What is a “makerspace”?

A makerspace is quite simply a shared space dedicated to making. Makerspaces can be anywhere, any size, or target any kind of making: a basement with a sewing table, the corner of a school classroom with craft supplies, or a commercial facility with tens of thousands of square feet of dedicated machine shop space. A makerspace is a place where folks who share an interest in making can gather, share ideas and knowledge, and collaborate on projects.

Okay… so what is “making”?

Adam Savage (maker and former co-host of Mythbusters) describes making as taking your point of view and using it to bring something into the world. It doesn’t matter if that thing is a chair, a novel, a quilt, a cake, or a line of computer code - it all counts as making to us if you’re putting part of yourself into it. We don’t see any reason to draw lines and exclude any kind of craft from making! 

What kind of makerspace does Open Workshops operate?

Our makerspace is approximately 3000 square feet, including a woodshop, craft room, 3D printing lab, electronics lab, classroom for 12, and a lounge space with snacks and comfy chairs. It's a great place to work on paper, needle, and fabric crafts, 3D printing, CNC and laser cutting and engraving, electronics, woodworking, programming, or just to spend some time in a third place around other crafty people!  Cost constraints mean we've started small, but we hope to grow to support robotics, metalworking, and more in the future.

Where is the Open Workshops makerspace located?

Our address is 1855 Bellingham Rd, Suite J, Troy, MI 48083.  Our suite is in the northeast corner of the building.

What hours of operation does Open Workshops offer?

Our standard hours of operation are listed on the home page of our website.  As a small, volunteer-run organization, the hours are subject to change - the space will often be open outside the standard hours and may occasionally be closed during standard hours.  If there's a time you want to use the space but it's not open, let us know - we may be able to find a volunteer to open it for you!

What are your shop rules, policies, and procedures?

You can read all of our policies and procedures in our Member Handbook, availble on our public drive.  A physical copy of the handbook is also available for reference in the shop.  All staff, members, and guests are expected to follow the rules in the handbook.  If you'd like clarification on anything in the handbook or have specific questions not covered, feel free to ask a staff member or email info@open-workshops.com!  We'll go over some of the common questions in the FAQ below.

How much does it cost to use the makerspace?

If you're just visiting to check out the space and take a tour - nothing! Additionally, all visitors get a "free trial" day, where you can work on a project in the shop without a membership or day pass.

A membership with Open Workshops is $25/month and includes full access to the tools, equipment, and shared supplies in the makerspace. Alternatively, a day pass is $10 and includes the same rights.

We also offer family memberships and reduced-rate need-based memberships; see Join Open Workshops for details.

What if I don't know how to use a specific tool?

We offer classes and workshops that teach introductory safety and usage for many of the tools in our space, and we encourage all folks who are new to a tool to look for those classes! If you're already comfortable with a tool but just need a few pointers on our equipment, our staff are happy to help you out. If you have any doubt at all about how to safely use a tool or piece of equipment, just ask!

Can Open Workshops staff help with a project?

Our volunteer staff are on duty at the makerspace to answer questions, help with tool and equipment usage, and ensure the space is operating smoothly and safely. Many of our staff members are helpful and knowledgeable people who would love to dive in and help with your project, but it isn't expected of them, and it isn't always possible given their other responsibilities, so you shouldn't generally expect it.

If you have a project that you'd like help on beyond pointers on using a piece of equipment, we'd recommend you post in the help channel in our Discord server - explain your project, what you need help with, and when you're available to meet at the makerspace, and there's a good chance a member of our community will offer to help you out!

Do I have to bring my own materials or supplies? Can I store those materials or projects at the shop?

We have a stock of free basic supplies (glue, paint, tape, etc.) and "scrap" materials. We also have a small stock of common materials such as acrylic available for purchase at near-wholesale cost. We don't have everything, though - if you're wondering about a specific material or supply, feel free to email us or ask on our Discord server. Please be considerate when using shared materials and supplies - if you're going to use a significant amount of something, please consider bringing your own, donating a replacement, or donating a few dollars our way to cover a restock.

If you're working on a specific project and have a specific material in mind, you'll probably want to bring your own. We have limited space for member-owned materials and in-progress projects at the shop; space is first-come, first-served, members are limited to one project, and projects or materials must fit into a 2' x 2' x 1' space. Please read the posted signage and label and date all materials or projects - or they may be moved to the scrap shelf or discarded!

