New RML HQ

N.B. This wiki needs a spring clean and the information on this page may be (considerably) out of date.

Notes of how to run a space

Andrés has been talking to several people about how to progress the space. Ensuring a Future in the Space

Richmond Makerlabs: Ham Close

We met up with RHP and LBRUT on 2016-06-10 they really liked the concept of the space. But they said that they did not know what are our needs. They understand that we need storage space, that we cannot really share it with other activities as we can not tidy up equipment, that we need outdoor space as well, that it is not a classroom environment and that it will be noisy. They need details about the arrangement, what type of broadband and such. Also if we can provide some details for independent start up space.

We also understand that there is a realistic amount of space that we can apply to.

We have a scheduled meeting with RHP on the 2018-01-16 the questions are requirements for the future redevelopment of Ham Close. They have already said that they want to ensure that our activities will still be going on that the process will be in phases so we will be able to move to a new space before our old space is demolished.

Ideas for meeting before 2018-01-16

• We would want a larger space. Currently we have approximately 7x7 m2 space (49 m2). 100 m2 would be nice. 200m2 would be great but currently there are 192 homes and they need 424 homes.
• We would want electronic accesability 24/7 for members monitored by us. NO - 7am to 11pm to avoid disturbing neighbours and establish no living in the space!
• We would want disabled toilet facilities.
• Electronic, wood, plastic, cardboard and organic recycle points.
• Kitchenette
• Single phase power supply should be enough.
• Closed off office space is OK for IT workshop but we do not want to compete with local library and their IT infrastructure.
• We do not need an event space: if needed the local library has that.
• Noise cancellation or far enough to not bother neighbours.
• Minor storage
• ...

Tentative Questions Tentative answers

• What amount of square meters do we need? About 3-4 times what we currently have
  • How much do other UK makerspaces have?
  • Members of uk-Hackerspaces recomend choosing what we want in first
• Out of those square meters what will be:
  • out door space?
  • Blacksmith/metalwork area? yes
  • storage space?
  • server space? One Rack
  • multi function space? Several desks - the round table probably gives us 6 and the IT desk could give 3 more, and there is one or two provided by the table in the middle.
  • Electronics desk ? One desk
  • IT desk? Two desks
  • Separate start-up company space? Against ethos
  • Separate woodwork shop? YES - At least size of current little House - needs to be big enough to cut an 8x4' sheet on a tablesaw with room to feed out and feed in without touching any othe equipment around it.
• Should we stick to A&A ISP ? YES - but thats not part of the specification - access to an adequate speed line from exchange to space is all that requires specification
• Should we look into High power provision? yes (one never knows) (presumably you mean 415v 3 phase? )
• Ethernet, USB and Power sockets all round? Yes. Would some need to be on an 'emergency stop' button (eg saws)
• Occupancy sensors for lights (enocean standard)? yes
• Renewable energy: Solar or wind?
• We will want Blueprints for everything? YES
• Nitrogen generation station? (JH - really? ) (The hissing is a bit of a pain but it only takes the space of a fridge) NO
• Compressed air line for cleaning or air balanced tables?
• Cleanroom? NO
• Fume cabinet? Certainly need extraction for laser cutter (ideally remote fan for reduce noise) Porbably want some sort of dust extraction/vacuum for any router/saw type things.
• Hydrogen generator? Using the un-used peaks in the grid. (JH - really? ) (There is one at NPL functioning like that AMP) NO
• Low power lighting? YES
• Encryption key pair entrance for members. we should specify what the outcome is, not the how, so 'a system to allow individual members access'
• Fridge for chemicals and biohazards NO - chemicals shouldn't be brought to space - become a liability - see recent problems at Reading Rlab.
• Corrosive chemical cabinet NO as above
• flanable chemical cabinet No as above

New Facility: Community garage (workshop)

• Space for one car, two motor bikes or 4 bicycles or 8 unicycles. - need circulation space to get around sides and store tools.
• Inspection pit or lift?
• Will still have the DIY ethos: the idea is to provide the tools that we would not have space to store or we would only use once.
• Tire pump with regulation to different pressures (bike, or motor vehicle) - probably better as a full compressor.
• Engine crane and bench to work on. Lifting materials would need periodic inspections LOLAR.
• Electrical charging station. For electrical vehicles. - would the vehicle take up the workshop space whilst charging? - that's not desirable, better to have charging stations as part of car parking provision (and/or e-car club)

8 How would this be 'booked' - wouldn't want 'long term projects to occupy space without progress. Some projects the vehicle may not be road legal during repairs - 'yard' space required as well?

