Mountie MakerSpace

Members may use hand tools, 3D printers, vinyl cutter, heat transfer machines, laser cutter and more as soon as they've joined. MakerSpace employees can provide support for those . 
Safety Certification is required for use of some corded tools, and further Certification is required to use large-scale machinery.
We can recommend classes to learn how to use machines.

If you would like to do some of the membership preparation before coming to the MakerSpace, please review the documents here:

(note: Fall CRN is 24678)

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1InfDNqaZSxjtRLpyvZzItSl3Ff2f9_JT?usp=sharing

• • FAQ1: Do I have to be a Mt. SAC student to become a member?

    A: At this time, you must be a currently-enrolled Mt. SAC credit or non-credit student to use the MakerSpace. This means that you have applied to Mt SAC, been accepted and are enrolled in at least one credit or non-credit class, which you are actively attending. 
    
    Please note that only credit and non-credit classes count, these are accessed from the main Mt. SAC web page by scrolling down halfway and clicking on "class schedule" or go directly using this link: https://www.mtsac.edu/schedule/ 
    Other classes do not count in this situation. 
    
    We are actively working with our division and Continuing Education to find a route for community members to rejoin the MakerSpace, but cannot serve them at this time except in giving tours to new community members. 
    
    

  • FAQ2: How much does membership cost?

    A: For registered Mt. SAC credit and non-credit students who are currently attending at least one credit or non-credit class, membership is free. 
    
    

  • FAQ3: Do I need to make an appointment to join the Mountie MakerSpace, or to get a tour?

    A: No, just come to the Mountie MakerSpace during open hours

  • FAQ4: Are there times I have to attend the MakerSpace after I sign up?

    A: No, you can come to make things during any open time. Our hours may change at the start of the semester, but notification will be provided each time we change our open hours.

  • FAQ5: Is there a dress code?

    A: Yes, we require all members to wear closed-toe shoes throughout the MakerSpace property. Members are also required to tie their hair back when using certain machines. We provide loaner shoes, aprons and coveralls, and hair ties if you need them.

  • FAQ6: Can I use any of the machines and/or equipment once I sign up?

    A: No. Use of machines and equipment are controlled by membership level. We have three levels of memberships. The Green Zone equipment, tools and materials are available to all members. The Yellow Zone equipment is only available to members who have passed a safety test for Yellow. Red Zone tools and equipment have further safety check requirements.

  • FAQ7: What if I don’t know how to use any of the machines?

    A: Most Green-level equipment and tools have guides available to help you proceed through the steps needed to make your item. Staff will also be able to support your efforts. Yellow Zone or higher-level equipment require knowledge that has been acquired outside the Mountie MakerSpace. We can recommend sources if you ask. 

  • FAQ8: Do I have to bring my own supplies?

    A: We have some free materials for you to experiment with, but we cannot guarantee that they are always available or that they are a particular type or quality. The materials that we provide are mostly for Green-level activities, but we usually also have some wood available to use. Most of the time we do not have metal for members to use. We do ask that you bring your own supplies if your project requires a large amount of material. Some supplies may require prior approval, especially plastics.

  • FAQ9: May I bring kids to the space?

    A: No, we cannot allow children on MakerSpace property except during our public events. If you are a new member getting a tour, the child may stay at the outdoor eating area if they can safely stay there unsupervised. Otherwise, you need to return another time without the child.

  • FAQ10: Does the MakerSpace have an anti-harassment or diversity policy?

    A: YES! We are relentlessly inclusive. We do not allow harassment or teasing based on any characteristic or behavior. People exhibiting this behavior will be asked to leave immediately and may be banned. 

  • FAQ11: Are there classes to help me learn how to use the tools and equipment at the Mountie MakerSpace?

    A: No, although occasionally there are workshops about using a particular tool or piece of equipment. We can recommend classes at Mt. SAC or at nearby makerspaces if you are interested.

  • FAQ12: May I reserve any machines?

    A: Yes. Go to https://mountiemakers.com/reservation/Web/?
    Username: MtSAC ID number (A0….)
    Password: “password” without the quotes if you have not changed it, we recommend you do:
                          Change your password at my Account > change password
    You can reserve by machine from the Dashboard page.
    Currently available: 2 smaller CraftBot 3D Printers, Vinyl Cutter, Laser Cutter Engraver, Sewing Station, CNC Router, CNC Mill, Plasma Cutter; more soon

  • Membership - Mt. SAC credit students

    Mt. SAC credit students may join the Mountie MakerSpace for FREE. 
    
    To join, please come to the MakerSpace during open hours, fill out a MakerSpace membership form, put your information into our database, then get a safety tour, total about 20-30 minutes. You will also need to go to your portal on a phone or computer to add a zero unit, free non-credit MakerSpace class. Adding this class enables the Mountie MakerSpace to receive money from California for your time spent here, which allows the doors to stay open.

    What you need:
    * your A# and portal password
    * closed-toe shoes on your feet
    * an open attitude

    A description for credit student members is here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o-gHCPvoRCGyW0YP1vbcMSb4yHdnkBwA/view?usp=sharing

  • Membership - Mt. SAC non-credit students

    Mt. SAC non-credit students may join the Mountie MakerSpace for FREE. 
    
    To join, please come to the MakerSpace during open hours, fill out a MakerSpace membership form, put your information into our database, then get a safety tour, total about 20-30 minutes.
    
    You will have an extra step where you must show a staff person your portal with the class(es) that you are registered for. Only credit or non-credit classes are acceptable at this time.

    Then you can go to your portal on a phone or computer to add a zero unit, free non-credit MakerSpace class. Adding this class enables the Mountie MakerSpace to receive money from California for your time spent here, which allows the doors to stay open.

    What you need:
    * your A# and portal password
    * closed-toe shoes on your feet
    * an open attitude

    A description for non-credit student will be available soon.

  • Membership - Mt. SAC faculty, staff and administrators

     Mt. SAC faculty, staff and administrators may join the Mountie MakerSpace for FREE. 
    
    To join, please come to the MakerSpace during open hours, fill out a MakerSpace membership form, put your information into our database, then get a safety tour, total about 20-30 minutes.
    
    Unfortunately at this time you may not sign up for the non-credit class which provides us with apportionment.
    
    What you need:
    * your A# and portal password
    * closed-toe shoes on your feet
    * an open attitude

  • Membership - community members, students and  employees at other schools
    Community members and employees/students of other schools are currently not allowed to join the MakerSpace, but we are working as quickly as possible to find paths to enable your membership.
    
    

    In the meantime we are able to give you a tour, if you are curious about what we have to offer. Then if you'd like to sign up for a credit or non-credit class at Mt. SAC, that will enable you to join and work at the MakerSpace.

  • Membership Levels
     The Mountie MakerSpace has several membership levels. 
    
    * New members are at the Green Level, which authorizes them to use the equipment in the Digital Fabrication Room, plus hand tools
    
    * A member who is familiar with woodworking equipment may ask the Tech on duty for a Safety Check for the Yellow Level. No reservation is needed to receive a Safety Check for the Yellow Level. The check will cover all of the machines in the woodworking area, asking the member to talk through or demonstrate how they would setup a job on that machine, after checking that it is safe to use.  The member should be familiar with 2/3 to 3/4 of the machines, and the overall focus should be on using the equipment safely.
    
    * After a member has passed their Yellow Safety Check and they have worked on projects in the MakerSpace for 10 hours so staff can get to know them, they may ask for a Safety Check on any one of the Red Level machines. Again, no reservation is needed, some evenings the Red Level safety check may not be available.  Red Level machines are generally metalworking machines such as the plasma cutter, welding equipment or lathe.