8.1 Classes #
8.1.1 – All members are required to complete orientation classes and associated safety tests before gaining access to tools, regardless of previous experience.
8.1.2 – Refunds or credit for future classes will only be provided if we are notified by email to [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance of the class. A rebooking fee will be applied to reschedule a class, see Section 3.4 Additional Fees.
8.1.3 – No refunds will be provided for late cancellation, but we do offer a 50% credit towards a future class.
8.1.4 – Additional Maker Cube tools that are not covered in a class specifically can not be used by a member unless cleared by and given explicit permission by staff
8.1.5 – Members absent from the facility for long durations (over 6 months) must be recertified by staff on equipment prior to use.
8.2 Use of Equipment #
8.2.1 – Members that have participated in any tool orientation class are welcome and encouraged to take it again as a refresher class at a reduced rate, subject to availability. See Class Rebooking Fee, Section 3.4.
8.2.2 – Before starting any machine check to make sure it is set up correctly and fully operational.
8.2.3 – Check power cords and plugs on portable tools before using them. Never use a tool with a frayed or damaged cord; lock the tool out and report it to staff immediately.
8.2.4 – Always make sure all guards and safety devices are in place and in perfect operating order. Do not use a machine without the proper guards.
8.2.5 – Never disable or tamper with safety releases or other automatic switches.
8.2.6 – Always use the correct tool for the correct job. Never use a tool or an attachment for something it was not designed to do.
8.2.7- Always select the correct bit, blade, cutter, or grinder wheel for the material at hand.
8.2.8 – Keep all guards in place. Cover exposed belts, pulleys, gears, and shafts that could cause injury.
8.2.9 – Always operate tools at the correct speed for the job at hand and refer to tool manuals provided.
8.2.10 – Always keep your fingers clear from the point of operation of machines by using special tools and devices such as push sticks and paddles.
8.2.11 – Always watch your work when operating power tools and stop working if something distracts you.
8.2.12 – Never rely on strength to perform an operation. The correct tool, blade, and method should not require excessive force. If undue force is necessary, you may be using the wrong tool or have a dull blade.
8.2.13 – Know the physics of the machine and where the cutting force wants to throw the material to avoid kick back.
8.2.14 – Always de-energize (unplug) power tools before cleaning, performing maintenance or changing components.
8.2.15 – Before clearing jams or blockages on power tools, disconnect from the tool from its power source. Never use your hand to clear jams or blockages, use an appropriate tool.
8.2.16 – Never service or try to fix Maker Cube’s equipment.
8.2.17 – Never clean a machine while it is running. De-energize before cleaning and use a broom to sweep any chips.
8.2.18 – Never make an adjustment to your material or the tool unless the power is off. The tool must come to a complete stop.
8.2.19 – Keep a firm grip on portable power tools.
8.2.20 – If something does not feel right about a tool, turn it off immediately and notify Maker Cube staff.
8.2.21 – If you believe you have broken a tool or you are unsure of whether a tool is safe to use, report to Maker Cube staff immediately and we will assist you. Lock out the tool before leaving it unattended.
8.2.23 – Failure to report tool damage will result in a fine, see Section 3.4 Additional Fees. If you know a tool is damaged and don’t report it you are putting the next user in danger. If the tool damage is reported immediately, it makes it much easier for staff to troubleshoot and repair, lowering down time.
8.2.23 – If a member has damaged a tool, access to the facility will be suspended until the member takes additional training, settled any associated fees, and is cleared by staff.
8.2.24 – All materials must be approved before use on any tool. Consult the staff for precautions, methods and instructions prior to beginning work. Using certain materials can contaminate or damage tools, making them unsafe for use.
8.2.25 – Never cut unknown materials or materials with unknown origin.
8.2.26 – Reclaimed wood is not permitted to be used with any Maker Cube tools.
8.2.27 – Never reach over equipment while it is running.
8.2.28 – Do not operate tools if you are imparied by sickness, fatigue, or by intoxication from substances such as alcohol, drugs or strong medication; this includes cannabis.
8.2.29 – Always make sure the dust collector is running and the appropriate blast gates on the tool are open when operating woodworking equipment. Close the blast gate when finished using the tool.
8.2.30 – Tools that experience high frequency misuse or breakage will be put under tool sign-out procedure to monitor wear and manage proper safe usage.
8.2.31 – Members must sign out the components of, access keys to, or the tool itself from the reception desk.
8.2.32 – Tools that have been taken from their assigned storage location must be returned after use.
8.2.33 – Communal tools are not permitted to be stored in a studio space (eg: clamps, batteries, tape measures, squares).
8.2.34 – Maker Cube does not guarantee the availability and maintenance of it’s tools.
