New Member Q&A

Welcome to Xerocraft

Tucson's Hackerspace!

We get lots of questions about getting started, so here is what you need to know about taking a tour, becoming a member, having your orientation, and getting access to the space!

Memberships

We have two types of memberships: paid and volunteer

Both paid and volunteer members will need to meet with a Community Manager or Shop Manager to have an initial tour and orientation.

Volunteers should check out our Volunteer Opportunities page for more information on what it means to be a volunteer member. There are a limited number of volunteer positions available.

You can purchase your paid membership, or request a Volunteer membership here.

If you have any questions about memberships, please feel free to Contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

IMPORTANT Information for New Members

Each shop has different safety rules to protect both you and our tools.

Each shop has different rules. Please reach out to the relevant Shop Manager via the link at the bottom of that shop page to schedule your orientation session with an available volunteer shop staffer.

https://xerocraft.org/pages/contact-us

For example, in the Wood shop, you must make an appointment with the shop manager for your safety orientation/training before you can work in the shop. Laser, Machine and Welding shops have intro courses.

See the class calendar here.

You must be certified in at least one shop to get a key fob. Usually your first shop manager will provide that. If you have questions about certification, contact the Shop Manager that you're interested in working with.

Important note about folks under 18:

The Xerocraft policy is that we do not allow any underage persons (<18) without a parent or guardian present. The shop is full of extraordinarily dangerous tools and one tragic accident would mean the end of our organization. So unattended children/youths are just not something we're capable of managing. Please consider a family membership and work with your child side by side to have a safe and fun experience. Providing a safe space and tools for our members is our primary mission.

Orientation And Tour

If you would like a general tour of Xerocraft, please join us on our special Open House events.

Alternatively, if Saturday cannot work for you, then please reach out to our Community Managers or the respective Shop Manager to schedule a time.

Contact a Community Manager or Shop Manager

Shop Managers And Shop Tours

At this time, we recommend getting a detailed tour of individual shops from Shop Managers whenever you would like to book time in a new shop. They, or a designated representative, will be able to show you where everything is, how to safely use equipment, and what fun projects you can accomplish there!

Each shop has different rules for safety certification. In the Wood, Laser, and Metal shops, you must make an appointment with the shop manager for your safety orientation/training before you can work in the shop.

Please contact the Shop Manager of the shop you are interested in ahead of booking time in the shop so you can be sure they are able to be there for your personal tour.

Get Connected!

There are so many ways to get involved, connected and engaged here at Xerocraft! We highly encourage members to join our Steering Committee meetings. You can find dates and times on our Events page.

You should also join our email lists and chat forum on Discord! These are our top two methods to stay in touch and stay connected with members.

Lastly, feel free to check out our Projects page to see what everyone else is up to. Add your own projects through your profile and show off the latest cool thing you have made! Go on, show off a little, you earned it ;)


Certification and Shop Access - RFIDs

As a member you can access the shops any time there is a staffer present, or if you have been signed off by a shop manager to gain access without supervision via an RFID.

Xerocraft can be a dangerous place. To make sure everyone stays safe, new members will need to become certified in any shop they want to access without a staffer present. If a shop manger believes you will be safe and follow the rules you may be issued an RFID. You must be signed off in EACH shop you wish to use unsupervised, even if you get an RFID after just getting the sign off in the first one. Please do not hop between shops if you're not certified.