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North Harris Library Makerspace: Safety, Guidelines, and Procedures

Information about the tools and events in the LSC-North Harris Library Makerspace

Makerspace Rules

Makerspace Rules

  • Collaborate! Group conversation and collaboration is welcome here! Be considerate of others with your volume.
  • No Food, Drinks OK Please do not bring any food into the Makerspace. Drinks with lids are allowed in this area. If hazardous chemicals are in use, we may ask that drinks not be brought into the Makerspace.
  • Use Headphones Short, quiet phone conversations are allowed. Please use headphones for video or online meetings.
  • No Horseplay Be aware of your surroundings, and use care when moving through the Makerspace.
  • Read All Safety Rules Use equipment as designed. If you need assistance, please ask library staff.

If you see unsafe conditions in the Makerspace, immediately report them to Library Staff!

Who can make stuff in the Makerspace?

The Makerspace is open to Lone Star College Students, Faculty, and Staff, as well as local community members. Unless otherwise noted, all workshops are free and open to the public.

What can I make?

While you can make almost anything with our Makerspace equipment, there are some restrictions and considerations to keep in mind:

  • Avoid projects that infringe of copyrighted, trademarked or patented designs
  • Avoid projects that might be unsafe or used in a harmful way
  • Projects that are prohibited by Lone Star College policy, or by local, state, or federal laws are not allowed.

Poster Printing

Poster printing is restricted to class related, student projects only.

3D Printing

For LSC Students, Faculty, and Staff: If the project you are working on is class or instruction related, we will do our best to print it as large as you need. For personal projects, we may limit the size depending on availability of filament and availability of printers.

For Community Members: Projects will be limited in size to 70mm x 70mm x 70mm, and 50g or 15m of filament, once a month. Community members may bring in their own filament if they would like to print larger objects. Before purchasing filament, check with library staff to make sure it's compatible with our printers. We may delay your project if there are student projects that need to be printed.

Materials for Other Machines

For LSC Students, Faculty, and Staff: If the project you are working on is class or instruction related, we will do our best to complete it with the resources available to us. For personal projects, we may limit the size depending on availability of materials, staff availability, and availability of equipment.

For Community Members: We may limit the size depending on availability of materials, staff availability, and availability of equipment. We may delay your project if there are student projects that need to be completed.

 

Health and Safety

Makerspace equipment is safe so long as it's used as intended. If you are unsure of how to use equipment, please ask library staff. Before using equipment, familiarize yourself with the location of the first aid kit, eye wash station, and fire extinguisher.

SLA Resin Printer

The resin used in the SLA Resin Printer is toxic until fully cured. The resin may also leave residue on tools used during the printing process. While using the SLA Printer you must wear gloves. Keep all food and drink away from the SLA Printer.

Laser Cutter

You must remain with the laser cutter while in use. While the laser cutter has a fire suppression system, materials being cut may still catch fire and damage the machine. If you are going to be away from the laser cutter for a few minutes, pause the job until you get back. If you are going to be gone longer than a few minutes, tell library staff so they can monitor the machine.

Wood Irons

Before using the wood irons, make sure to secure any objects that might hang into the work area: necklaces, lanyard, or loose clothing. If you have long hair, secure it so it will not hang into the work area. If you have a long beard, consider tucking it into your shirt. Do not touch the metal portion of the iron as it can get very hot and will burn you. When not using the wood iron, place it back on it's stand. Ask for assistance from library staff if you need to change the tip.

CNC / OtherMill

You must remain with the OtherMill while in operation. Before use, locate and test the emergency stop button located on the side of the machine. Do not put your hand into the closed space while any part of the machine is moving.

Studio Rules

Studio Rules

  • No Food or Drinks Please do not bring any food or drinks, even ones with lids, into the studio space.
  • No Horseplay Be aware of your surroundings, and use care when moving through studio spaces.
  • Treat Equipment Respectfully Use equipment as designed. If you need assistance, please ask library staff. Do not try to access equipment locked in podiums.  Do not attach personal computers, gaming systems, or other personal devices to equipment.

The studios may be booked a maximum of 3 hours each day, up to 1 week in advance. Bookings must be made 24 hours in advance. Studios may only be checked out by current LSC Students, Faculty, and Staff.

One Button Studio

  • This studio is for the recording and editing of audio and video only. If you are not actively recording or editing and another student needs to use the studio, you will be asked to leave.
  • Furniture brought into the studio must be returned to its place of origin before checking the studio in.
  • Lights must be kept on while the studio is occupied.

Sound Booth Studio

  • This studio is for the recording and editing of audio only. If you are not actively recording or editing and another student needs to use the studio, you will be asked to leave.
  • Furniture may not be brought into or removed from this studio.
  • Do not attempt to disconnect equipment. Do not connect microphones to your personal computer, laptop, or other device.
  • Lights must be kept on while the studio is occupied.