Realistic view? Have a set of tools for people to share. This might include a tent for people to take to their car and work while it rains?

New Facility: Green House allotment

• With trays at different heights to produce vegetables and fruits in the area and experiment with irrigations.

New Facility AI

Mtcroft or Jasper server. Could help for disabilities.

References

• UK hackerspace: how to start
• Video
• Not to reinvent the wheel
• Things to look out for
• U-K hackerspace tips
• More UK hackerspace tips regarding aaccounting and membership management
• diversity

Discussion

Member ideas

Ryan's thoughts

IanB's thoughts

Concept drawings

Drawings done with Sweet Home 3D Source file can be found here: [1]

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  View from the street. Missing garage door!
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  View from garage door
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  View of the left side (second floor?)
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  View of the left side (yes that is a fume cabinet for chemistry or blacksmithing?)
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  View from the kitchen window
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  We do need these. View from the door.

Choosing a Legal Form

As proposed is seems best to state a legal form.

Currently we are part of the Ham United Group which is a Community interest Company (CIC). If we ever spin out we would need to worry about another form or stick to CIC.

Dealing With Tax And Accounting

As proposed is seems best to find out how to deal with Tax and accounting.

Currently we are part of the Ham United Group which has it's own treasurer that happens to be an accountant. If we ever need to do it ourselves we can use accounting software such as gnucash or a Apache OFbiz or just see what other UK spaces have done.

Getting insurance

As proposed is seems best to find out how to deal with Insurance.

As part of HUG we have insurance that covers our activities and assets. If we ever need to revisit UK-Hackerspaces have a preferred point of contact.

Mission Statement

As proposed is seems best to state a mission statement.

Proposal 1

RML is to:

1. To use equipment and do projects with and for the community
2. Understand and teach each other how they (equipments and projects) work and changing them to do our needs if necessary.
3. To copy each other DIY or Do it Ourselves (as a team!)
4. To share what we have learnt and the projects we have done with the community
5. The 3 Rs in order 1) Reduce waste 2) Reuse waste 3) As a final option, Recycle waste

The Numbers

As proposed is seems best to get an idea of the numbers. This could be HUG members that are interested in RML. Also Why_we_need_new_members.

Equipment

As proposed

1. First aid kit. CHECK (we have one but could be better)
2. Quality and Quantity. CHECK (we do buy quality and we have enough Sometimes it would be nice to have two sets of screwdrivers for example but at the moment we are fine
3. Laser Cutter. CHECK (thanks to Kim and Paul)
4. 3D printer. CHECK (thanks to Paul and Ian)
5. Rest of the machine park

• • CNC machine thanks to Paul CHECK

Self organization

1. Access to space: currently we use keys. Ideally electronic access is best.
2. Access to training: currently nothing stops untrained people to use equipment but people seem sensible.
3. Storage space: Very little and recommended against storing personal projects if so, labelled accordingly
4. Material management: when buying small components we normally batch order to have some left over. We are in a phase of being very critical to donations thanks to Harriet and Jon.

Self management

As proposed

1. Board can't to everything: people can propose things but it is important to take ownership of activities
2. Commerce in the space: We have the Crafty Chameleon and other members that are between jobs or studying that have vested interest in the space.
3. DIY things though it is preferred to DIO (Do it ourselves) in plural and teams.
4. How to spend money: if three members think it is good idea it is done deal except if 3 others think it is a bad idea?

Grow

As proposed

1. Public workshop. YES Tuesday evenings. or invited by a key holder.
2. The tour. We always welcome new faces and give them a tour.
3. Local events. We had a couple of open document foundation day celebrations. We need to do more. Like working with [Restart project]
4. Build night. We have attempted these some times. But with little attendance.

A New HQ Is Now Looking Real 2022

It is time we started thinking about how RML will operate in a custom-built workshop building.

