Prospective new member tour

This list is designed to ensure all key points are covered when giving prospective members a tour of So Make It. While some items may seem obvious, the aim is to give a thorough and consistent overview.

Keep the tour high-level - it’s easy to get stuck on one topic, but there’s a lot to get through. The goal is to provide just enough information to spark interest without overwhelming them. Let their questions guide how deep you go into any area.

If they ask about a machine or part of the space you’re not confident explaining, don’t worry — feel free to call on someone nearby who knows more, or encourage them to post in Slack to get more detailed help.

Introductions

Start by introducing yourself and any other members nearby. Let the visitor know how long you’ve been a member and briefly share the kinds of projects or activities you enjoy working on.

• Introduce yourself / other members nearby
• Learn about the prospective members / their interests (to tailor the following tour)
  • What brings them here?
  • What would they like to do here?
    • Projects?
    • Particular interest(s)?
      • Woodworking
      • Metalworking
      • 3D printing
      • Electronics
      • Sewing / craftwork
      • Laser cutting
      • Anything else?

Tour of the space

Clean Room

• 3D printers
• PC / laptops
• Vinyl cutter
• Electronics
  • Soldering bench (make it!)
  • Testing bench (why isn't it working?!)
• Resin printers
• Chemicals
• Kitchen
• Laser cutter
• Social area
• Storage

Workshop

• Metalworking bench
  • Sheet bender
  • Welders
    • MIG
    • TIG
    • Stick
  • Plasma cutter
  • Grinders
• Woodworking
  • Handheld tools
  • Bench tools
  • Machines
    • Planer-thicknesser
    • Wood lathe
    • Table router
    • Table saw
• Pillar drill
• CNC machine
• Machine tools
  • Metal lathes
  • Milling machine

Events and community

Refer to the calendar on the Visit Us section of the website for all regular / scheduled events! You can even add it to your calendar app.

Monthly member’s meeting

7.30pm - First Tuesday of every month

Run by the Trustees, this is a chance for members to be an active part of SMI's direction and keep up to date with progress on long-term projects

Hack The Space (HTS)

Alternating last Saturday or Sunday of every month

Designated day each month for members to maintain/improve the space

Slack

The social messaging platform used for most So Make It communication – the best place to see what's going on, join the conversation, and ask questions! Link to sign up on the website.

Wiki

The wiki (this wiki!) contains lots of useful information about the Space! Available at wiki.somakeit.org.uk

Membership

Monthly cost

Pay based on what you can afford and how much you use the space

Recommended £30/mo

Minimum £10/mo

Door fob

Allows member to open either door – so long as a Keyholder has already opened up the Space. Granted as soon as membership becomes valid.

Keyholders

Keyholders have a physical key and can open the space at any time, 24/7 (all year round). To become a keyholder, members must attend at least one members meeting and one Hack The Space (HTS) Day. Keys require a (refundable) deposit of £10.

New Member Induction Process!

1. Visit membership link on website to register interest – sign up with email address
2. Member receives a more detailed form (by email), asking for the following info:
   1. Name
   2. Address
   3. Phone number (optional)
3. This lands with trustees for approval
4. New member needs to show a trustee or somebody in Membership Team proof of:
   1. Name
   2. Face
   3. Address
5. Once approved, member will receive an email with payment details / instructions
6. Once first payment has been received (and processed by HMS), membership status is granted!
7. New member may now receive a keyfob