Setting up a "Men's Shed" - what power tools, machinery etc?

[zodiac]

Just a thought as to the grade of tools you should be looking to aquire. Although the users of each piece of machinery/equipment will be ametuer/hobbyist the total number of hours run on each machine will not in all likely-hood equate to that of a hobbyist. As the machines are to be shared the average number of hours run will probably equate to those of a proffesional /trade workshop, therefore you should seriously consider only purchasing trade or professional grade machinery. Indeed you may find that any insurance cover you get will require the machinery to be of this grade.
This then will lead you into many issues with regard to being qualified to use and also with regard to your trainers and their training possibly being required to be(at least initially) from the manufacturer and having an element of train the trainer programing in place.

Hi, thanks for your input. I see what you are getting at, but I think if running Men's Sheds was a non starter there wouldn't be a few thousand of them around the world

I thing mid priced machinery will not burn out as fast as something built for the occasional weekend hobby/DIY job and I'm sure there will be more nattering than cutting, sanding etc so the equipment shouldn't clock up loads of miles in no time at all. There will be issues and concerns definitely but the reason for opening under the umbrella of an organisation that has done it all before is there's no point reinventing the wheel

 

[Bodgers]

Personally, I think it is a great idea. The official UK site says that although it attracts older people, all ages are welcome.

If woodworking shows are anything to go by, woodworkers seem to be a little older anyway...(no offence intended) I think they are the ones that tend to have time to indulge the hobby anyway. I know with 3 kids between 2 and 10 time in the workshop is very limited.

Apparently there is one in near me in York... I may check it out. I don't have a lathe, and fancy having a go, so it might be the place to try it.




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[Roughcut]

I too think they are a great idea.
But I feel that picking a shopping list of tools out of thin air is the wrong way to go about it.
My first port of call would be the next closest Men's Shed to see what they are doing and what tools they have (which I believe you have already done).
Then visit a few more!
Also I would try to ascertain what type of projects will be happening at your Men's Shed, I have read that some of these Men's Sheds produce items for sale to boost funds. If you will be doing this it might be an idea to see what others are selling and making and decide if you will follow them or produce something else.
This will also give you an idea of what machinery and tools are required.
Also are these run as a "free for all" where anyone can come and make whatever they like with what is available, or is it more structured where projects are scheduled on a regular basis with a tutor/students?

 

[zodiac]

It's predominantly a shared or communal workshop. People can come and drink tea and chat, exchange ideas and experience and make anything they fancy really.