Welcome to Reforge Charleston! Our makerspace thrives because of our community members. To ensure everyone has a safe, enjoyable, and productive experience, we ask all members to follow these etiquette guidelines. This is a shared space, and everyone has a responsibility to keep it welcoming and functional for all.
Be Considerate of Others
Reforge Charleston is a collaborative community where makers of all skill levels work side by side. Respect your fellow members by:
- Keeping noise levels reasonable—use hearing protection when operating loud equipment and be mindful of others working nearby
- Respecting personal space and equipment—ask before using someone’s project materials or workspace
- Offering assistance when others are working with heavy materials or complex equipment
- Being patient and supportive with newer members—we all started somewhere
- Keeping conversations friendly and inclusive, avoiding divisive or offensive topics
Respect the Tools and Equipment
Our tools and equipment are shared resources that represent significant investment in our community. Treat them with care:
- Use equipment only as intended and within its rated capabilities
- Follow all safety procedures and equipment-specific guidelines before operating machinery
- Ensure equipment is in good working condition before and after use—perform basic maintenance checks as outlined in equipment guides
- DO NOT attempt to repair or troubleshoot equipment unless you have explicit authorization—especially 3D printers, welders, and computer numerical control (CNC) equipment
- Return tools to their designated locations in clean, functional condition
- Report any issues immediately using the channels described below
Keep the Space Clean
Reforge has no dedicated cleaning staff—our space stays clean because members pitch in. After finishing your project:
- Clean up all waste materials from your work area, including sawdust, scraps, and packaging
- Dispose of materials in appropriate bins (recycling, compost, trash, or waste bins specific to material type)
- Return your work area to the condition it was in before you started—ideally better
- Empty the dust collection bin after using equipment that generates significant sawdust
- Wash or wipe down surfaces you’ve used, especially work tables and precision equipment
- Don’t leave personal projects unattended in shared spaces for extended periods
- Help tidy shared areas even if they’re not your responsibility—a few minutes of effort benefits everyone
How to Report Equipment Issues
CRITICAL: If you discover a broken tool, malfunctioning equipment, or safety hazard, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Instead, immediately notify a board member:
- Email the board: board@reforge.io
- Message on Slack: Use the main channel or direct message a board member
- Include details: Describe what you observed, when you discovered it, and which equipment is affected
The board will assess the issue and coordinate repairs. In the meantime, mark the equipment as “Out of Service” so other members don’t attempt to use it.
The Space Reflects Us All
Reforge Charleston is more than just equipment—it’s a reflection of our community. A clean, well-maintained space attracts new members, inspires creativity, and demonstrates respect for the shared investment we’ve all made. When you leave the space in better condition than you found it, you’re contributing to something bigger than your individual project.
Additional Resources
For detailed information on equipment operation, safety procedures, and workspace management, visit our Equipment Guides section. Familiarize yourself with the specific tools you plan to use before your first session.
Quick Reference: Community Workspace Etiquette
General makerspace community guidelines and best practices for shared workshop spaces.
Workshop Cleanup and Tool Organization
Practical guidance on cleaning workflows, tool organization, and maintaining a productive workshop environment.
Dust Collection and Workspace Safety
How proper dust collection and maintenance practices support both cleanliness and safety in shared workspaces.
Questions?
Our community is here to help. If you have questions about etiquette, equipment, or anything else related to Reforge, don’t hesitate to reach out on Slack or contact the board at board@reforge.io.
Thank you for being part of our community and for helping keep Reforge Charleston an amazing place to make!