Are children or teenagers allowed to use the makerspace?

Yes!  Getting the next generation interested in making is critically important. Please note that all children and teens under the age of 18 must have a parental waiver signed by a parent or guardian to use the space and must be listed on a family membership; children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or designated custodian.  Children under the age of 10 must be under direct parental supervision at all times; children and teens aged 11-15 must be under direct parental supervision while using tools or equipment. Teenagers aged 16-17 may use the space in the same fashion as adults without parental supervision with a signed parental consent form.

In all circumstances, guardians are directly responsible for supervising the behavior and safety of their children; if a minor is behaving in a manner that is disruptive to other members or dangerous to themselves or the equipment, the minor and their guardian will be asked to leave. Repeated incidents may be grounds for membership termination.

Is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required?  Do I have to bring my own?

Safety glasses are required and hearing protection is recommended in the space any time equipment is in use. A limited number of safety glasses, dust masks, ear muffs, and face shields are available to borrow as needed, and foam ear plugs are also available. That said, you may be more comfortable bringing your own equipment if you have some - that's a-ok!

What kind of classes does Open Workshops offer?

We offer introductory classes and workshops on popular topics such as 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking, sublimation, and more - with more classes and workshops in the works. Check out our Classes & Workshops for a more complete list!

How much do classes cost?

Classes typically cost $15/hour and run for two hours, for a total cost of $30. A $5/hour reduced-price registration option is also available for some classes. Some classes or workshops may cost more to cover materials or supplies, or may run longer or shorter; check the event listing for details.

Do I need to be a member to attend a class?

No, you don't need a membership or day pass to attend an Open Workshops-hosted class, workshop, or event; however, it's a very welcome way to support our mission and organization!

If I'm a member, can I attend classes for free?

Classes and memberships are offered "à la carte" - that's part of how we can keep the membership fee low. We're exploring ways we can encourage members to try out a class or workshop that might be new to them, but right now, members don't receive free or discounted registration for classes and workshops.

Can I host an event or themed "night" at the makerspace?

Possibly! Supporting the community is part of our mission, and we're happy to open our space to folks who are trying to achieve the same goals we are. We have several community groups that regularly use our space for crafting or maker-related meetings, and we're happy to add more!

Please fill out our Event Request Form so we can evaluate your request. Be aware that for events that aren't hosted by Open Workshops, either all attendees must have a membership or day pass, or an hourly space rental fee will apply. We may even be interested in officially hosting some events, with you in the lead - we'll let you know if that's something we want to discuss.

I have a great idea for a class or workshop!

Fantastic! Get in touch with us on Discord or by emailing info@open-workshops.com, and we'll help you develop that idea into an event you can host. We have an incredibly talented community, and we want to empower anyone who is interested to lead a class or workshop on the crafts and topics that interest you!

Is Open Workshops a nonprofit?

Yes! We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of improving the accessibility of STEAM education and engagement. Every dollar of donations and fees we receive is invested back into the organization and community.

How do I donate money, time, equipment, or supplies to Open Workshops?

First of all, thanks for your interest! If you're an individual, check out the Donation & Volunteering page; if you're a business or nonprofit organization, see our info on Sponsorship & Partnership. Your support keeps us moving!

Are donations to Open Workshops tax-deductible?

Yes! Open Workshops is an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so monetary and in-kind donations to our organization are tax-deductible. If you plan to itemize your taxes and deduct donations, please be sure to request a donation receipt!

Are other payments (memberships, classes, etc.) tax-deductible?

Unfortunately, since you get something of value in return from membership fees, class tuition, etc., the IRS doesn’t consider them to be tax-deductible.

How do I modify or cancel my recurring membership?

Current members can modify payment methods or cancel a recurring membership using our Stripe Membership Portal. If you have any trouble modifying or canceling a membership, please contact us at help@open-workshops.com and we'll be happy to help you out. Hopefully we'll see you back in the shop some time soon!

Do you offer refunds on membership payments?

Due to payment processing fees, we can't guarantee refunds on memberships that have not been used since renewal, but they may be granted on a case by case basis. Refunds are not available for memberships that have been used since last renewal. To request a refund, please contact us at help@open-workshops.com.