frequently asked questions 

HOW DOES THIS WORK?

Makerspace Western Kentucky is a "Maker Space" or Community Workshop. We are a membership based organization for creative people of all kinds.  By joining our community, you get access to all of the tools and resources we provide for our members: Classroom, Craft Room, 3D Printing Lab, Woodshop, Metalshop, Welding, Artist Alley and Laser printers. ​
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CAN I DROP BY AND LOOK AROUND? 

We would love to show you around! Please call or email ([email protected]) to schedule a tour.

​​​DO YOU SUPPLY EVERYTHING FOR MY PROJECT?

Each member is responsible for their own materials with exception of the 3D Printer. 

DO YOU OFFER TRAINING ON EQUIPMENT?

We are here to answer questions, provide safety training and suggest materials and tools for your project.

WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW HOW TO MAKE THE THING I WANT TO MAKE?

If you require more help than basic safety training, we offer classes to teach you important skills that you may need in order to build upon your ideas.  There are several classes that are included with membership.  We will also have classes for specific items that will be made at the space. Those classes can be taken by anyone. The class fees cover materials and pay for your instructor’s time.  This is a great way to try out the space and learn a new skill without any commitment.

If you have advanced training needs outside of what is offered in our schedule of classes, we -may- be able to schedule an appointment with one of our mentors to assist you with your needs.  Mentoring is not an "on demand" service and must be scheduled with your mentor ahead of time. Mentors set their own hourly rate based on your needs as a student.

WHAT IF I NEED SOMETHING LASER CUT? OR CNC MILLED?

We also a service that allows you to design an idea of what you want created or made. You can bring in digital files and have your ideas fabricated on our laser cutters, CNC routers, CNC plasma cutter, 3D printers, and more!  Think of our Digital Fabrication Service as a printshop for THINGS. We put your request on our job board for experienced members. 

ONCE I'M A MEMBER, WHEN CAN I USE THE SPACE?

​Once you have read and signed our terms and agreement, pay your first month and you’re ready to go.  Classes may occupy the classroom, woodshop, metalshop, or forge area, and this use supersedes the use of the area for personal projects. Check the calendar before you head to the space to prevent surprises.  

Extended hours are enabled at the discretion of the staff.

CAN I BRING A GUEST?

Yes, but guests are limited to the Classroom area only for safety purposes.  Guests are allowed to observe, but are not allowed to operate or use resources of the space other than project classes. Please encourage your guests to become members of the space.​

I WANT TO START A MAKERSPACE IN MY COMMUNITY. CAN I COME LOOK AROUND?

​Yes! We often we get contacted by people who want to run a Makerspace and just want to come by and "pick our brains for ideas".

HOW DID MAKERSPACE GET HERE? 

Makerspace Western Kentucky, originally Kentucky Movers and Makers, was started by the Madisonville Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation established in 1994.

This initiative from MHCEDC is helping to anchor the economic and cultural revitalization of Hopkins County, Kentucky. We are inspired by the Maker Movement that has taken hold nationwide as a vehicle for enhancing entrepreneurship, job development, community development, science and the arts.