Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Makerspace?

A: A Makerspace or Hackspace is a community-run building containing equipment for creative projects – often textiles, electronics, woodworking and metalworking, papercrafts, 3D-printing, laser-cutting, etc. In terms of community resources, it’s adjacent to libraries and leisure centres.

Members can come into the Makerspace to work on things individually, or get together to share skills or work on a project as a group. Our goals are educational, creative, social and non-profit in nature.

There are dozens of Makerspaces throughout the UK. You can find out more at hackspace.org.uk.

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Q: When are you open?

A: Members can visit 24/7. We hold “open days” twice a month, where we open to the public.

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Q: How does membership work?

A: You can sign up for membership on a pay-what-you-feel basis. When we receive your application you’ll be invited to an induction. After your induction you will be able to freely access the makerspace and use the equipment.

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Q: Can I see the Makerspace room and equipment without becoming a member first?

A: Yes, we hold regular open days so that prospective members and curious people can come and see what we get up to! You can also visit anytime as the guest of a member.

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Q: Where does the equipment come from?

A: Some equipment is donated, some is on loan, and some of it is bought by the Makerspace with member donations or grant funding.

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Q: Can children use the Makerspace?

A: Machspace contains many items of equipment that are fragile or valuable or dangerous, so children can’t use the space unsupervised. You must be 18 years old to be a member, but members may bring a guest aged 11 or older.

Members must be responsible for their guests at all times, including making sure they stay safe and follow the Code of Conduct. Guests must not use any equipment which requires induction, and under-18s must not use any woodworking equipment.

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Q: Can I use the space to run a workshop, for free or with paying attendees?

A: Yes. It’s £10 for up to 4 hours. In that situation, the member hiring the space would be responsible for attendees’ safety, and for ensuring that attendees only use equipment that has been approved in advance. Find out more here.

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Q: Can I hire the space for a gathering/meeting?

A: Yes. It’s £10 for up to 4 hours. In that situation, the member hiring the space would be responsible for attendees’ safety, and for ensuring that attendees only use equipment that has been approved in advance. Find out more here.

Machspace is primarily a members-only arts and crafts space, so we do have to limit the amount of time that the workshop is closed to members. If there is high demand for private bookings we will prioritise making-themed private events.

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Q: Can I borrow equipment?

A: No, the equipment must stay in the Makerspace so that members can access and use it in the Makerspace.

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Q: Can I sell my stuff there?

A: No. Informal buying and selling items between members is permitted, but you should not treat the space as your personal shop or a marketing opportunity.

Having said that, if you hire the workshop for a private event you are allowed to take payments from attendees.

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Q: Can I donate this equipment/these materials for the makerspace?

A: We are open to donations of materials and equipment, but we have limited storage space! Please do not bring it to the makerspace and drop it off. Please instead contact our Space Coordinator, who can get more information about your proposed donation and make a decision. Their email address is space AT machspace DOT org.

You might find our acquisitions policy useful.

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