Cape Fear Makers Guild is a Volunteer-only community makerspace. As there are no paid staff, it is the responsibility of each member to contribute to the resolution of any problems encountered at the space including but not limited to problems with the physical space, non-functional or abnormally functioning equipment, interpersonal problems, or anything else that needs fixing.
¶ The Main Rules
- Focus on safety, use common sense, and be courteous.
- Never operate equipment under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or debilitating medication.
- The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or other intoxicating substances is prohibited on makerspace property.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory where posted.
- If you see unsafe behavior, intervene immediately.
- Report all incidents and near misses to leadership so we can all learn and be safer
- When in doubt, ask; when certain, teach.
- Leave every area cleaner than you found it.
- Return tools to their designated homes immediately after use.
- Report malfunctioning equipment before the next user discovers it.
- See the Guest Policy and the rules around Minors on premises
- Members may only use the equipment they have been trained on by a CFMG captain
- Makerspace-provided tools and equipment belong at the makerspace; don’t bring them home
- Conversely, personal property should not be left at the makerspace. If you'd like to donate tools or materials, please read donating to the makerspace first.
- Respect people: no harassment or discrimination.
- Respect equipment: treat it like it was your own.
- Respect time: share high-demand tools.
¶ Legal and Ethical Boundaries
- Follow all local, state, and federal laws
- No weapons, illegal items, or copyright‑infringing reproductions.
¶ Neighbors and Noise
- CFMG shares the building with Rose Pilates (upstairs)
- Limit noise while pilates classes are in session
- Keep curtain and appropriate doors closed
- Save louder activities for later
- Parking behind the building is a precious commodity and is not always available
- Avoid parking behind the building during pilates class hours. You will get blocked in.
- Do not park behind the building if you are not in the Makerspace. You could end up getting towed
- Do not enter Rose Pilates during classes or after hours
- Anyone may call 911 in an emergency.
- Do not attempt medical treatment beyond first aid.
¶ Photography and Video Recording
- CFMG permits photography and video recording on the premises.
Members are welcome to bring guests into the space for tours or short visits. However:
- Guests must remain under the member's direct supervision at all times.
- Non-members may not use any tools, equipment, or materials.
- Guests are not permitted to be in the space without the member who brought them.
- The member is fully responsible for their guests’ behavior and adherence to makerspace rules during the guest's visit.
Children are a welcome and valued part of the makerspace community and their safety is of utmost importance.
- The term guardian in this document refers to a legal guardian or to an adult that the parent or legal guardian has given explicit permission to be responsible for their child while at the makerspace.
- Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times unless enrolled in an approved, supervised program.
- Access to tools and equipment is restricted by age, training, and manager approval. CFMG reserves the right to remove minors from areas or activities deemed unsafe.
- Minors can never be responsible for other minors.
- All minors must have a current waiver on file signed by a parent or legal guardian
- Failure to follow these policies can result in a warning or immediate revocation of membership, depending on severity.
- Must remain under direct visual supervision of their parent or guardian at all times.
- No access to woodshop / metal shop / high‑risk tools; and may only use specific low‑risk areas (e.g., crafts, basic 3D printers, electronics benches) in a way that does not interfere with normal operation of the makerspace
- A parent or guardian must remain on site and is responsible for active supervision (not working on their own project across the building).
- Can only use specified tools after completing training, and only tools identified as youth‑ appropriate in CFMG policies.
- Can be on site without a parent or guardian if approved by a manager, however:
- High‑risk activities are restricted unless a qualified supervisor is present and has given verbal consent to supervise the minor’s activities
- The supervising adult must be on premises the entire time.
- Verbal consent to supervise must be given with each use. Do not assume that someone is willing to supervise because they were before.
- A qualified supervisor is any adult trained on the high-risk activity that is willing to oversee and be responsible for a minor’s use of that activity
- Appropriate training is required before using restricted equipment, even if a supervisor is available.
- Use of the following are considered high-risk activities:
- saws, lathe, CO2 laser cutters, melting furnace, fiber laser, caustic or explosive chemicals, CNC machine
- You are solely responsible for your door access card, key fob, or PIN number and any use of it, whether authorized by you or not. This includes any entries made using your card, fob or PIN number, even if you were unaware at the time.
- You must never lend your card or fob, or share your PIN number with another person, including other members, guests, or family members.
- If your access card or key fob is lost, stolen, or misplaced, or if you believe other people know your PIN number, you must notify a makerspace manager immediately so the card, fob or PIN can be deactivated and replaced.
- To maintain the safety and integrity of our shared space:
- Do not prop doors open or otherwise interfere with the security of entryways.
- Do not allow anyone to “tailgate” behind you into the space unless you are certain they are authorized members or your guests.
- Never share your access card, fob or PIN number with others.
- Report any suspicious behavior or unauthorized access to a manager immediately.
- Ensure doors are fully closed and locked behind you upon entry and exit if applicable
- Members on the CFMG Discord Channel must be identified by their commonly used first name and last initial
- Well-behaved dogs and babies welcome
- Be aware there are lots of hazardous items in the makerspace. Be vigilant what your dog/baby puts in its mouth.
- Cancelling Membership
Violation of any of the above policies may result in suspension or revocation of your access privileges and membership, depending on the severity of the incident.