The member shop is a community of woodworking enthusiasts who share twin passions: one is for all things related to woodworking and the other is for volunteering to make our woodworking community better. The shop is 100% operated by volunteers. The woodworking classes are organized and presented by volunteers. The shop maintenance and upgrades are planned and executed by volunteers. Volunteering is as important to the shop as are membership dues.
If you are driven by these twin passions, shop membership has a lot to offer:
- Access to an incredible array of power woodworking tools including 2 SawStop Table Saws, 12” Jointer, thickness planers (including a 20” model), drum sanders (including a 25”-50”), three band saws with a re-saw option, a Robust Tools American Beauty Lathe, CNC Router, Laser Engraver, Edge Sander, Belt Sander, two Drill Presses including a Powermatic Variable Speed model, Router Tables and more.
- Use of a wide variety of hand tools and handheld power tools, jigs, clamps, and fixtures.
- Access to one of the most extensive Woodworking Libraries on the West Coast including Books, Magazines, DVD’s, Videos and even plans for projects.
- Use of a Design Computer and software to develop and finalize your CNC and Laser projects.
- Class offerings in our own fully equipped Classroom. These classes will include Introductory Woodworking series and both Project and Skills-based classes.
- Free membership in any of our Special Interest Groups such as Digital Tools, Carving, Toy Building, and Women Who Woodwork.
- The opportunity to meet and get to know other woodworkers through Member Shop interaction, participation in classes and programs and other social events.
- Includes SDFWA membership, a $35 value
How to become a member of the Shop Community
While we are currently at maximum capacity, there is some good news for potential community members. We are expanding the shop, which will allow more members to work at the same time safely and comfortably. There is also turnover each month, so your opportunity to join the community might come sooner than you expect.
To become a member, indicate your interest by completing the profile on the “Interest List” link below. Each month, several people on the Interest List are interviewed, based on the shop’s volunteer needs. During the interview, the membership process and obligations are explained.
Provisional Membership. If you are offered a membership, it will be a 90-day provisional membership. During the 90-day period you will be expected to complete several activities which are designed to help integrate you into the shop community. The goal of these activities is to let you get to know and use the shop safely, to experience a small taste of our community interests and other members, and to help you find a way to give back to the community. These activities include:
- Completing the Hands-on Safety Test (HOST)
- Registering for and using at least one shop slot
- Attending an eye opener meeting
- Attending at least one Special Interest Group meeting
- Identifying a volunteer task
- Volunteering for at least 6 hours
- Participating in a Holiday Gift Build Workshop
If you complete these activities in the 90-day period, your provisional membership will be automatically converted to an annual membership, at no cost. Your annual membership can be renewed.
Provisional Memberships
Provisional Silver Level Membership – $295/3 months Includes 15 “slots” which are valid for the duration of the membership. If you successfully complete the provisional membership activities, this automatically converts to a Silver Level Annual Membership
Provisional Gold Level Membership – $550/3 months Includes 50 “slots” which are valid for the duration of the membership. If you successfully complete the provisional membership activities, this automatically converts to a Gold Level Annual Membership.
Annual Memberships
Silver Level Membership – $295/year This membership level is intended for the occasional user who may already have a shop at home. It includes 15 “slots” which are valid 12 months.
Gold Level Membership – $550/year This membership is ideal for any woodworker using this Shop on a regular basis. It includes 50 “slots” which are valid for 12 months.
Additional Slots – 5 Slots for $50 This option is available only to Shop Members who have used all their initial allocation of slots.
Commercial Use Unfortunately, we have neither the space nor equipment to support commercial users. Members are not allowed to primarily make items for their business out of our Shop.
Add your name to our Interest List today
If you are looking for a community of woodworkers who share your passion for the hobby and for making the community a better place, please add your name to the interest list. Note that this is only a way to let us know that you are interested in joining the shop community. It is not a “waiting list” and there is no guarantee that you will be offered membership. However, we are always looking for new members who share our passions. We hope to see you soon.