New Makers
# **How to Become a Maker**
You become a maker by printing and assembling a test device. Once it is approved, you are an e-NABLE maker.
## Look at Device Designs
Familiarize yourself with the current e‑NABLE designs on [this page](https://hub.e-nable.org/s/e-nable-devices), which includes links to STL files (for 3D printing), documentation, assembly tutorial videos, and other related information.
If you’re unsure which design to start with, the e-NABLE Phoenix Hand v3 is e‑NABLE’s current recommended hand design, and the Unlimbited Arm v2.1 is the recommended arm design. Both are relatively easy to fabricate and assemble and are currently the most popular designs.
## Make a Test Device
Print a [device](https://hub.e-nable.org/p/devices) and assemble it. Most of the designs featured in the [design reference](https://hub.e-nable.org/s/e-nable-devices) include links to instructions and/or video tutorials to help you get started. Please note that devices require some non-3D-printed materials, which can be purchased from various online or local sources. 3D Universe also offers [assembly kits](https://shop3duniverse.com/collections/3d-printable-kits) for some of the most popular e‑NABLE designs.
Since this device isn’t being created for a specific recipient, it can be made in any size, but we recommend that you use a scale of 120-135%. At 100% scale, the device will be too small for most people, and it will be harder to assemble at that size. 120-135% is a common size range for younger recipients, and it will be easier to assemble the device.
If you do not have access to a 3D printer, please see [this](https://enablingthefuture.org/3d-printing-options/) page.
## Submit Your Test Device for Approval
[Find the appropriate badge](https://hub.e-nable.org/p/35) (under “maker”) to submit your evidence and request the appropriate badge. [Learn more about badges here. ](https://hub.e-nable.org/content/perma?id=40412)
## Learn How to Properly Size e‑NABLE devices
Please see [this page](https://hub.e-nable.org/content/perma?id=391) for details.
## Next Steps
Congratulations! You are a Maker. Now you can work on cases to give prosthetic devices to recipients in need, as well as work on the devices themselves.
## Find a Person in Need
Find someone who needs a device and offer to help by creating an account on [e-NABLE Web Central](https://www.enablewebcentral.com/), a website to connect volunteers seeking to make or receive e-NABLE devices. Before making a device for a recipient, we recommend that you have them sign a [Release and Waiver of Liability](https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7IZ4iPA1DJZV2pBT2ppNDV0aFU) and a [Photo/Video Release Agreement](https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7IZ4iPA1DJZcW9LNlpuWVZjU28).
You can also do research and find organizations or individuals who might be interested in your help. Then reach out with a “cold call” email, and offer your assistance. You may be surprised by their response!
One thing to watch out for is “collisions.” If you think another e-NABLE player may already have contacted your regional prospect, compare notes and coordinate.
**Important reminder!** The relationship between the recipient and maker should not be simply and make and receive. It should be a collaborative process where the two work collaboratively to make the hand that best needs the recipient’s needs. This will probably take a couple of drafts and do-overs until it is perfect. Do not be discouraged it is all part of the process.
If you have a limb difference, you can also make a device for yourself. All the steps to making the device are the same, but you will need to take your own sizing pictures. Watch [this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewdC3BVUNmg) to learn how.
e-NABLE is about all 3D printed accessibility devices, though; non-prosthetic catalogs include [Makers Making Change](https://makersmakingchange.com/assistive-devices/) and [ThisAble](https://thisables.com/en/).
## Introduce Yourself, Join the Hub
If you haven’t already, introduce yourself in the [e-NABLE Forum](https://hub.e-nable.org/s/e-nable-forum/) and [claim](https://hub.e-nable.org/p/badge-request) your “Joined the e-NABLE Hub“, “Introduced Self in the e-NABLE Hub“ and “e-NABLE Volunteer” badges (in the e-NABLE Community Participation Badge category)!
## Join a Chapter
You can join a local e‑NABLE chapter – or start a new one. A list of e‑NABLE chapters can be found [here](https://hub.e-nable.org/p/e-nable-chapters/?filterN=Chapter). Feel free to reach out to nearby chapters to see how you can get involved with them. If there are chapters close to you, getting to know them can be useful even if you start your own.
## Other e-NABLE Opportunities
Now that you know how to fabricate and assemble devices, in addition to making them for people, you can also test, design, or document them. The e-NABLE [device catalog](https://hub.e-nable.org/s/e-nable-devices/wiki/overview/list-categories) is full of opportunities for contribution. We need help finding out, for example, how much grip strength hands have, or their exact range of motion. You can also help improve designs, or make totally new devices, if you are comfortable with CAD.
Finally, you can also help lead e-NABLE! Show up to a weekly town hall meeting. Details on the [community leaders](https://hub.e-nable.org/content/perma?id=49827) page.
Isabella Kaplan ·