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ZeroID
04-01-2018, 07:45 AM
A local Menz Shed has recently been setup about 2 km from me in what used to be the downstairs area of a defunct bowling club.. Although I have a workshop downstairs my equipment is domestic use and hobby sized mostly.

With about 212 sq meters to use it's only just getting going, the wood working area is functional, metal working not so much. Lathe and mill all there but not connected or setup. Heaps of tooling from a recently retired engineer and several big corp sponsors have donated a lot of hardware and material. There is a clean room area, PC's and a 3D printer. Council has provided 3 phase power and other utilities and they are connected to two other ECO and Recycling groups in the same building.

I retire end of March so have joined up there to have access to some handy gear but also to help get it going on a more regular basis. Only open for about 6 hours on two days at present but as membership grows and people are prepared to manage then it will expand.
Also a nice place to meet others with spare time on their hands and they are already doing some external support projects to schools in the Pacific Islands.

Situated in the middle of a local park with playing fields and trees, playgrounds with a nice little lunchroom. Easy EBike distance.

Should help keep me entertained.. :thumbsup:

FlashDrive
04-01-2018, 07:54 AM
Brent ...good score, enjoy yourself. :)

Col...

Kunama
04-01-2018, 08:01 AM
That would sure beat building an 18" scope on my patio table... sounds like an excellent thing to get involved in

Wavytone
04-01-2018, 09:47 AM
Oh lucky you, Brent. The ones near me are only for retirees ...

ZeroID
04-01-2018, 12:01 PM
Over here they are quite happy to accept anyone as a member. The basic concept is 'retirees ' as I am soon to be but there was several much younger men down there and a young women wielding a hammer on some planter boxes. Part of their concept is to impart DIY skills to younger folks and retain old practices.

I have a die maker\fitter turner mate who is a member of the North Shore group. I'll see if I can rope him in to help setup the machine shop or if he knows of someone over this way.

leon
04-01-2018, 04:17 PM
Excellent stuff Brent and it will keep a lot of men busy as it grows.

Leon

Wavytone
05-01-2018, 12:01 AM
Likewise here (I am easily old enough) but the opening hours are 10-3 Monday-Friday which effectively rules me out. Tis a pity they cant do a couple of weeknights, though.

ZeroID
05-01-2018, 03:39 PM
They are aiming to add a Monday session and a Wednesday evening session soon.

I should clarify, this group is just titled 'The Shed' although it's part of the Menz Shed organisation. I think they are leaving the doors open a bit wider, ie non retirees, younger and the ladies. More people = more requirement to stay open and find people who will be involved.

PCH
05-01-2018, 06:56 PM
I thought that originally one of the main ideas was to provide a place for men to mingle with other men in a hobby/men's interest type of environment.

blindman
05-01-2018, 09:23 PM
Excellent idea; any photos ?