Getting Started on O'Town Makerspace — Community Workshop in Odense

Welcome

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Thank you for joining our community. This documentation will help you get started and make the most of your experience at the makerspace.

First Steps

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If you’re new to the makerspace and want to understand how to become part of the community, here is the simple path to get started:

1. Come to our Open House

The first step is to visit us in person. Attend one of our open‑house sessions. Here you can tour the physical space, ask questions, and get a real sense of the environment and community. Check our Events page to find the next open house date.

Safety Guidelines

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General Safety

Always wear your volunteer ID badge
Follow all posted safety signs and instructions.
Report any injuries or safety hazards immediately to a team leader.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for specific tasks.

Workshop Rules

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These are the basic rules and best practices that keep the makerspace running smoothly for everyone. They are not a formal code of conduct — just common-sense expectations that help us share the space respectfully.

Respect the Space

Treat the makerspace as if it were your own workshop — but one you share with others.
Do not modify, adjust, or recalibrate shared machines without consulting the group first.
Report anything broken, damaged, or out of place on Discord #ask-for-help.
Keep noise at reasonable levels, especially when others are working nearby.

Respect Each Other

Be welcoming to new members and visitors during Open House events.
Ask before using someone else’s materials or touching their project.
Offer help when you can, and don’t hesitate to ask for it when you need it.
Be mindful of others’ focus — some people prefer to work quietly, others enjoy chatting.

Use Tools & Machines Responsibly

Only use tools and machines you have been introduced to and feel confident operating.
If you are unsure how something works, ask before trying.
Never leave a running machine unattended.
Return tools to their designated storage after use.

Personal Projects & Storage

Store your materials and in-progress projects in your assigned member storage.
Do not leave personal items in shared work areas overnight without approval.
Label anything you leave in the space with your name and date.
The makerspace is not a long-term storage facility — take finished projects home.

Guests & Visitors

Guests are welcome during Open House events.
Outside of Open House, guests may visit only when accompanied by a member.
Members are responsible for their guests’ conduct and safety.

Consumables & Shared Supplies

Shared consumables (screws, sandpaper, glue, etc.) are available for everyone — use them reasonably.
If you use the last of something, let the group know.
Specialty or large-quantity materials should be sourced by the member themselves.

Common Sense

If something feels unsafe, stop and ask.
If you’re not sure whether something is allowed, check with a board member.
The Boy Scout Rule: leave every space better than you found it.
Be considerate — think about how your actions affect others in the space.

Cleaning Guidelines

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The Boy Scout Rule: Leave every space better than you found it.

A shared workshop works best when everyone takes responsibility for keeping it clean, safe, and ready for the next person. These guidelines ensure that tools, machines, and spaces remain usable for all members.

Core Philosophy

Leave it better than you found it.
Respect shared resources.
Think of the next member who will use the space.

General Guidelines

Gather your tools Before starting any work, take stock if all the cleaning supplies and tools are available for the job.
Tidy as you go. Do not wait until the end of your project to start cleaning—wipe, sweep, and organize as you work.
Finish with a reset. When you are done, reset the space so that it is ready for the next member to use.
Take personal items home. Projects, scrap materials, or personal belongings must be placed in the assigned member box or taken home.
Respect shared resources. Return all tools to their designated storage location.

Tools & Equipment

Return all tools to their designated storage location.
If a tool is damaged, label it and notify the group on Discord #ask-for-help.
Do not leave tools or machines in a state that makes them unsafe or unusable.
Attach and use vacuum with the tools that have an attachment hole
Vacuum the surroundings immediately after finishing work
- If vacuum power is very poor replace the bag or notify on Discord #ask-for-help
Use the appropriately dedicated workspace for the job (wood in wood workshop; metal in metal workshop etc.)
Leave tools and machines in a safe and usable state.

Workbenches & Surfaces

Clear all debris, scraps, and materials.
Wipe down surfaces so they are free of dust, glue, paint, or oil.
Ensure clamps, jigs, and accessories are stored properly.

Floors & Shared Areas

Sweep up dust, shavings, and debris immediately after use.
Do not leave power cords or trip hazards across walkways.
Separate waste in the proper bins (metals, plastics, scrap wood, etc.).
If it does not fit in any category, use the bin labeled general waste.

Materials & Consumables

Store leftover materials in the proper racks, bins, or shelves.
Do not claim or hoard shared supplies—leave them available for all.
If you use the last of a shared consumable (sandpaper, glue, screws, etc.), note it on the supplies board or notify the group.

Safety & Hazardous Materials

Clean spills immediately (oil, paint, resin, etc.).
Label any hazardous material you are storing.
Dispose of chemicals, solvents, and sharps according to posted rules.

Projects in Progress

If leaving a project in the shop (with approval), store it neatly in the designated project storage area.
If the project takes multiple days to finish, store it in your member storage. If it does not fit there, then contact a member of the board to agree on a place to store it, and a rough duration for when you plan to finish it.
Projects must be labeled with: name, contact information and start date.
Clearly label your project with your name and date.
Projects left in unauthorized spaces may be moved or discarded.

End-of-Day Checklist

Tools back in place
Surfaces wiped down
Floors swept
Trash emptied if full
Lights off and machines powered down
Back door must be locked

Sourcing Materials

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This guide covers where and how to source materials for your projects at the makerspace.

Coming soon — this article is a placeholder.

FAQ

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General

What is O'Town Makerspace?

O'Town Makerspace is a community-driven, nonprofit workshop in Odense where members share tools, machines, and knowledge. It's run entirely by volunteers and is open to anyone who wants to learn, build, or create.

Can I visit without being a member?

Yes — the makerspace is open to the public during Open House events every Thursday from 18:00 to 20:00. Outside of Open House, only members can access the premises.