Open Woodshop provides time, space, and equipment for self-directed woodworking projects. Participants will need to bring their own wood to use, and should be proficient in the techniques required for their projects. A knowledgeable shop steward will be present to orient students to the space and answer questions.
Open Woodshop is offered "on demand" with available times on Mondays from 5:30-8:30pm. Please note that you must first email us at info@arbutusfolkschool.org to book a session date and time. Open Woodshop is not a drop-in offering; you must notify us by email if you are interested in attending, so that we can appropriately staff the shop for your desired session date. Shop stewards may also be available to offer Open Shop appointments outside of Monday evenings upon request.
Participants may use our stock of hand tools which includes, but is not limited to, work benches, chisels, hand planes, saws, sharpening stones, marking and measuring tools, and carving tools, or bring their own tools. With a short safety training prior to use, participants may also use the following equipment: table saw, miter saw, jointer, planer, bandsaw, drill press, routers and router table. Please note that the lathe is only for staff use at this time.
Safety training sessions are 15 minutes per machine and are billed as a part of the student's shop time. Although it is no longer offered, students who have previously completed our two-hour Woodshop Safety class do not need to complete additional safety training sessions.
Shop time is billed as follows, payable at the end of your session(s) by cash or check: $15 for up to 1 hour in the shop, $25 for 1-2 hours, and $35 for 2-3 hours.
Open to ages 16 and older.
