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Equipment: Difference between revisions
From London Hackspace Wiki
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==Using equipment== | ==Using equipment== | ||
===Assumption of | ===Assumption of competence=== | ||
Most basic items of equipment do not have a training requirement, and as part of your membership it is assumed that if you're using one of these tools then you have enough skill to use it without damaging yourself, others or the tool. | Most basic items of equipment do not have a training requirement, and as part of your membership it is assumed that if you're using one of these tools then you have enough skill to use it without damaging yourself, others or the tool. | ||
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==Maintaining equipment== | ==Maintaining equipment== | ||
=== | ===Maintenance=== | ||
A lot of tools, particularly the more expensive or complex ones, will have one or more nominated maintainers. A piece of equipment will usually have an associated wiki page listing it. | A lot of tools, particularly the more expensive or complex ones, will have one or more nominated maintainers. A piece of equipment will usually have an associated wiki page listing it. | ||
If a piece of equipment has a maintainer, do not attempt to repair or maintain it yourself without their express permission. Having a maintainer usually means the equipment has special requirements for it's upkeep that may not be obvious to even a trained user. | If a piece of equipment has a maintainer, do not attempt to repair or maintain it yourself without their express permission. Having a maintainer usually means the equipment has special requirements for it's upkeep that may not be obvious to even a trained user. | ||
If a piece of equipment has no maintainer, it means LHC assumes those capable of using it are also capable of doing the running | If a piece of equipment has no maintainer, it means LHC assumes those capable of using it are also capable of doing the running maintenance to it. | ||
===Hacking and modding equipment=== | ===Hacking and modding equipment=== | ||
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===Consumables=== | ===Consumables=== | ||
A lot of equipment has some element that is used up in use. Basic consumables are often bought by the LHS itself, but more specialised consumables (EG; liquid nitrogen, biological reagents, laser tubes) are both infrequently | A lot of equipment has some element that is used up in use. Basic consumables are often bought by the LHS itself, but more specialised consumables (EG; liquid nitrogen, biological reagents, laser tubes) are both infrequently purchased and expensive, so will normally require a pledge to gather funds. There are also fairly regular group-purchases arranged through the mailing list for more ad-hoc demands such as specific electrical components. | ||
===Damage and replacement=== | ===Damage and replacement=== | ||
LHS assumes that unless there's an explicit training requirement that you are skilled enough to use the equipment you wish to use. If a member damages or destroys a tool through misuse that member will be expected to contribute to it's replacement or repair cost, either in full or in part depending on the situation. Damage or destruction through normal use can be considered wear & tear and will not usually be directed at the last user, though a contribution to replacement is normal. | LHS assumes that unless there's an explicit training requirement that you are skilled enough to use the equipment you wish to use. If a member damages or destroys a tool through misuse that member will be expected to contribute to it's replacement or repair cost, either in full or in part depending on the situation. Damage or destruction through normal use can be considered wear & tear and will not usually be directed at the last user, though a contribution to replacement is normal. | ||
E.g: A chisel handle breaking when being used to carve wood with a wood-mallet would likely be considered the tool wearing out and the space deciding on replacement. A chisel handle breaking because you used it as a crowbar to tear open a toaster is your fault and you'll be expected to replace it yourself. | |||
==Rule of thumb== | ==Rule of thumb== | ||
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The most reliable method for getting new equipment for the space is the collective enthusiasm of it's members. If you think we need a piece of equipment, make a proposal on the mailing list to gauge interest. If there is interest then you create a [[Pledges|pledge page]] here on the wiki and encourage people to back it with an amount toward the cost. | The most reliable method for getting new equipment for the space is the collective enthusiasm of it's members. If you think we need a piece of equipment, make a proposal on the mailing list to gauge interest. If there is interest then you create a [[Pledges|pledge page]] here on the wiki and encourage people to back it with an amount toward the cost. | ||
When the pledge goal is met, the pledging members pay their money to the LHS and the item is usually | When the pledge goal is met, the pledging members pay their money to the LHS and the item is usually purchased by a trustee unless someone else has negotiated the purchase. | ||
===Gifts and loans=== | ===Gifts and loans=== | ||
We have a [[Wishlist|wish list]] of items that would be very nice but haven't had enough support to | We have a [[Wishlist|wish list]] of items that would be very nice but haven't had enough support to purchase yet. Usually upgrades to equipment we are getting by with fine so far or sundries that don't usually necessitate a pledge. | ||
Some people are kind enough to offer equipment to the LHS for free, either on loan ( | Some people are kind enough to offer equipment to the LHS for free, either on loan (whether for a particular length of time or long-term) or entirely gifting it. Sadly we will only ever have a finite amount of storage space, and likewise only a finite demand for a tool, so not every item will be accepted. This may seem ungracious, but please check with the [http://groups.google.co.uk/group/london-hack-space mailing list] if we have space and demand for it before bringing it to the space. | ||
For more in-depth information on this, see [[Bringing_items_to_the_space]]. | For more in-depth information on this, see [[Bringing_items_to_the_space]]. | ||