8.2.35 – Members must sanitize stationary equipment and power tools after use with the provided hydrogen-peroxide based sanitizer spray or wipes.
8.2.36 – Members must wash hand tools with warm water and soap at the sink after use and dry them before returning them to the tool wall.
8.2.37 – Members are encouraged to sanitize tools prior to use, do not use a tool if it is not put away in the correct spot.
ABOVE ALL, THINK BEFORE YOU PERFORM ANY TASK. KNOW THE TOOL’S CAPABILITIES AND THE WORK IT IS INTENDED FOR. IF YOU FEEL UNSURE, STOP AND ASK FOR ASSISTANCE.
8.3 Tool Sign out Procedure #
8.3.1 – Tools under sign-out procedure include but is not limited to: jointer, planer, orbital sanders, belt sanders, welders, and plasma cutter.
8.3.2 – The member who has signed out the components of, access keys to, or the tool itself is responsible. They must immediately return them when finished using them.
8.3.3 – Only the member who has signed out a tool is permitted to use it. Usage of a tool by a different user is at the risk of the member who has signed the tool out
8.4 Use of Facilities #
8.4.1 – Never work alone. There must always be at least two persons present in the facility.
8.4.2 – The maximum capacity of the entire facility is thirty six (36) people at any given time.
8.4.3 – Each communal area is assigned a zone with its own a maximum capacity;
8.4.3.1 – Woodshop – (15 People)
8.4.3.2 – Metalshop – (3 People)
8.4.3.3 – Computer Lab + Offices – (6 People)
8.4.3.4 – Laser – (1 person)
8.4.3.5 – Clean Room – (3 People)
8.4.3.6 – Fine Arts Studio – (4 People)
8.4.4 – Communal areas that cannot meet physical distancing requirements (2 metre spacing) will be restricted.
8.4.5 – Members who want to use communal areas must book availability in advance.
8.4.6 – Do not use the Facilities for any unlawful, obscene, or objectionable purpose, or in a way that infringes on the intellectual property of third parties. Objectionable purposes will be determined at the discretion of the Company and may include, but are not limited to, making weapons or other dangerous items.
8.4.7 – Members must be open to constructive feedback from staff and fellow members, especially if it pertains to safe use of the equipment, disrespectful communication or behavior. In order for our community to thrive, members must feel empowered to ask for help and offer help to one another.
8.4.8 – No tools, materials, or projects can be stored in fire exits, pathways, hallways, or in other people’s studio spaces and Cubees.
8.4.9 – Take appropriate steps to prevent release of dust or noxious fumes.
8.4.10 – Keep the work area free from debris, clean spills immediately and remove all sawdust and wood chips. Do not bring food or drink into the tool side.
8.5 Woodshop and Metalshop Usage #
8.5.1 – All members in Maker Cube’s Woodshop must take the relevant Woodshop orientation classes, regardless of experience. Do not use a tool if you have not received explicit training and permission to use it. Be sure you are fully educated on the proper use and operation of any tool before beginning a job. Unauthorized tool usage will result in immediate membership termination.
8.5.2 – Everyone must have a calm and careful attitude in the Woodshop at all times; do not run, push others, bump into things, startle others or throw objects.
8.5.3 – Everyone must be in the right mental state to work in the wood shop; do not use the wood shop if you are feeling tired or in a rush.
8.5.4 – NEVER be afraid or too proud to ask staff for help. If anyone is unsure about how to safely execute the operation of a tool, have staff demonstrate, assist and observe to help you become familiar and uncomfortable. Manuals are also available to become more familiar with each tool.
8.5.5 – No food or drinks are allowed in the wood shop other than water in a sealed container.
8.5.6 – Immediately report all accidents or injuries to staff and fill out an accident or injury report.
8.5.7 – Everyone must know where the first aid kit, eye wash station, and fire extinguishers are located in the Woodshop.
8.5.8 – All tools and work surfaces are shared space unless otherwise scheduled through the appropriate booking system.
8.5.9 – Communicate with other members to ensure everyone has fair usage of equipment, be considerate of other users and minimize your work area.
8.5.10 – Everyone must wear the appropriate clothing while in the woodshop or metalshop. See Section 2.2 – General Attire and 2.3 Metal Shop Attire
8.5.11 – Do not remove any Equipment from the Woodshop unless given explicit permission by staff; all tools must be placed back into its designated position after use and can not be left in studios or Cubees
8.5.12 – If anyone makes a mess in the Woodshop it is their responsibility to clean it; wipe down and disinfect the equipment after use, clean and sanitize the hand tools after use, mop up spills, and sweep up sawdust or material debris.
8.5.13 – Everyone must throw their own garbage away, garbage left in communal areas will be subject to a fine.
