [email protected].
Located in the basement of our workshop, The Artifactory is a space for sewing, leatherworking, and other forms of crafting.
In its current state it is a “room of requirement” and is set up for sewing and large-format printing. Under new management means new ideas and I’ll be changing the space. Updates soon to come!!
Please contact [email protected] for office hours or orientation or reach out on Slack in #dept-artifactory.
Send and email to [email protected], There are a few of us taking on the mantel of “artifactory management” and someone may be available a different day or time. We may also be about to guide you over email correspondence with words/videos/illustration/etc. or direct you to another member that is knowledgeable/willing to help.
Oh so many ways!
With the spaces being so small, if you can wait please do. If you have a super tight deadline and limited time to get work done please work small and work quietly. People in the class have invested time and money and deserve us being excellent to them.
Put an Orange “Borked” Tag on it – and Email [email protected] with what is going on. Do your best to explain all the weird things it was doing when it broke, sounds/actions/smells… everything.
Any fiber smaller than 1 yard by 1 yard is trash, if you too have a hard time tossing materials you can keep it in your own storage space. Any fiber 1 yard by 1 yard or bigger than you want to donate can be folded and placed with the other free for all fabric. If leaving free for all fabric please label it with size, material type, or anything else you know about the fiber to help other makers identify it with out pulling it out and making a mess.
There is a big ol’ dumpster which is located outside to the right of the delivery doors in front. Little bits can go in the small can in the room but if that can is full be a pal and take it to the dumpster please.
It is all of our responsibility to care for the tools we have, as this is our shop. If you know how to fix or maintain something Please Do! If you don’t know how but wanna help then come see me during office/help hours I can show ya what I know!
Email [email protected] with your proposed class…we’d love to have you teach!
I’d like to introduce clay and small metals to the TCMaker community and turn the artifactory into a small crafts space. If you have interest in using or learning these types of spaces shoot an email to [email protected] and let me know! The more interest out there, the better the pitch to the board!!
Here’s a floor plan of our workshop as of May 2019.
Our shop is divided into areas, and each area is governed by one or more area managers. See the rest of the pages in this section for information about each area.