Frequently Asked Questions

We get it, working on a project as a group can be less intimidating!

While there are occasional group projects these aren't overly common in the space. Ensuring that there's always something to do for people of every skill level is a hard task.

From time to time you will see call-outs for volunteers needed for infrastructure projects. Depending on your availability these might be suitable. There is typically an open call-out every 4-6 weeks but this varies depending on the projects at hand.

Yes, under the following conditions -

• We have specific supervision requirements for minors in place to ensure that everyone remains safe and that other attendees are not unduly impacted by minors.
• We are primarily an 18+ space. The language used in the space, topics of discussion, and the responsibilities we place on attendees all reflect that.
• We have a rigorous training and induction program within the workshop. Minors using our equipment must be supervised by someone (usually a parent or guardian) who takes responsibility for their conduct and safety. Both the minor and the parent/guardian must be inducted and authorised to use the equipment in question.

We do not charge entrance fees (day rates) for parents that are at the space purely to supervise their child.

All use of medium and high risk tools in our workshop require attendees to go through our induction processes, even if you've used the tools before.

We do not have the volunteer capacity to provide support for people wishing to gain evidence of experience as part of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application for TAFE etc.

If a van (vehicle, trailer) fitout is the main project you want to do, we are not a suitable venue.

• Our workshop doesn't have the space or the facilities to support these projects.
• The point of van fitout projects is to finish the van quickly, and then leave for a road trip! This isn't compatible with our goals, which are to support a long-term community of makers.
• Our resources, particularly our training and induction system, are prioritised towards continuing members. Our volunteers don't have the capacity to support the short-term demands of projects on short timelines.

However, we recognise that for a lot of our long standing members we're essentially their go-to home shop. Members in good standing that have been around for at least 6 months may apply (How do I apply to work on a van/vehicle/trailer fitout?) to work on a vehicle fitout.

You need to bring in your own material and supplies, e.g. wood, metal, plastic, paint. (See: Recommended suppliers.)

If you're bringing in material for laser cutting, make sure that the materials are laser-safe. (See: What materials are safe to use in the laser cutters?)

We supply 3D printing materials (filament, resin) that are known to work with our 3D printers. The cost of the material is included in the tool usage fee for the 3D printers. (See: Can I bring my own 3D printer filament?)

There is some scrap material available for personal (non-commercial) use. We'll show you where this is as part of your workshop induction.

Some consumables, like glue, masking tape, and screws, are shared for personal (non-commercial) use. These materials are donated by members, and you are expected to contribute back roughly the same amount that you use.

We do not currently offer structured classes or courses. Our events are primarily focused on attendees working on projects that interest them in the company of others doing the same.

Mobile users

Download the Slack app for your device: Android | Apple before continuing. You don't need to create a team.

1. Click here to join our team
2. Sign up with an email address/password or via Google etc. You'll use these same credentials if you want to sign into Slack again later
3. You're in!

The key things to understand about the Artifactory are:

1. Our focus is on our physical workshop, where we've built a community for people to undertake activities or work on projects in the company of others.
2. We are a 100% volunteer organisation, not a business!
3. Volunteer time is our most precious resource.

What this means for you is that -

• The main way you should participate in our community is by coming into the workshop and working on something. That's how you'll learn things and build relationships!
• Our services are all provided by volunteers on a best-effort basis - so we can't always provide what you want, when you want it. Be patient - we'll get there eventually!
• Volunteering your time is the best way to build your standing in the community. If you're enthusiastic about contributing to our community, we'll be enthusiastic about helping you. 🙂

There are several ways to engage with the space. Which path you take is going to depend on what your goals are and your skill level.

• Many areas of the space are set up with members as the priority.
• We are a community first. You'll get the most out of the space if you treat us as such rather than purely a workshop for hire.
• It's okay to start as a day pass user and then move over to a membership once you realise we're the right fit for you.

In short: If you need to use larger tools, are new to making, or want to stick around long term then membership is the right choice.

The only way to get access to the workshop outside of scheduled events is to become a member and meet our requirements for 24/7 access. You will be unable to meet those requirements if you cannot attend any of our scheduled events.

Another local community shed may have access times/scheduled events that align better with your availability.

In exceptional circumstances (such as requiring an Occupational Therapist to accompany you for your first visit) we may be able to assist with once-off access outside of our opening hours. If you think this may apply to you, please get in touch.

It depends! If your friend is just there to check the space out or help you lift a heavy piece of material they don't need to pay. If they're actually using the space they do.

Remember, your friend will still need the relevant inductions in order to use medium and high risk tools.

We do not currently offer recycling services for printed objects. Unfortunately we are not aware of anyone else in the Perth region that offers this service.

Files for the laser cutters should usually be prepared in a vector graphics format, such as DXF, SVG, AI.

If you're coming in especially to use the laser cutter, and you're not sure if your file is in the right format, we recommend that you send your file to us in advance.

Members who need more detailed advice are welcome to discuss with a laser trainer in the space or via #lasers on Slack.

