Woodworking Clubs

[Chrispy]

It strikes me there's loads of woodturning clubs but very few general wood related clubs around, so I would like to know would I be wasting my time trying to form such a club, along the lines of :- regular meet ups, exchange of tips and ideas, some where to make swaps of spare tools and materials, learn from others, making group purchases drinking tea eating biscuits etc. etc.
To see if this works I'm thinking meetings could be based at my works but could also move from place to place to suit whats happening,
So are there any interested woodies about? preferably in traveling distance of OX12, if so let me know please and we will see where it goes.

 

[Baldhead]

Excellent idea Chrispy, I for one would love to be a member of a woodworking club, however due to your location I would not be able to join or help you setup a club, if it does happen would you keep us all posted.

Baldhead

 

[Grahamshed]

Not sure exactly where OX12 is but I am in OX14 and this sounds like a very good idea to me. Mind you I would be in a strictly learning mode.

 

[Chrispy]

Going by our friend Google OX14 must be Abingdon which is just down the road from Wantage

 

[Grahamshed]

Going by our friend Google OX14 must be Abingdon which is just down the road from Wantage

Yes, I have just been looking at your website ( very nice ). I am between Abingdon and Didcot. If you decide to set this up I would be happy to take part ( after a brief discussion, I do have a problem )

 

[Myfordman]

I think the popularity of woodturning clubs reflects the number of people who are woodturners - just look at the number of woodturning demos and stands at a typical exhibition.
Almost anyone who wants to can find space for a small lathe in the corner of a shed/garage and set up for relatively little money whereas the investment for the rest of the woodworking hobby and skills needed tend to far higher.

A club to talk about woodworking issues should work if there are enough regular members but taking it to the next stage of a shared workshop facilities to allow members to teach others is where is can become a problem. Ownership, care and use of hand tools is a very personal thing and could lead to divides opening up.

Good luck if you can make it work.

 

[dickm]

There is a woodworking (as opposed to just turning) club up here in the wilds. Has three venues spread across the area, one at least of which has more general machinery than just lathes. It seems to thrive and takes stands at local shows, but as appears to be usual, most of the exhibits are turned.
Having access to a club that offers some static machinery, with help on hand to teach safe use, ought to be a real winner, so it will be interesting to see how an Abingdon-based club gets on.
(Having said that, I'm not a memberof the local group as my workshop is embarrassingly well equipped , the fruits of careful purchasing while still salaried)

 

[John15]

I would be interested. I live in Stonesfield near Woodstock so would be in easy striking distance of Wantage. I'm keen to learn - I've dabbled in woodwork for most of my life not learning very much but now retired I'm taking it more seriously.
Regards,
John

 

[joiner_sim]

Good idea but local members is the key and unfortunately I'm not local.

 

[woodwoodjohn]

sounds like a good idea I live in kidlington not to far away from wantage , hope you mange to arrange something

 

[aideym]

Good idea but local members is the key and unfortunately I'm not local.

Could start a west midland's one though

 

[joiner_sim]

Good idea but local members is the key and unfortunately I'm not local.

Could start a west midland's one though

Yes, but it's getting someone who's willing to take it upon themselves to start the ball rolling and preferably have some workshop space or meeting space for a small group?

 

[Reggie]

Another thing for you guys to look out for is your local 'hackerspace', there are loads of them dotted around, they are a place for like minded people to tinker with 'stuff', electronics, construction, wood, metal, plastics, 3d printing, laser cutting, cnc machines etc. usually having a workspace with shared tools (generally pay a subscription or day fee, or initial training fee).

Not specifically for woodworking but it could be a very reasonable outlet for people to meet up and do what you suggest, share tips, tools, ideas and even get to make stuff while you're there.

 

[MickCheese]

I would be interested but time is an issue for me as it probably for all. Not too far from you so will watch with interest.

Mick

 

[The Bear]

Have a look here, there is a list of men's sheds and info on how to start one up

http://www.menssheds.org.uk/

Mark

 

[Baldhead]

Nearly 30 years ago I attended photography night classes at our local high school, when the course ended several of the members got together and started a club using the same school facilities we had used during the course. I am not sure how easy it would be to start something along the same lines now due to H&S, payment for use, attending after school hours etc etc but it may well be worth looking into if sufficient people were interested in your area.

Baldhead

 

[kostello]

I'd be interested....... Not that I get to make much in my spare time.......

 

[Chrispy]

Well there does seem to be quite an interest in this, from my reading between the lines everyone has a different idea of how a club would opperate or work and what they would like to get from one.
I'll need to do a lot more head scratching to work out how this will develope.
Meanwhile please keep posting your interest to help me gauge the level of demand.

 

[Redtank]

Hi, did this get anywhere? Live in Didcot and recently took on a wood project. I have so much to learn and wood love to join a club. As in 2013 all I seem to find is wood turning clubs.

 

[onegoodturn]

7 years late - but interested to join any Oxon groups. I'm total beginner. DIY course at Rycotewood. Built my own bench this weekend!