8.5.14 – Everyone in the facility must take appropriate fire prevention precautions when work generates heat, sparks, or involves open flames.
8.6 Clean Room Usage #
General
8.6.1 – Do not shortcut through the clean room to access the woodshop.
8.6.2 – Do NOT enter the clean room without a respirator and safety glasses. Some products can bioaccumulate even if they do not emit odors.
Planning & Preparation
8.6.3 – The Clean Room must be booked to avoid conflicts.
8.6.4 – All projects must be declared and labeled with a Clean Room Project Form. This form must include your name, chemicals used, acknowledgement of MSDS guidelines for products used, approximate application time, approximate dry time (for handling, not curing), location in the room, and indication of storage period required.
8.6.5 – All chemicals brought into the facility must be approved by staff, labelled with your name, and dated when first unsealed. You must provide a MSDS for any products you intend to bring and/or use in the facility unless we have already have a copy available.
8.6.6 – If you have not read and understood the MSDS sheet, do not bring the product into the facility or use the product.
8.6.7 – Do not use volatile chemicals one (1) hour before closing.
During Use
8.6.8 – You may not use chemicals in any other part of Maker Cube without permission. If the product you are using requires you to use a respirator, it must be used in the clean room.
8.6.9 – Walls, floors, carts, and tables must be protected using plastic film (drop cloth) during use. DO NOT USE PAPER TOWEL. Staining or damaging surfaces will result in applicable fines. See Section 3.4 Additional Fees.
8.6.10 – Do not obstruct doors with projects, exits must be clear at all times.
8.6.11 – The extractor fans must be turned on at all times during and after using any volatile compounds and the door on the studio side must be propped open a few inches to allow for return air
8.6.12 – Refrain from opening the door to the wood shop as much as possible. Many finishes can be affected by dust.
8.6.13 – Be considerate of others projects in the room and how your product may affect someone else’s finish.
8.6.14 – Clean Room Carts may be used to help load materials in and out of the clean room, or as movable saw horses in the room. Do not exceed their maximum load capacity of 200lb.
8.6.15 – Clean Room Carts must be returned to their storage location when finished. Do not use them in other parts of the shop without permission.
8.6.16 – All chemicals must be stored in their original containers with clear labels and sealed when not in use.
8.6.17 – The fireproof cabinet in the clean room is for staff use only. Do not use or store materials in this cabinet.
After Use
8.6.18 – Clean up after yourself. Dispose of any used drop cloths, brushes, and consumables. Sweep or vacuum up dust and over spray. Properly store any paints or chemicals, ensuring containers are sealed and the labels are still readable.
8.6.19 – Any rags soiled with flammable chemicals must be submerged in water. The correct method is to bundle it inside an inverted glove, fill with water and tie off. Then place it in the waste bin outside the back door of the shop.
8.6.20 – Projects that need to be stored in the room overnight to dry are charged by square foot at our current storage rates.
8.6.21 – No projects can be left in the room three (3) hours before and during a class.
8.6.22 – All projects in the clean room are to be removed as soon as they are dry enough to handle and are not off-gassing volatiles or odors.
8.7 Tool Specific Usage #
8.7.1 – For any tool, accessory, piece of equipment not covered in the orientation classes do not use without explicit training and clearance by staff, regardless of previous experience. Refer to the manufacturer’s operational manual for additional tool information. Digital manuals are available on the member portal and physically upon request.
8.7.2 – The ceramics kiln may only be operated by staff to run communal and private firings. Refer to section 3.4 for kiln firing rates and ask staff for the kiln firing schedule.
8.7.3 – The maximum cumulative cut time usage for CNC machines (laser cutter, CNC table, and plasma CNC) is 4 hours per month for regular members and 1 hour per Flex+ member. Additional CNC cut time will be billed as per the current rates posted.
8.7.4 – The Drum Sander may not be used without staff assistance. Drum sander usage is subject to additional service rates. See Section 3.4.1 Additional Services.
8.8 Air Line Usage #
8.8.1 – Members must receive an orientation by staff prior to using air lines in the facility.
8.8.2 – Air lines must be shut and hoses depressurized when not in use or when changing the tool at the end.
8.8.3 – Do NOT adjust the pressure gauges on the air lines in the shop. If you require a different pressure for the tool you are using, ask a staff member to adjust it for you
8.8.4 – Members must supply their own air spray gun. Spray guns must have a diffuser with a dead end max pressure no greater than 30 psi.
8.8.5 – Do not leave a tool attached to an air line after use, put the tool back where it belongs.
8.8.6 – Do not leave an active airline with tool attached unattended. If you need to leave your work, disconnect the tool and depressurize the hose.
8.8.7 – Members must supply their own air line hose and fittings for use in the Clean Room. Do not use the air lines from the woodshop.
