Tour Checklist

Page for MakerFX members of topic to cover when conducting a tour of MFX....

Welcome / Discovery

• Introduce yourself and that you a MFX member
• Is this your first visit?
• How did you hear about us?
• What do you like to make?
• What would you want to learn?
• Would you like a tour?

Explain Foundation & Programs

• Point to foundation logo banner (above you toward the mezzanine)
• The Maker Effect Foundation exists to activate and amplify the efforts of makers as they learn, build and work together in their communities
• The foundation is a 501c3 public charity and a supporting member of Nation of Makers
• Our programs include...
  • Maker Faire Orlando - held annually in the Nov timeframe
  • K-12 educational support
  • Fiscal sponsorship of FIRST Robotics teams
  • Various outreach efforts in the community

Explain MakerFX

• Program of the foundation
• Opened in Jan 2017
• Member run and funded with members having 7x24 access - think gym membership with access to tools and resources

Talk about cool stuff in lobby

• point to posters & pictures
• We have many groups that meet at MFX on a regular basis
  • 501st Legion local chapter (Star Wars Cosplay)
  • Mandalorian Mercs aka Mando Mercs (Star Wars Cosplay)
  • Southern R2 Builders

Explain Tools & Resources

• MakerFX members have access to an amazing and growing list of resources and tools
• Walk the zones and talk about the tools and things people do with the tools
• Epilog Laser - used to engrave and cut a variety of materials
• Embroidery machine
• Electronics bench
• 3D Printers - DeltaMaker, Creality, Monoprice
• Sewing machines
• Vinyl cutter
• Woodshop - tools that many people would love to have in their garage
  • SawStop table saw, router table, Dewalt thickness planer, Dewalt compound miter saw, Delta drill press, and more
  • X-Carve by Inventables CNC Machine - multi axis milling machine, use cutting bits to carve / cut wood, plastics, thin aluminum, and more
• Metalshop
• Vacuum former
• Screen Printing

Wrap Up

• Ask if they have any questions
• Explain that we are member run & member funded - assume they would like information on membership
• If its a Friday night, explain they are welcome to hang out, watch, talk, etc - and if we haven't eaten yet, mention we usually go get food as a group

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q1: How much does it cost to join?
• A1: Individual membership is $50/month and Family membership is $75/month. Discounts are available for annual memberships.
• Q2: How do I learn about the various tools?
• A2: You can learn by attending workshops or reaching out to other members and asking for help and learning more 1-on-1.
• Q3: Do you have classes / workshops that are open to non-members?
• A3: Yes. Most workshops are open to non-members and a good way to learn more about MFX and the community if you are not ready to join at this time.
• Q4: I live far away from MFX. Are there other makerspaces in the area?
• A4: Yes there are other makerspaces in the area...
  • Familab located in Longwood
  • Factur Makerspace located in North downtown Orlando
  • Tampa Hackerspace located near the Tampa airport
  • Melbourne Makerspace
  • Gainesville Hackerspace
  • Spacecoast Fablab - Palm Bay and Titusville