Looking for a woodworking club/shed in or near Brisbane to access large tools.

[johhno]

Hi, firstly apologies, because I placed this query originally in the welcome thread, and apart from some kind 'welcomes', I didn't receive any responses to my query. So maybe this is a better place to put it.

I have been a member here for many years, and was active over the last five or six years whilst building a couple of wooden boats. I've moved on from that (using them now) and as a musician, I'd like to try to build a banjo, with the idea of maybe building more than one.

I have a good table saw and a router from boat building and plenty of hand and small power tools, all in a small shed. I usually move the table saw (Bosch) out onto the deck outside to use it, because the shed is small and I prefer working outside. In addition, just for the two small banjo components (neck and pot) I believe I will need a band saw, a jointer, a wood lathe, a horizontal and/or vertical drill press of some sort and a drum sander. I think the total time on these tools for the whole banjo build would probably be a couple of hours, with the many additional hours for the build not needing these large tools.

My question to you all is: Is there some kind of club/men's shed in or within cooee of Brisbane where I could both learn to use those larger tools I listed above and also then use them to make the two components? I can imagine in future if I enjoy the whole experience I might well end up getting one or maybe two of those large machines but I have no space for the whole lot, and in any case, the time required on those large tools is so small relative to the whole banjo build that I'd be hard pressed to justify buying them and trying to find shed space before I've even built one banjo.

Any suggestions much appreciated.

cheers
John

[Enfield Guy]

I'll stick my neck out.

Firstly, what are the expected time frames for an outcome? I have the gear you need and can either do the work or supervise you if I feel good about your skills. But, you would need to fit into MY program. Currently in Wavell Heights but soon to be in Clontarf. I would expect to be remunerated.

Cheers
Bevan

[clear out]

Try Bob Howard.
He runs classes and once you are proficient/safe on his gear you can make your own projects.
Richard Vaughan nd Roy Shack do similar up there.
H.

[johhno]

Thank you Bevan and H. for the good advice. At the moment I'm just scoping out what might be involved in the whole process and I'm not in a hurry. I managed to find three Brisbane men's sheds on google tonight which do have woodworking facilities but only one of them is open more than a day or so a week. The lathe will be the main tool I need some tutoring on, and again I'm not in a hurry. I'll also try to find Bob Howard. I'll be back in touch once things get a bit clearer, and meantime thanks again for going to the trouble of responding...much appreciated.

[GraemeCook]

.....My question to you all is: Is there some kind of club/men's shed in or within cooee of Brisbane where I could both learn to use those larger tools I listed above and also then use them to make the two components?......
cheers
John

Good morning, John

There are heaps of men's sheds around Brisbane. Have a look at this:
https://mensshed.org/find-a-shed/
Each club has its own "personality"; the critical question is whether that is the right one for you. And reasonably close.

Cheers

Graeme

[PhilT2]

The Logan M.A.D. Association Inc (http://www.loganmadwoodcrafters.com/)

[bryn23]

The only problem with mens sheds, is that they aren't open at nights or over the whole weekends.

Not that I've found here in Brisbane.

They are a great idea for the oldies, for doing something during the week when retired and for mental health.

I find that it is restrictive, to the people that work hard for there families during working hours, but need an outlet, after business hours.

In my ideal world they would be open to all men 18-99, 6am - 9pm, so they would all have a chance to learn new skills and build furniture.

[johhno]

Phil, many thanks, that shed looks to be the best equipped that I've seen so far, though it is a fair journey for me. It is also open a lot and in the evening too, so it answers some of Bryn's issues.

I used to belong to a central Brisbane art institute which was cheap to belong to and had great equipment available for members to use whenever they liked. I think the expense of large woodworking equipment, and issues of maintenance and upkeep and safety probably are what makes these sheds more restricted in their terms of use.

I can see some possibilities here though, and I can see how they might be able to supplement my own small shed if I used them wisely and planned my trips. Again, thanks to all who have offered assistance.

[PhilT2]

The Logan shed is not part of the Men's shed network, whether that is a plus or a minus is up to you. Part of the induction is a quick project to familiarise you with the tools. They also do run classes, usually at night.

[johhno]

Phil, for me it's fine if it's not part of the shed system. I'm really just interested in the learning and subsequent use of tools, some of which I can't house at home. I think I'll try the classes first in mid Jan and take it from there. Many thanks.