We've been promised a new place before they demolish the old one. I guess that could be 2 years from now: one year in the planning and one year to build.

Organisation

We are currently a member-run organisation, and there's no reason to change that concept. What needs to be added is that some individual members will assume responsibility for specific aspects of the Makerlab.

For instance, someone is in charge of woodworking. He or she will ensure the relevant power tools are working and safe to use, will replace broken blades and sharpen blunted chisels, and will oversee the process of training if necessary. This person will keep an eye on the working area and will be notified when something needs attention. With enough people taking on small tasks like this, the load can be shared among us.

It's to be expected there will be much more activity at the new Makerlab. It's an expensive new building and we have to make good use of it. We are aiming for RFID access so there will be people coming and going without any supervision, and the place will be able to operate 24 hours a day (though it would be wise to restrict to 16 hours a day in this residential setting).

Management

I would like to discuss how we can create a constitution and a management structure that will work for the future building, and get it in operation at Little House well before the move.

We need to have a common vision and work on implementing it.

This will give us valuable up-front experience and will create a team of people who can plan and execute the move to new premises. At best it means we will already be capable of managing a busier Makerspace when the move has taken place.

These are the kind of things that could govern our operation in a new, bigger and busier space:

1. There will need to be a clear set of rules covering what can be done, by whom and where.
2. Information about where to find particular tools has to be easily available.
3. There must be a simple means of reporting if any item is broken or missing, and a nominated person should be responsible for repair and replacement.
4. Work-in-progress must be labelled and have adequate storage.
5. We will need an inventory of tools, to know if anything has been taken away, or borrowed, and some stringent rules covering what tools can, and cannot be loaned out.
6. We will need to keep name, address and contact details for all members who have RFID access cards, and a record of what training has been given to each one
7. There has to be a process for approving expenditure on buying new equipment or replacing consumables.
8. There will probably be two evenings a week for visitors & members without RFID cards to use the Makerspace.

This won't just come together by itself. It needs to be created, operated and probably modified. It's important to get it working now, before the move, so there will be people in place to organise aspects of moving and setting it all up again in the new place.

I would like to see the culture of RML develop into a self-managing makerspace, with each person being aware of the part they play in keeping the whole thing going. This would be in contrast to what we have now, -a ready-made workshop as a service for anyone to come in and use.

Management of tools

I suggest a separate nominated person is responsible for each of these tools & equipment sections:

1. Laser cutter (maintenance and training)
2. 3D printers (keeping them working, training, and filament supply)
3. Electronics (and management of component parts)
4. Woodwork and drill press (including spare drill bits and blades)
5. Metalwork, CNC and Lathe
6. Powered hand tools (including tools on loan to members)

The 'nominated person' can find assistants to share some of the work.

Financial Management

1. Requests for spending will need to be approved by someone else (who?)
2. The financial manager will oversee:
   1. Repayment of expenses for consumables
   2. Approval of capital expenditure
   3. Payment of regular expenses (whatever they may be)
   4. Records of income from subscriptions
   5. Record-keeping for cash donations
3. Good to appoint someone to look for opportunities for grants and sponsorship

Makerspace management

• Do we want a management committee?
• Do we need a management committee?
• How can decisions be made by members of RML?
• How will we decide what activities will be run?
• How can we decide on major capital expenditure?
• How to resolve differences of opinion on policy?
• Who will represent us on the HUG board of directors?

Levels of membership

1. Keep the principle of £1 per visit for non-committed visitors
2. Monthly subscription of £5-10 for supporting membership, allows a vote in decision-making
3. Higher monthly subscription in return for an RFID card, allows voting and unsupervised access
4. Possibly a pay-as-you-go fee for use of some equipment

Layout of the space

Ground floor workshop

• The ground floor provides the machine shop, with a compressor and dust extraction
• Perhaps separated into three areas using heavy plastic sheet curtain
  • 30% floorspace for metalwork and engineering
  • 30% floorspace for woodworking
  • 40% floorspace open for cycle repair days, repair cafe days, space for renting out
• Proportions are a rough guide and would be changed with experience

