this might sound like a really dumb question, but is there such things as a place where i can pay membership fees and use a whole bunch of tools? somewhat like a gym? around the NYC area? can i pay to use a high school's wood shop or something?
You'll probably have to look in vocational/ trade schools as many high schools are shutting down their wood shops. Shame as my Mother took 3 or 4 classes at her local high school.
See if there's a "Woodworkers Club" in your area. The Woodcraft intro:
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Woodworkers Club is the nation's only chain of complete do-it-yourself woodworking shops, providing all the tools, supplies and know-how for Helping You Make Wood Work®.
If you would like to be able to build all the projects you want without investing in a workshop or a shop full of tools, click here.
Woodworkers Club page:
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've been to the one in Rockville MD several times. It's well set up and has many members.
There's a Woodworkers Club in Norwalk CT. on Rte 1. Appears to be well set up. I just wish the store carried the full line of Woodcraft Products in stock
Try a community college. Some have awesome shops with great instructors. And after you've taken some classes they let you take a "lab" class, so you can just work. John
Check around and see if there isn't a woodworking club in your community. An ad hoc type, not the Woodcraft corporate place. Most areas have one or more, and while they probably won't have a shop of their own (but they might), it's a great place to make friends and network. Sharing equipment, skills, materials, is usually encouraged.
It's like boats. The only thing better than owning a wide belt sander is having a friend who owns one.
I am currently taking a 10 session, 30 hour Woodworking 1" class from the local community college. IT's held at a local high school woodshop and they seem to have all the tools you get ever need.
There are some people that seem to take the class from time to time, whenever they have a new project.
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