The info you are looking for.
We operate by the principle of “Give more than you take.” If everyone shares a little bit, the whole community will have plenty. You are welcome to freely print on the 3d printers or use the scrap wood and metal from the storage racks, but if you use a lot of it, consider giving back with your time, talent, or money.
Can I use the shop for commercial use?
ONLY IF YOU GIVE BACK AND FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE WORKSHOP.
The shop is available for you to run production parts, create products to sell, commission art pieces, or prototype something for your business. As a rule of thumb, we recommend a donation of 15% of the cost to produce your product be donated back into the community. Or, donate at least a 50% level for services that you would pay for. For instance, commercial laser engraver time is $80 an hour so consider donating $40 an hour if you use our laser engraver for commercial orders.
Entrepreneurship is a natural outcome of making and we encourage that! We request that you share some of your profits back to help us keep the resource of the workshop available. We want to avoid the “tragedy of the commons” where the resources are depleted because no one gives back. When you give back it keeps the tools and workshop open and available for everyone.
Have a chat with us about it because we want to be a part of your success!
The SynergyMill community workshop is intended for non-commercial use.
If you are learning how to use the tools, experimenting on a new idea, or just tinkering around trying new things, please enjoy! Use the freely available materials, glue, paint, wood, and more. Because the shop tools are open for anyone to use we cannot guarantee that they will always be available and in top working order.
Can I visit the shop and see if it's right for me?
YES! Please visit. You do not need to have a membership to visit and check things out, to use the tools, or hang out with us. We do not want money to be the barrier for you to accomplish your project or meet cool people. We have events happening every month and everyone is invited. All you have to do is SHOW UP!
When are mentors present at Synergy Mill?
Mentors can be found during currently posted hours and by appointment. Please ask about tutorials and assistance with the equipment! We want to see you succeed in your project.
What is the age limit for members?
Synergy Mill is a workshop with potentially dangerous tools so we require anyone under 18 to have close adult supervision. A waiver is also required to operate any equipment.
Can I bring a friend?
YES. Please bring a friend and share the space with them. We also have a rule of thumb to not operate dangerous machinery alone, so always have a buddy that can keep an eye on you! We also suggest a donation of $5 per visit for non-members.
Can I bring my own tools and materials to work with in the SynergyMill work spaces?
YES! You are welcome to bring your own tools and materials, especially tools that may be specific to your project like drill bits and other consumable items.
What tools are available to use at Synergy Mill?
There's really too many things to mention and things can change often. We don't have the latest and highest quality tools but what we have works well and will perform for the most common tasks. Also, the tools we have are ones that the community uses and has agreed to work together to acquire. The reason we may not have a tool is because no one in the community has needed it yet.
Carpentry tools
Tablesaw, mitersaw, router table, lathe, bandsaw, beltsander, air nailers, clamps
Metalworking tools
Bandsaw, drill press, vertical mill, metal lathe, bench grinder, MIG welder, TIG welder, plasma cutter, welding tables, welding helmets and jackets,
Hand tools
Battery powered drills, sawzall, angle grinder, circular saws
Workbenches
3ftx6ft stand-up worktables and smaller sit-down worktables
Laser Cutting tools
45 watt Laser cutter/engraver, 100 watt laser
3d Printers
Prusa Mini, Halot Resin
CNC
X-Carve CNC router
Specialty tools
Shop air, bench vises, sandblasting cabinet, plastics sheet bender, vacuum form machine
Electronics tools
Soldering station, tektronics oscilloscope, voltmeter
Miscellaneous
Piano, computers with cad, graphics, and 3d slicing software
Crafting tools
Glue, tape, hot glue, and all the miscellaneous materials you can think of.
Materials
Reclaimed wood, plastics, metals