First floor workshop

• First floor would be similar to what we have in Little House, with a bit more bench space
  • Laser cutter
  • 3D printers
  • Electronics
  • Round table for meeting or socialising
  • Plasma TV screen near the round table
  • Useful stuff in bins on shelves, but better organised

Possible Special Interest Groups/Courses

Some of these could have a fee for attending, reduced fee for members

• Coding practice for Arduino and Raspberry Pi
• Group for building wheeled robots
• Railway modellers club
• Computer aided design instruction
• Understanding electronic circuits
• Computer skills
• Home networking
• Home repairs
• Bicycle maintenance
• Laser cutter use
• 3D printer use

The Way Forward

RML needs members who are prepared to make a firm commitment to the future of our operation. The workload on any individual mustn't be heavy. Sharing the tasks, many people can each make a small contribution to this really worthwhile project. No-one needs to be a ready-made expert in the section they take on. It's easy enough to pick up the basics of anything we do.

2022 Planning Permission Granted

The plans for the whole Ham Close redevelopment were approved by the Planning Committee of the Council on 13 December 2022 You can see what the whole development will look like here.

The new MakerLabs building is included in the plans, Click here to see the plan.

Richmond Council have appointed architects WR-AP to detail the interior fitting of our new space (and the new Community Centre). This is probably the first custom-designed community makerspace in the UK and we should aim to get the best out of it.

The interior will combine wood and painted breeze-block to give a light modern appearance, with built-in cupboard space and shelving. The ground floor workshop will have a concrete floor with a smooth surface finish. The first floor will have wooden flooring covered in Marmoleum flooring sheet.

This year might be a good time to look into the possibility of getting grants towards equipping the ground-floor workshop with good quality power tools: bandsaw, router, belt sander, table saw and plasma cutter for sheet steel? Maybe a new laser cutter if such a thing could be done?

The first floor proposal: First Floor

The ground floor proposal: Ground Floor

It's not perfect as it stands, yet it's a very good start. There's still a limitation on floor space even though it's about twice the space we have at present. Let's have a discussion with a view to creating a layout that serves all our activities well.

Discussion

First Floor

IanB says: I think the floor plan is adequate. The computer terminal nearest the laser cutter will be the laser cutter controller. The other two could work with any of the 3D printers, and be general-purpose use too. There will be cupboard space under the wall benches. The round table will be gone, replaced by two more benches giving more table space and flexibility. There isn't enough wall space for storage. We have been offered pegboard for the walls, this could be very useful. Would also want Spur shelving uprights drilled into breeze block or wood-clad walls for the heavier stuff. Will the sliding door be wide enough to get the laser cutter through (830mm)?

Jon H says: We want plenty of power sockets. Andres says: Sockets on separate ring mains!

IanM says: What about storage in the space above the stairs and the two first-floor rooms? That space is otherwise going to waste. Also, will the exhaust fumes from the laser cutter be too close to a residential window or balcony? Amunizp (talk) 09:03, 24 December 2022 (UTC) extraction needs to go to roof and will be imposed by regulation of LEV. It might turn out that we need to use filters in future which might make laser cutter more expensive. But according to the plans we seem further away than we actually are.

Ground Floor

IanB says: One woodwork bench will not support 4 work positions as shown. Drill press needs clear space left and right for drilling long items. Not sure about the wood store, it looks not large enough to be practical. The workshop will need an array of rectangular shelf/boxes (pigeonholes?) for storing and access to electrical hand tools. There must be provision for storing work-in-progress, especially if we are to be open much more frequently or have unsupervised independent access.

IanB thinks: We should offer much better woodwork facilities as this is more likely to be useful. Let's not crowd out the workshop with metalworking machinery such as a mill and a big lathe or a plasma cutter. Stick to a mini lathe and a drill for metalworking, for now. Maybe add those metal facilities later if some future people can organise them.

Amunizp (talk) 09:04, 24 December 2022 (UTC) : Isn't metal work very oily? We will need diptrays space equipment to collect spills and store oil. 
Amunizp (talk) 09:06, 24 December 2022 (UTC) Wood chip extraction. No clear space to collect wood dust.wood dust collected is a fire hazard. So we need to think about the process we would use to dispose of it. Would one central extraction be best or several local extractions be better? One central extraction with baffles might be better but needs good infrastructure. I recommend we contact Axminster for recommendations.

