What to Expect
Eugene Makerspace is first and foremost a community space to share ideas and skills, rather than strictly a tool rental space, or trade school. While we provide access to tools relating to electronics, fiber art, woodworking, and other maker categories, most instruction you’ll receive here is informal. Tool upkeep also depends on our members, who are encouraged to contribute their time and expertise toward the common goal of keeping EMS running smoothly and sustainably. At EMS we all pitch in where we can and seek the assistance we need to grow as makers.
Member Pricing Options
EMS Member – for $35/month, receive access to equipment during open hours and voting rights given to all members.
EMS Maker – for $50/month, receive access to equipment during open hours, voting rights given to all members, and your own on-site storage locker or tote.
Family Membership – for $70/month, extend EMS Member benefits to all adults in your family. Kids can be brought along as long as they are supervised.
Super Maker – for $100/month, you truly believe in the mission of the Makerspace, and want to see us grow and offer more to members.
FAQ
Q: Where do my membership fees go?
A: Currently membership fees go 100% towards rent and utilities. As our membership grows, any additional funds will go toward space and equipment improvements, consumables, etc. EMS is entirely volunteer-led, with absolutely no paid staff. Your membership literally keeps the lights on.
Q: Is a membership “worth” $35+ per month?
A: This depends! If you’re interested exclusively in using tools, it might be more worth your while to simply purchase or borrow what you need. If you, like us, are interested more in how your money helps than what it buys, EMS has a lot to offer. Our members give and receive encouragement and mentorship that speeds one another’s learning. We also collaborate on projects and help bring one another’s wacky ideas into reality. Hard to put a price on all that!
Q: Who is in charge here??
A: Eugene Makerspace is a Do-ocracy. While we have an elected Board of Directors who ensure we meet the obligations that retain our non-profit status, and Area Leads who serve as points of contact to ensure our volunteers keep pulling in the same direction, all members are encouraged to take the lead on projects that improve the space. If our members don’t like the way something is running, we encourage them to volunteer directly toward making improvements. EMS is constantly evolving into what our membership wants, needs, and contributes to.
Q: Can I pay for a day pass instead of a monthly membership?
A: We only offer monthly or yearly membership options, since these are the least complicated for our volunteers to manage, and ensure a predictable flow of funding. We reserve one or more nights per week for non-members to check out the space and work on projects that only require an hour or two. If you’d like to support us and/or need more time to complete your projects, please consider becoming a member.
Q: Will EMS teach me how to use tools?
A: Some of them, yes! We are still formalizing our training processes, which will be required before using many of our more dangerous or easily-damaged equipment. Many of our members are also happy to provide informal instruction. Our members are encouraged to take the lead on their own learning, with EMS playing a supportive role.