HELP! Scott and I have been kicking around the idea of some Tool Up TechShop classes. In these, members would -- with the guidance of an instructor -- build a tool that will become part of TechShop's arsenal of Cool Tools. Tool Up TechShop classes will be mucho hands-on. Who should participate? Members who want to gain additional skill with existing tools while improving TechShop, of course.

Sound interesting?

We envision Tool Up TechShop classes like this. Each class will run only once. Each will require a certain number of participants, which will be determined by the instructor. The instructor will estimate the amount of time required, and the cost of the class will be based on that. Realistically, the classes may run longer than planned (have you ever a one-time project that takes longer than you estimated?). If it does, participants will stay to complete it, but won't be charged for the additional class time. Some Tool Up TechShop classes will have prerequisites, so participants can use the tools necessary to complete the project.

The format for each class will vary, based on the tool we're building. Basically, the instructor will explain the project to the participants, facilitate the planning, and demonstrate any required machine operations that were not covered in an SBU. Participants will actually perform the operations necessary to build the tool.

Still sound interesting? Heck yes, it does!

We currently have in mind several Tool Up TechShop classes. Some are in the woodshop, some in the machine shop, others elsewhere.

Before we go too far in planning and scheduling these, we need to know how many members would be interested in participating in these? If you'd be interested, please post a response here or phone the front desk and ask them to put your name on the list

(BTW, Scott would have posted this himself, but we all know how shy he is ;-)

- Sid