Bart was approached the other day by a friend that had a friend that was set to work on a project but needed a shop (and the tools to go with it). This got us thinking, are there other novice wood workers that want to dip their toe into the water, or more advanced folks that need access to different tools and a bigger space for the occasional project?
Bart has a huge shop which, he uses everyday, though not always to full capacity. He also has a lot of knowledge rattling around in his head. There are such things as office co-ops and artist co-ops, why not wood working co-op?
Seems like a mess, but let's remember this is an ever busy work shop. There is lots of machinery for cutting, milling, and shaping along with a dust collection system.
Of course there would be quite a bit of logistics to work out: scheduling, liability, training folks on machinery, rules and what not. That can all be done. But why do the brain damage if it's not necessary? We'd just like to know if there is an interest? Would you or some one you know find such an arrangement useful?
There are also what seems like every had tool known to man, a spray booth in the back and a welding station set up in the yard.
If you're in Dallas, Texas, please take a minute to give us some feedback!
I don't have an immediate need but this sounds very interesting!
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Lee Fluker
2/1/2015 08:05:58 am
Such a great idea. Wish I was still living there to take advantage!
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Kevin Petters
2/1/2015 09:31:15 am
Excellent idea!!!
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Kirby McLain
2/1/2015 10:08:34 am
This would be great.
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Tony Brown
2/1/2015 11:14:41 am
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Antoine Cantarel
2/1/2015 11:28:29 pm
Love the idea. I could make use of it next week.
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Rick H
2/2/2015 12:06:35 am
I think the concept is awesome
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Jim
2/2/2015 12:47:01 am
Soundsike a great Idea. My wife would love to have my projects out of the garage
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Kenn
2/2/2015 01:26:15 am
Great idea, I am interested.
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gilbert
2/2/2015 01:58:20 am
Sure am glade someone thought of this this really comes in handy for the local and beginner handyman.
Gilbert, Super handyman
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Betsy Marshall
2/2/2015 02:06:14 am
looking forward to updates!
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Patrick Hennessey
2/2/2015 03:47:57 am
Dallas Maker Space already has a huge coop woodshop (along with many other things). I just saw it ons tour and it's quite impressive. They just got a full sheet CNC and already had the typical table saws / jointers / planers.
I'm not a member but membership is $50/month. I'm likely going to join in the future because the shop is amazing and it would essentially eliminate my need to have tools for occasional use.
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CptSmashy
2/11/2015 12:35:05 am
If this shop is more centrally located, it would be beneficial for a larger group.of folks vs the Makerspace in FND.
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Leonardo Sanchez Saenz
2/2/2015 03:48:27 am
A very welcome idea. Have my own hand tools (japanese planes, saws, chisels, etc.), but once in a while I need to resaw boards, and having a bandsaw to resaw would be great.
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Jason Mhab
2/2/2015 10:24:30 am
I'm interested. I collect antique furniture. I come across furniture that are projects that I could buy at a low price, fix them and sell. I don't have a shop or tools. Also looking for classes of "how to" or wood craftman training or techniques.
Very interesting and I may have some wood you would like
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Author
My name is Karen Thrasher, architect and partner at Thrasher Works. Thrasher Works has allowed us to join forces designing furniture and other grand elements of our built environment.