Refer to our wiki for laser material advice.
* This lists the materials that are OK and not OK to use in our laser cutters.
* Processing the wrong kind of material in a laser cutter can poison you, or start a fire. ⚠️ Do not load any material into our laser cutters unless it is approved in this list. ⚠️

Ask a laser trainer if:

• Your desired material isn't on the list
• You're not 100% sure what kind of material you have (i.e. unknown plastic)

See also: Where can I get laser-safe plastic sheets for laser cutting?

We recommend that you get your plastic for laser cutting from suppliers that specifically serve the laser cutting industry, such as:

• Mulford
• Trotec
• CDC Laser

These suppliers are familiar with laser cutting requirements.

• These suppliers usually have clear labeling on their websites regarding materials that are laser-compatible.
• These suppliers also sell some materials that are not laser compatible, i.e. sheets intended for rotary engraving (not laser-safe) vs laser engraving. ⚠️ Check the material type before you buy. ⚠️

We do not recommend that you buy plastic for laser cutting from general hardware or craft stores, e.g Bunnings or Spotlight. These suppliers are not familiar with laser safety requirements, and plastic from these suppliers cannot be guaranteed to be laser-safe.

See also: What materials are safe to use in the laser cutters?

It is unlikely that we'll accept a trade of equipment for membership, especially if you are not already part of our community.

Notably if an arrangement can be made transfer cannot be treated as a donation for tax purposes because you are receiving a material benefit (membership) in exchange for the equipment.

Every aspect of the space was planned and built by members past and present, thank you for looking to get involved!

In our context "infrastructure" means the facilities and equipment that form the backbone of the workshop. Workbenches, dust extraction, compressed air lines, tool trolleys, tool storage, and kitchen equipment are all examples of space infrastructure.

There's three levels of involvement with these projects:

• Ad hoc tasks and infrastructure days: Many hands make light work! Sometimes we need a lot of asynchronous help (like sanding boards) or lots of bodies on a particular day (like building a wall). It's okay if you don't know how to do the task at hand or don't have the required tool induction. We'll teach you what to do. Keep an eye out in #infrastructure on Slack for these opportunities or you can subscribe to the "Infrastructure Volunteering" announcement category on the portal.
• Long term project participation: Some of our larger projects can span weeks or months. Tasks within these projects are typically delegated to individual volunteers by the project lead. The best way to get involved at this level is to participate in infrastructure days and demonstrate that you work well with minimal supervision. As you become more comfortable in the space and spend more time here our project leads will ask you to take on tasks based on your skill set and availability.
• Lead a project: This role involves managing a project from beginning to end including consulting stakeholders, preparing a budget, managing volunteers, minimising workshop disruptions, and ensuring cohesion with other ongoing projects. Your role isn't to do the project yourself, it's ensuring it gets done. Long term project volunteers are invited to take on this role from time to time by the Management Committee. Most project leads for larger projects are members of our Infrastructure Subcommittee.

Unfortunately, as of late 2025, we no longer offer a rehearsal space for bands.

We are unable to provide work experience opportunities.

Thank you for your support!

Please reach out prior to bringing in any tools or equipment to donate to confirm that we will be able to make use of them. Your email should include:

• Any visible model numbers, machine/motor plates
• The general condition of the equipment/tool
• Whether you're able to bring the donation in or require assistance with transport

In some circumstances (where the equipment is valued at over $5,000 or was purchased within the past 12 months) your donation may be tax deductible.

This can be a daunting prospect, especially when you're first starting out!

We recommend a project oriented approach rather than trying to learn everything about a discipline. It's a lot easier to pick a beginner project, learn the skills needed for that project, complete the project, pick a new project that builds on the skills you've just learnt.

This has the added benefit of really cementing the knowledge you gain from tool inductions.

The easiest way to find your first beginner project is to pick a broad discipline and search " beginner projects". You may also have some success asking your preferred AI/LLM (ChatGPT etc). If you tell the AI that you're working on the project at the Perth Artifactory it may be able to assist you with a higher degree of accuracy. Some examples of a suitable discipline include:

• Woodworking
• Metalworking
• Laser cutting
• Foamcraft
• Electronics
• 3D printing

Your next step after that is going to depend on whether you're a member with us or just use the space with a Day Pass. Members can organise a sit down with one of our experienced volunteers to talk through their project and get specific advice on techniques and necessary tools.

We do not have the volunteer capacity to assist with the construction of devices designed to:

• Perform endless mechanical work without external power
• Create a truly friction-less environment
• Demonstrate a theory of perpetual motion
• Fly using the earth's magnetic field

Our community is primarily about in-person activity at our workshop and our online platforms reflect that. You should set your Slack display name to the same name you go by in person.

This will make it easier for people to match your name on Slack to the name they've heard in person, which increases your chances of getting useful replies.

Our tools are currently tracked through two systems:

• The portal you're on right now
• The wiki

At the time of writing we're in the process of migrating all the tools from the wiki to the portal.

Some of our larger or more complex tools can only be used by members. Typically this is because these tools take longer to induct people on or require a large amount of volunteer time to maintain. The primary members-only tools are:

• 3D printers
• CNC router
• Wood and Metal lathes
• Mill
• Foundry
• Knife forge
• Digital Signal Analyzer

Some of our other tools are technical open to day pass attendees but require an induction that isn't run frequently. Since members get priority for inductions in practice the following tools are difficult to use as a day pass user:

• Welders