New Member Orientation

Your first step toward becoming an active, confident member of Loveland CreatorSpace.

If you are new, this is the first page you should read. 

New Member Orientation is designed to help you understand how the space works, how to stay safe, how to get authorized for tools, and how to become part of the CreatorSpace community. Every new member must complete orientation before receiving full access to the building and shop areas.

To schedule your orientation, contact the Director.  You can physically come into the space during office hours (11am - 4pm, Monday through Friday), by calling the main telephone number at 970-658-0038, or email at director@lovelandcreatorspace.com.

1. Purpose of Orientation

Orientation ensures that new members:

• Know how to safely navigate the space

• Understand the culture and expectations of membership

• Learn how tool authorization works

• Know where to find help, information, and training

• Feel welcomed and connected to the community

Orientation is not a test — it’s a guided introduction to help you start strong.

Understand how to use Slack effectively - this is central to our operations.

2. What Happens During Orientation

Orientation is led by the Director or a designated instructor. It typically includes:

Tour of the Space

You’ll see:

• Wood shop

• Metal shop

• CNC area

• Laser cutters

• 3D printing

• Electronics lab

• Glass Kiln

• Storage areas

• Bathrooms

• Cleaning Supplies

• Emergency exits and safety equipment

Safety Overview

You’ll learn:

• Core safety principles

• How emergency procedures work

• Where to find first aid kits and fire extinguishers

• Where to find posted rules in each shop area

Tool Authorization Overview

You’ll get an explanation of:

• Which tools require authorization

• How to request tool authorization training

• How your fob permissions are updated

• Who to talk to for each shop area

Slack Onboarding

You’ll be shown:

• How to join Slack

• Which channels matter most (#general, #machinedown, shop‑specific channels)

• How to ask for help or coordinate projects

Access & Fob Setup

You’ll receive:

• Building access

• Fob setup

• Any relevant permissions (basic access only — tool permissions come later)

Q&A

Ask anything — orientation is the best time to get clarity.

3. First‑Week Checklist

New members should complete the following during their first week:

• Connect their phone, tablet, and/or computer to WiFi

• Join Slack

• Read the Safety & Conduct page

• Read the Tool Authorization System page

• Attend at least one open shop night or community event

• Meet at least one area lead

• Identify which tools you want authorization for

• Learn where to find consumables, scrap materials, and cleaning supplies

• Review posted rules in each shop area

• Review the Storage Policy

• Learn how to report broken tools (#machinedown)

• Understand how to use the printer with your phone, tablet, or computer

• Look at the LCS Calendar

• See upcoming Classes

This checklist helps you get comfortable quickly.

4. Getting Started With Tools

You do not need to know everything on day one. Start simple.

Beginner‑Friendly Areas

• 3D printing

• Electronics lab

• Laser cutters (after basic training)

• Hand tools in the woodshop

• Consider coming to a Glass Kiln Class

How to Begin Authorization

• Speak to the Director

• They will guide you through training

• Your fob will be updated once you’re cleared

Classes & Workshops

Many members start with:

• Intro to Woodshop

• Intro to Laser Cutting

• Intro to CNC

• Soldering Basics

• Arduino or Raspberry Pi classes

• Check Slack or our Calendar for upcoming classes

Classes are beginner‑friendly and a great way to meet people.

We really thrive on classes and workshops.   We encourage interested members to consider teaching a class.  We want to make it easy for instructors to teach and encourage the sharing of knowledge.  

5. Culture & Expectations

Loveland CreatorSpace is a community‑driven makerspace. Members are expected to:

• Treat others with respect

• Treat others' projects with respect.  Follow the Ask Before You Touch policy.

• Clean up after themselves

• Help maintain a safe environment

• Support new members

• Report hazards or broken tools

• Leave the space better than they found it

• Respect shared consumables - use only what you need

We are a volunteer‑run organization — the space works because members help it work.

6. Where to Find Information

You can find help and information through:

Slack

• #general — questions, announcements

• #machinedown — report broken tools

• Shop‑specific channels — woodshop, metalshop, CNC, laser, electronics

• #lcs_events_classes - upcoming events and classes

Handbook

• Safety & Conduct

• Tool Authorization System

• Shop area pages

• Policies

• Quick‑start guides

People

• Volunteers

• Director

• Area leads

• Instructors

• Board members

• Experienced members

Never hesitate to ask — everyone was new once.

7. New Member FAQ

Do I need to know how to use tools before joining?  

No. Many members start with zero experience.

How do I get authorized for tools?  

Speak to the Director — they manage the process.

Can I bring guests?  

Yes, but guests may not use restricted tools.  Guests must sign a one-time waiver.  This can be done at the kiosk computer by the front door.  You can also scan the QR code on the sign by the computer and fill it out on your phone.

Do I need to take classes?  

Classes are optional but highly recommended.

What if I see something unsafe?  

Stop the activity and notify a board member or area leads.

What if I break a tool?  

Report it immediately in #machinedown — no shame, just honesty.

How do I know which tools require authorization?

Check the Tool Authorization System page or ask the Director.

How do I connect to Wifi?

Scan the QR code in the classroom on the cabinet near the window for the WiFi password

How do I use the inkjet printer?

Follow these instructions.

8. Welcome to the Community

Orientation is the beginning of your journey at Loveland CreatorSpace. Once you complete it, you’ll have the knowledge, access, and support you need to start creating, learning, and contributing.

We’re glad you’re here.