Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Monthly memberships are $30 and annual memberships are $300. Annual memberships are preferred for budgeting purposes but semi-annual payments of $180 have been accepted on occasion. Annual memberships are renewed based on the month you originally join.
The shop is open to the public Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 8-10 a.m. Members who have an annual membership have access to the shop 24/7 once they have completed the safety protocols and signed the appropriate waivers of responsibility. Members who join by the month can access the shop during the public hours or anytime that another member is present simply by contacting the member in advance. There are several members who are at the shop nearly daily who are more than happy to allow access to the shop and assist others as necessary.
Assistance for members is usually available through other members and is the preferred method of assistance. It is recognized that this may not always be an ideal option. Members who wish to receive assistance from other sources can contact the management team for guidance on receiving outside help as circumstances can vary.
Coming to the shop during the public hours is a good way to get started. A member will be available during that time to help you become accustomed to the tools and teach you skills and techniques that you’ll need to build your own projects. Skills classes have been offered in the past and more are being planned for the future. These classes are designed to help develop skills and build confidence through the completion of a project. Most importantly, ask a member for help and you’ll find someone who is willing to share their knowledge.
- No, the club does not have lumber available for purchase at this time. The club does, on occasion, have materials that have been donated that are free for the members to use as long as the supply of lumber lasts. Occasionally, members will have excess lumber for sale and they will contact the club membership when they have some available.
Members have a variety of sources for materials. Most have been purchasing their stock from a supplier in Ankeny or from a sawmill in Albert City. The supplier from Ankeny will deliver to the shop as long as we have a large enough order. Generally, when a member is planning to order from Ankeny, they will give notice so that other members can join in on the order. Those that purchase from the sawmill in Albert City will travel to the mill to pick out and haul their material. Several members have purchased from other sources and they would be willing to share that information as well.
Storage space is available on the shelves or on the floor under the work benches in the sanding room. There is also some shelving in the back shop that provides storage.
There are designated areas in the back or west shop that are intended for construction of larger projects. Currently, space is limited so work continues to provide more dedicated areas for larger projects.
Generally, the club does not provide consumable supplies like stain, varnish, brushes and similar items. The shop does provide the supplies necessary to operate club owned tools such as sand paper for sanders. As a result of the purchases of woodworking tools from estates, there are some materials including glue, stains and other finishes as well as fasteners that were included in the purchase. These items will be available at no cost until they are gone. Also, individuals have brought in items to share such as bottled water or a gallon of glue. These items are most welcome and are available for use by all members.
The club does accept donations. Members have donated consumables such as glue and bottled water and some lumber has also been donated to the club. Cash donations are also accepted and are usually directed to our scholarship fund or used for woodworking activities with kids. Space at the shop is limited so the addition of equipment and larger tools is carefully evaluated. Should someone wish to donate lumber, tools and/or equipment, they should contact the club and the management team will determine whether or not to accept the donation. As a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, some donated items may offer tax benefits.
An important role of the club is to serve the community through group projects. The club was founded as a way to provide a social connection for area woodworkers and community service activities provide opportunities for members to work together on projects. Past community service projects include making items for the St. Mary’s Gala and cancer society fundraisers. Other service projects have involved helping scouts with pinewood derby cars, doing scout projects for woodworking badges and helping 4-H groups with woodworking projects. In addition, club members have helped a church group make toys to donate to a children’s hospital. The club will continue to investigate ways to get members to work together to share their skills with the community.
A club member has volunteered to serve as the primary maintenance person. Any problems with tools should be referred to that individual or a note left on the tool indicating the problem. Generally, the club will cover the cost of tool maintenance. Things like broken bandsaw blades and worn sanding discs are usually the result of normal tool operation so they are considered part of the operational costs. Should preventable damage occur, such as ruining a saw blade by cutting material with nails, the person responsible will be required to reimburse the club for the costs associated with the damage.
Individuals are expected to clean up after themselves when they finish a work session. Tools should be cleaned, if necessary, and returned to their storage areas. Supplies used should be returned to their storage areas. Scrap materials should be placed in the appropriate containers and the machines used should be cleaned and the floor swept in the work areas. Various cleaning tools such as vacuums, mops, brooms and compressed air are available to help clean areas. Oil for the mops and floor sweeping compound will be available for member use. In short, the expectation is that the shop and tools are left in as good (or hopefully better) condition than when the work session started.
Future plans for the club include the continual upgrade of stationary tools to provide as many commercial or industrial quality tools for use as possible. Another goal is to provide educational and informational opportunities such seminars on tools or techniques or field trips to woodworking businesses or manufacturing plants.
Depending on the request, the club may consider completing projects for individuals. Also, some club members may be interested in doing individual projects on a contractual basis. Please contact the club with inquiries.