Machine Tools shared usage

[Andy Adze]

I'm a newbie on the site, but been an enthusiastic amateur wood butcher for quite a few years. I generally prefer to use solely hand tools, rough cutting and squaring lumber the traditional way, but as my projects have become more adventurous and I have started to take more enjoyment in the whole process, from log through to finished project, I have become a little bored of having to plank a 20" diameter log with a handsaw!

I am, however, short of time and resources with a young family, so I can't justify the expenditure required to purchase a reasonable sized bandsaw. This got me thinking that I can't be the only one in this position and yet I can't find anywhere that machine tools might be available for use. There are a number of vehicle workshops you can take your car to, use the tools and facilities for a small fee (under a disclaimer of course) to do your own fixing, with the added benefit of shared expertise with others in the same boat.

So, I wondered firstly if anyone knows if such a facility exists for wood workers, specifically in the Farnham/Guildford area, or if not, whether there is anyone in the area who might be willing to allow me, on occasion, and for the proper consideration, to use their bandsaw to rough cut some lumber....

Thanks in advance for any advice or responses!

 

[Orraloon]

This may be worth a look.
https://menssheds.org.uk/
Regards
John

 

[Just4Fun]

Could you sign up for a woodwork course which would give you access to the machines you need? I take an evening class each year where everyone decides on and works on their own projects, so you just take your log along and use whatever machines you want to process it. Personally I start with rough-sawn boards rather than logs but others do start with logs.

My class is even better because after I had attended for a few weeks and was "in" they showed me where the key is kept so I can go there any time, not just when a class is scheduled. So I have 24/7 access to the machinery all for a low-cost evening course.

 

[Woody2Shoes]

Hi - my bandsaw maxes out at about 8 inches - although you'd be welcome to drop round and share use of that once in a while (a good hour plus round trip though, I imagine). I know that Surrey Timbers cut all sorts of timber to order - I'm sure that you could arrange to bring your log to them and they'd slice it up for you, for a small consideration. Cheers, W2S

http://www.surreytimbers.co.uk/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azOeLRR2vyA

 

[Andy Adze]

Thanks all for your advice, and for the offer of the use of your bandsaw. As it turns out, following the advice about woodworking courses, I found someone about 500 yds from my house who runs woodworking courses and who I'm going to go and have a chat with about both doing a course, and using machines, so that was very helpful, thank you.

Thanks again and Merry Christmas.

 

[MikeG.]

Thanks all for your advice, and for the offer of the use of your bandsaw. As it turns out, following the advice about woodworking courses, I found someone about 500 yds from my house who runs woodworking courses and who I'm going to go and have a chat with about both doing a course, and using machines, so that was very helpful, thank you.

Thanks again and Merry Christmas.

Bandsaw (and planer) blades aren't free, so if I were you I would include some sort of offer towards the cost of these items if you are going to ask to use them.

 

[Sideways]

Well said Mike, and in the same vein, expect to clean down the machines, hoover up, empty the extractor bags, clean the resin off the blades if you gum them up, wipe some wax over the tables, leave all the machines clean and tidy and if you break something, expect to pay for it ! Sadly some occasional users of other people's and community gear don't understand that the best way to get invited back is to put in a little more effort than you need to and always try to leave something better than you found it