Amunizp (talk) 09:06, 24 December 2022 (UTC) Large CNC: can store large sheets of ply? Do we have space for a pallet trolley? Deliveries will probably come from ashburnham road as only the garbage collection is allowed close to RML2.0. large CNC can probably used for soft metal but I am not sure if the same extraction is needed or if other type is needed.

Ian B: We are allocated one loading bay at the side. It will be used by garbage collection, and for disabled access but it's also possible to have a delivery truck come right up to the Makerspace building.

Amunizp (talk) 09:06, 24 December 2022 (UTC) While we fill with equipment we could have the large round table down here.

Outside Space

IanM (talk) at RML, 20 December 2022: Move the outside bench to the position allocated for the shed. This gives three walls around it. Can there be an awning to give protection on rainy days? The 5 sq.m. for plant enclosure seems to have 50% wasted space. With a different door arrangement, access for maintenance can be provided by the RML outside space.

Amunizp (talk) 09:11, 24 December 2022 (UTC) I do not think plant space is negotiable note that trash bins will be out there and will need to be taken to front of building to be collected by council. I recommend one 1200 ltr bin or 3 Wheely bins.

IanM (talk) 11:50, 24 December 2022 (UTC): I was referring to the walkway for access in the plant space. It shouldn't ever be used for storage as access could be required at any time, + inappropriate materials stored round plant is a fire hazard. We also loose a lot of space with its swing door opening out next to the wall. If the yard side of the plant enclosure could be made as three removable panels or gates, and our outside workbench was put on locking castors so it could easily be moved for plant access, we could get back as much as 0.8 m of usable yard length + the ~ 2 sq m for its door swing.

IanM (talk) 11:50, 24 December 2022 (UTC): Once the workshop fills up with equipment, the round table could be useful in the yard, as part of a fair-weather social space. We'd need to rout a drip groove round the bottom edge of the top, add plastic pads under its feet to keep it out of surface water, and give it several coats of UV resistant polyurethane varnish for weather protection. A cover for it would also help.

Door Entry

IanB: We can make more intense use of the space if trusted users can let themselves in, during permitted hours of operation. This will not replace supervised or hosted sessions for newer users. To be secure, outer door access would require an RFID card and a PINumber (something you own and something you know). Machinery requiring induction can be power-switched using the same access card.

This will only work for us if the access control accepts cards conforming to ISO14443A (e.g. Mifare) and if we can write our own cards, with enable/disable control of individual users in the door access system. A door access system that locks us into using some proprietary NFC tags will be useless for a makerspace.

Many hackspaces create their own door access system. But as this is a Council-owned building, it's likely that door security will be specified, installed and maintained commercially. It would be an embarrassment if a poorly-specified entry system inhibited the smooth running of our membership.

Heating and cooling

Winter can get cold to -5 Deg C and summer can reach 40 Deg C we need an efficient way to keep at a comfortable temperature without having to rely on plug in heaters and cooling units but without costing the environment. We also need to acknowledge that while these are only peak temperatures it would be good to provide warm spaces given the cost of living crisis. Modern air exchange systems with natural methods of warming exist and should be used but it should be paired up with the booking system so that spaces can be warmed up before attending. OK I got some very strong reactions on this so maybe a bit of rewording would be better.

I think when I used the term warm spaces it kicked in a particular imagery of soup kitchen which I understand is not what we are going for. Also I understand that we cannot influence how the heating system is going to be but I also feel we should have some minimum. I also understand that there is a real possibility that we will need to pay the bills somehow. So let me present it in a different point of view.

The bare minimum we should be provided with is HSE regulations which is 16 Deg. As I do not think the work in the ground floor will be strained. The out door space maybe we can install heat lamp is needed. https://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/employer/index.htm

I think even though we cannot ask for things it would be good to ask what we will get so that we can prepare for after.

