Frequently Asked Questions

Maker Junction is a 4,200 sq ft accessible makerspace in Fairfield NJ, bringing together workshop equipment, class space, shared workspace and a welcoming community for people who want to make, learn, build and collaborate. Here you can find answers to the most commonly asked questions. If you still can’t find the right information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Membership:

1. How does a membership work?
Maker Junction operates similarly to a gym: signing up for a membership grants members the use of our space and equipment. We provide tables, work benches, design computers, and a wide variety of tools and machines for all different kinds of creations.

Yes, we are always available to give a tour of the space during open hours. Walk-in’s are welcome, or you may contact us to schedule a tour for a later date.

Signing up is a very quick and easy process. It’s done in person with a staff member, and requires filling out a simple form for our records and making an upfront payment for the month. The membership period is effective immediately upon payment, so we recommend joining with a project or goal in mind.
Memberships are done on a monthly basis, with each month being charged upfront. One payment covers a full 30 days of membership. Check our About Us page to see the different membership rates.

We do not offer a day rate; users of the space must have a membership or be a member’s guest.

Our standard membership is for all hobby and recreational usage, and includes usage of the space and equipment during all business hours, a personal pin code for shop access, an invite to our Discord server, and the opportunity to be part of a great creative community.

The business membership is for members who are creating products for profit. This includes all of the above, as well as Wednesday and early morning access to the shop. Business members may also add a second user registered on their account as a helper with projects.

We offer optional add-on’s such as early access, locker rentals, and various classes at an extra cost on top of base membership fees.
It is recommended to have some knowledge and experience in using the same or similar equipment, and be open to learning new skills. While our staff will always help members out, they are not teachers and may be unable to dedicate adequate time to provide constant one-on-one guidance.
Yes; we offer a small amount of material and consumables for purchase, however, members should be prepared to bring their own material and consumable supplies (sandpaper, glue, nails, etc). Ask the front desk for more information on what’s for sale or where to buy certain materials.

Yes, members may bring a guest, provided they do not use the equipment or are in the space on their own.

Memberships have an age requirement of 16 for the Fabrication Lab (3D printers, electronics station, laser cutter, etc), and 18 for the Wood and Metal Shop, with parental permission. Younger minors may be brought in as guests, provided they do not use the equipment on their own and stay within the Fabrication Lab under parental supervision.

Equipment:

1. What equipment is available to use?
Maker Junction operates similarly to a gym: signing up for a membership grants members the use of our space and equipment. We provide tables, work benches, design computers, and a wide variety of tools and machines for all different kinds of creations.

Our 3D printers are operated only by staff. However, we do offer printing services to both members and non-members who provide a 3D model. Costs for members are based on the material costs of each print, and non-member printing fees include material costs as well as a setup fee. Please bear in mind that we are not a print farm and cannot print to high capacity.

We offer limited PPE such as masks and safety glasses for purchase at the front desk. Otherwise, members should be prepared to bring their own safety gear.
We have a variety of different stores where we frequently purchase specialty materials such as wood, foam, and acrylic sheets. Most commonly, we recommend Boards and Beams or Wood Touch for lumber, and Acme Plastics or Canal Plastics for acrylic. Contact us or ask a staff member for our recommendations for more specific needs.

Our equipment is largely first come first served. However, members may reserve time on certain high demand machines such as the Epilog laser cutter and the Shop Bot CNC.

No; our membership costs cover the use of all the space, regardless of how much or how often it is used. We do offer student and retiree discounts.

The laser cutter, CNC, and welding all require a separate class before use. These are a one-time cost, after which members are free to use the machines. Classes are only required if the member is interested in using these machines.

Yes; even if a member has prior experience with the same or similar machines, we still need to assess their skill level before granting access.

Yes, we can show members how to use our equipment even if there is no formal class available for it, with the understanding that the member can eventually self-guide through the process. Our staff is very limited and cannot always dedicate one-on-one time with a single member.

We can certainly offer guidance and knowledge on your project. However, we cannot do the entire project for you unless there is a previously agreed upon payment. In the spirit of maker spaces, we always encourage members to develop their own skillsets and abilities.

Services:

1. Can I pay you to do _____?

This is decided on a case by case basis. Contact us by email, phone, or in person to discuss your project and payment.

Yes; college/university students may contact us with their project details and we will work out fees and schedule a time to do the project. Please email us the file before meeting with us, otherwise we may have to reschedule in order to give us time to prepare the file for our equipment. We offer a student discount for those interested in getting a membership with us.

No, we’re not currently offering formal classes on 3D modelling. We can offer advice, software recommendations, and resources depending on the end goal.

We offer a pinewood derby service for scouts, and cigar box guitar classes for children age 8+. Parents and scout leaders may contact us to arrange custom classes for groups or individuals.

We offer a limited amount of lockers and short-term large project space, both as an add-on to the base membership cost. We generally allow members to leave glue-ups and freshly painted pieces overnight with the express permission of a staff member. Otherwise, members are asked to please pack up all of their belongings when leaving for the day.

No; early access to the space is reserved for business members and trusted members at an extra cost to their standard membership. No member is permitted to stay past close. Check our About Us page for the daily hours.

We are not currently looking for new team members.