Thread: Gathering to discuss new club

We had our little gathering last night. Only about 8 or so people turned up, but several sent their apologies. SWMBO seems to have told them that Thursday night is for shopping...

I got to meet another couple of forumites and a few fellas currently involved in other clubs - very nice people all. Thanks to Simomatra and Mic-d who have very kindly offered to help with the renos that need to be done before the new operation starts and to Soundman who has been one of the movers behind the idea.

The upshot of the meeting is that I am very encouraged that there is a demand for the sort of club that I have in mind and that there are the skilled people that are needed to make it all work. Of the attendees, 3 are currently teaching one form or another of woodcraft skills, including one chap who is a dedicated and skilled darksider and another who teaches TAFE and instructs at other clubs. I hope we can attract some more of the fantastically skilled people who show their work on this forum - the more the merrier.

For those interested, the current program should see us opening the doors on the club in about 6-8 weeks. I will be looking to source machines, such as bandsaw (19" or bigger, by pref.), thicknesser (15" or bigger), 8" planer/jointer, a decent lathe, a decent drill press, perhaps a scroll saw and if anyone has any suggestions for other machines/equipment I'd be happy to look at them.Also, if anyone has a machine they can't use due to noise/space/time considerations I'd be happy to discuss a deal for either purchase or lease.

The model for the organisation is expected to be something between "Wood 'n' You" and a normal club. Eco-Urban will own the facility and the equipment and will run the operation as a commercial entity, whilst the members will ultimately largely run their own show with respect to the "club" aspects. I shall reserve for myself the role of "Axe-wielding mongrel" when decisions need to be made. One of the most important features will be training, especially in safety. All members and any casual users of machinery will be required to undertake the relevant accreditation, including a general safety induction (construction industry blue card) and specific induction on the equipment. The last thing we need is members with missing fingers!

Right! I think that covers most of it. I'd welcome any and all comments and suggestions and if anyone has special skills they'd be interested in imparting (either as a member or as an instructor) please let me know. We will be looking especially for skilled joiners (darkside and light), as well as carvers, carpenters, pyrographers, scrollers, etc. We will need senior members with key rights who can supervise others on machines as well.