Now HSE cannot enforce a higher temperature but it does offer some helpful recommendations. https://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/employer/managing.htm

Now I know what you are going to say, "HSE does not apply here! We do not employ anyone!" Which is all well and good but after my experience managing a space I came to remember something from diversity training. You are all really nice to be around but it would be nice to have a more diverse membership that cannot tolerate being in a 16 Deg environment for long periods of time. This means different, BMI, gender and race. https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20160617-the-never-ending-battle-over-the-best-office-temperature

More diverse membership means more people and more people means more money should we need to ask for it.

Extraction

Woodchip is a fire hazard and a breathing hazard. As such, whatever system we have should be easy enough to replace bags effectively. Ideally to not take footprint it will be installed outside with plant machinery and will be only turned on when the machine needs it. The system should be sound proofed as much as possible and use a system of gliding gates to change the flow when needed.Axminster can provide recommendations.

Further Feedback

We asked our extended network of makerspaces: What things have you found that would be nice if you could start from the ground up? Open Workshop Network (OWN) and Hack Space Foundation (HSF)

Open Workshop Network

Zoe : Drop down power is a great thing to have built in from the get-go. As are sinks with big volumes, plaster traps and hose taps.

Simon (OWN): I’d say three phase power if you don’t already (maybe obvious) and we always wish we had a warmer/better insulated space.

Hack Space Foundation

James Mastros: 1: Plan in ventilation/air handling from the start. You want exhaust from the laser, fresh air for the humans, exhaust air for the humans, dust from the woodworking machines, and central compressed air. Some of those will end up being designing in where you will put it later.

2: Consider having a hot and ceramic room, where you expect build-up of ceramic dust and absolutely do not put anything that can burn. I really wish Swindon had one, for welding & grinding with less worry, for glass-working, heat-treating, casting, and in general fire. Also, for, well, ceramics.

Tim Neobard More network cable in the walls the better, specially with runs to all exits and the ceilings around exits if you're looking for cameras.

A sewer drain point running from each workshop is a good idea. As is having a water pipe.

ceiling tray stuff for cables.

We run our cables through walls as our workshops are all separate

I would also recommend a dedicated space for COSH cupboard fire compartments. Including cleaning supplies / mop bucket etc

Allie P Do not put cable in walls in commercial or industrial spaces, spend the same money on surface metal conduit instead. it is SO MUCH EASIER to maintain. Dado trunking in habitable spaces. metal conduit in unhabitable (workshop) spaces.

Nothing behind plasterboard, nothing you can't maintain

Tim Kerby

Steel conduit Which I’ve also had made IP rated for some rooms if there is a chance of water or oil spray (and use exterior sockets).

Also, for the other rule, try and avoid single core cabling. When you get the bed of nails things to relive strain in verticals they make it a pain in the neck to try and run your coax for ham radio down the same big trunks

I really like what some companies do with pinned cable a hole in the floor and a fireproof grommit.

We’ve just open sourced all our NFC access and tool control. Our tool controllers monitor machine current too. Very useful for charging for the laser tube time and the welder gas usage….

Dermot

I'd just reiterate the 'plans are useless, planning is essential' mantra - it's an impossible task to get this right, but the thought and imagining that goes in is hugely valuable...but build for flexibility as much as possible. And 'is it good enough for now, safe enough to try?' can facilitate decision making and ease the risk of aiming for perfection (that doesn't exist)

Reading Hackspace

IanB: The ground floor workshop at rlab shows how a practical workshop needs to be set out. RML should be aiming at something similar on the ground floor. It's not showy but it's practical.

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Ground Floor Future tools

Additional tools that we may want in the future, large enough that we should consider in the design. (power, extraction etc)

Table created with table generator , load File:Rml future tools.txt

	Want	Nice to Have	Never Have
Woodworking	Table Saw Floor Standing Bandsaw Planer Thicknesser Router Table Belt Sander Wood Lathe CNC	Morticer
Metal Work	Drill Press Metal Lathe (larger?) Grinder Linisher Horzontal Bandsaw/ Metal Chopsaw Polishing Buffing Wheel	MIG/ TIG Welder Plasma Cutter Mill Small Press	Forge
Other	Air Compressor Chemical Storage	Blasting Cabinet
Upstairs		Vinyl Cutter Printers Vacuum former Projector

Concept inspiration pictures

hardware store with peg hole wall concept. Wr-ap discussed as possibility of making all walls like this.