Welcome

The Melbourne Makerspace is a volunteer-run community workshop currently pursuing 501(c)(3) status. This Wiki is in the process of being updated. Please reach out to Christine at stewardstine@gmail.com with any thoughts, questions, concerns, or feedback on this process!

Visiting the Makerspace

• The Makerspace is open 24/7 for members, but it is only available to the public when members are present.
• The Board holds Open Houses throughout the week. During these, the main door is unlocked for public access.
• Click here for detailed information on how to find us
• Check out this 3-minute video to get the vibes of the space!

About MelMak

Melbourne Makerspace, colloquially called “MelMak” (pronounced MelMac), occupies several suites (126-128) in the Palm Tree Plaza. In the future, the unit across the main door suite may become a part of their lease. (The main door suite is #126, and the unit across is #105.) The Wood Shop, housed in Suite 127, is the most utilized part of MelMak. The entry room of Suite 126 enters into has an open space with tables and a refrigerator. This room houses Arts & Crafts, Laser Cutters, 3D Printing, Resin Printers, Electronics & Programming. The rest of Suite 126 primarily comprises of storage space and bathrooms. Of note, there is a private CNC machine that can be used with permission from the owner, and an Assembly room. Suite 128 is shared between the Metal Shop and Pottery Shop. The Pottery Shop sometimes is overcrowded during open houses which is the primary reason the Board has considered expanding into Suite 105. However, the Board is not actively working on growth as they are focused on securing longevity through more solid organizational structure. This includes applying for 501(c)(3) status as well as improving tool documentation, formalizing onboarding and training procedures to ensure safety, and physical tidying to optimize flow for members.

History

Established in 2013, MelMak originally occupied Suite 135 in the plaza. Due to growth and needs of the community, MelMak moved and expanded into the suites it currently occupies. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, public classes were frequently hosted by certain members of MelMak. When social distancing requirements became more serious during this time, these classes dwindled and disappeared temporarily. This precipitated a change in member involvement. Along with significant shifts to the Board leadership, the culture of MelMak adapted to become more member-focused. It remains to be seen whether classes will return as a routine fixture of MelMak. Still, MelMak maintains strong involvement in the community and participates in local events such as the Library Con and Maker Fair Orlando.

Current Organization

Since MelMak is entirely volunteer-run, there is no formal hierarchy of operation. Members agree to the basic posted rules:
- Respect the Space
- Respect the Tools
- Respect Each Other
- Clean as You Go

The Board and some core members practice shadow onboarding with informal ownership of spaces based on technical expertise and physical dominion. There is generally a strong safety culture, and there have never been any serious incidents to occur. There are posted warnings about supervising minors and restricting pets.

Suite 126

Members typically use the tables in this space for using their personal computers or setting out projects that need to be assessed. Casual discussions, meetings, and meals take place here.

Notable features:
- Sign-In
- Free stuff bin
- Donations boxes
- Wi-Fi name and password posted
- Laser printer
- Computers with CAD software

The following pages are relevant to this area but pending further review and updates: - Laser Cutter - Metal Etching Laser - 3D Printers - Electronics Workstation - Vinyl Cutter - Front Door Card Access - Facility Matters - Computer Inventory - Melbourne Makerspace Stationery and Letterhead - CNC Wood Cutter - SewingMachines - AI for Makers

Suite 127 aka Woodshop

The following pages are relevant to this area but pending further review and updates: - Woodshop - VacuumFormer

Suite 128

The following pages are relevant to this area but pending further review and updates: - Metal Shop - Pottery Shop