Max Lab - Other Protocols

Other Protocols

General Courtesy

Be aware of your fellow lab users. Some things that may not be immediately obvious:

  • Be aware of the size of your workspace. Your neighbour won't appreciate it if your sawdust flies into her laptop.
  • Space is at a premium. Leaving your project on a desk means that someone else won't be able to work there.
  • Some past projects, components, and the Music 250 prototyping kits do remain in the lab by special arrangement. Don't play with or use parts that don't belong to you, unless they are in the scrap bin (see the next point).

Scrap Bin

There is a designated “Scrap bin” in the corner beside the workbench. You may use materials in the scrap bin for your projects. If you see something else that looks like scrap, it probably isn't. Always ask before handling or using materials from outside the scrap bin.

Storage

Again, the lab is small. There is very little room for storage in the lab. Floor space should never be used for storage. You may store things only for very short periods of time (e.g. while waiting for glue to dry) only if they are clearly labeled and you can find an appropriate place for them. If you leave something in the middle of a desk, it is occupying space that someone else can no longer use. Note that Max's desk is not a good place to store things. CCRMA's lockers are the best place to store your stuff that you can't take home.

Jamming

Obviously tools make noise. Many projects make sound as well. There is a fine line between testing your noise-making project and “jamming”. Testing is welcome and encouraged where it is necessary. In order to conserve space in the lab and to avoid disturbing other users, take your project elsewhere to jam. There are other spaces available for jamming, including studios at CCRMA, practice rooms in Braun, and your house. Caring for our Tools In addition to using tools properly, they need to be cared for.

  • Some power tools have cases, to which they should be returned after use. They should be left clean and free of dust and debris.
  • Drill bits and saw blades should only be used to cut their intended material. Using them even once on other material essentially ruins them for everyone else. If bits or blades are dull, please inform Sasha.
  • Handle drill bits and cutting tools with shop rags, and don't leave them on desktops or drop them. This will keep them sharp.

Putting Things Where They Belong

Tools should not be removed from the lab. If you have a messy project that requires you to work outside, you may take the tools you need and return them to the lab promptly. Tools should never leave the Knoll.

Tool Cabinet

Certain dangerous or valuable power tools are kept in a locked tool cabinet. Max, Bill, Michael and Sasha have keys to the cabinet and can open it to allow use of these tools while they are present. If you need to use tools from the cabinet, try to plan ahead so that you are doing so during consultation hours.

Guests

The Lab is not very big, and currently has around 50 regular users. For this reason, please don't bring guests into the lab. If you need someone to help you with a project, you may bring a guest provided that they have been thoroughly briefed on lab safety and obey all the safety and courtesy practices outlined here. You are responsible for the conduct of any guests.