Effective June 1st, 2025, Waukesha Makerspace will be updating its membership policies to introduce usage-based dues. While membership to the space will continue to include a free plan that most individuals can take advantage of, new membership tiers and rates will apply for those who use the space more regularly or extensively. Rising costs related to our building, utilities, materials, and operations have made it necessary for us to seek support from our community where possible. These usage dues are designed to ensure that members who are able to contribute financially can help sustain and grow the space for everyone.
- Free Access: Every member is entitled to one free day of access per month.
- During this free access day, members may use a wide variety of tools, machines, and equipment across multiple areas of the makerspace—including 3D printers, woodworking, metalworking, leatherworking, electronics, textiles, and more.
- Members also gain access to the conference room (with proper reservation), the automotive area, and common workspaces when available.
- Participation in community collaboration, skill sharing, and knowledge exchange is always encouraged and part of what makes the makerspace special.
- Free members are welcome to bring projects, ask questions, and connect with others regardless of experience level.
- All members, including those on the free plan, receive access to the members-only Discord community, where they can ask questions, join discussions, share projects, and stay up to date on events and opportunities.
- Access to these facilities and resources is subject to availability and operating policies, but even one day per month can offer immense value.
- Daily Rate: Additional daily access beyond the free day is available at $10 per day.
- Key Fob Access: A $5 fee is required for a key fob to access the facility. Members may choose to use their own compatible key fob if it works with our system, in which case the fee is waived. Additionally, members may choose to use our mobile phone app to access the facility, which is free of charge and does not require a key fob.
Members may choose to upgrade to an Unlimited Membership, which includes added benefits and access.
- Monthly: $40/month
- Yearly: $440/year (includes 1 free month)
- Monthly: $50/month
- Yearly: $550/year (includes 1 free month)
Unlimited Membership Benefits:
- 24/7/365 access to the facility (excluding special events or temporary closures as designated by the board)
- A small locker, if available (otherwise, priority placement on the waiting list)
- Four days of pallet storage per month (equivalent to three overnight periods), subject to availability (priority on waiting list if unavailable)
- One overnight use of the automotive area per month, subject to availability (priority on waiting list if unavailable)
- Two 4-hour uses of the conference room per month, subject to availability and standard scheduling policies
- Access to "community" consumable supplies, such as filament, resins, paints, cleaners, hardware, wood, and other shared materials. Use of these supplies is subject to availability and must remain within reasonable and respectful limits. These supplies may not be used for for-profit endeavors, except for prototyping, jig creation, or other preparatory work that does not become part of a final product for sale. Abuse of this benefit may result in review or suspension of access at the discretion of the Board.
- Unlimited members get use of 1 small locker per month.
- Small Locker: $2/day or $10/month or $110/year (includes 1 free month)
- Large Locker: $4/day or $20/month or $220/year (includes 1 free month)
- Please refer to the Storage Policy for full details on locker use and storage guidelines.
- Unlimited members get use of 4 days (3 overnights) of pallet storage per month
- Daily Rate: $8/day
- Monthly Rate: $40/month or $440/year (includes 1 free month)
- Please refer to the Storage Policy for full details on pallet storage guidelines.
- Daily Rate: $2/sq ft/day
- Monthly Rate: $10/sq ft/month or $110/sq ft/year (includes 1 free month)
- Please refer to the Storage Policy for full details on floor space storage policies.
Example: A 2 ft x 3 ft cart (6 sq ft) would incur costs starting on the second day (overnight) of storage, not for same-day use. For instance:
- $12 per day ($2 x 6 sq ft)
- $60 per month ($10 x 6 sq ft)
- $660 per year ($110 x 6 sq ft, includes 1 free month)
- Daily Rate (First 60 Days): $40/day
- Daily Rate (After 60 Days): $80/day
- Maximum Rental Duration: 3 consecutive months
For the purposes of this policy, "overnight use" refers to any instance where an item, project, or vehicle must remain in the space up to and including the following calendar day. This applies to storage, floor space, and automotive area use, and is subject to availability and the terms outlined above.
Waukesha Makerspace recognizes that affordability can be a barrier to access. Low-income families may be eligible for special pricing on membership or services. These situations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and require submission of an application. All applications must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors before any adjustments are granted.
Waukesha Makerspace may offer in-kind memberships in exchange for the donation or loan of tools, machines, or materials. These arrangements can offset the cost of facility usage and/or storage fees.
- Eligibility is open to individual members, corporations, schools, and other organizations.
- All in-kind arrangements are handled on a case-by-case basis.
- A formal proposal must be submitted and is subject to approval by the Board of Directors prior to any exchange of goods or services.
- In-kind contributions must directly benefit the makerspace and align with its mission.
- Members who provide services such as cleaning, maintenance, event staffing, or volunteer support may also be considered for in-kind memberships. These service-based arrangements are also subject to board review and approval on a case-by-case basis.
Members who do not wish to learn or operate 3D printers themselves may request one of our 3D printing gurus to handle the entire printing process on their behalf. This service is designed for those who prefer not to be involved in the printing process. Learning how to 3D print and receiving help using the printers is always free for members—this paid service is only for those who want others to do the work for them.
- The rate for this service ranges from $5 to $50 per print hour, depending on the complexity of the print, time required for preparation, urgency or expediting needs, and any other factors the assigned guru deems relevant.
- Availability of this service is subject to both guru availability and printer availability.
- All prints must comply with the makerspace's safety and material use guidelines.
- Members are encouraged to consult in advance for an estimate of time and cost.
Members may reserve the conference room for private or group events.
- Each member is entitled to one 4-hour reservation per month at no charge.
- Unlimited tier members may reserve the room twice per month at no charge.
- Additional reservations beyond these limits are available for $50 per 4-hour block.
- Please refer to the Conference Room Usage Policy page for full details and guidelines.