One of the coolest ideas I've seen

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

http://www.techshop.ws/

I hope they'll open one near me!

[bui]

That is awesome! There are times I need (more like "want") certain machines to build bike parts, but can't justify a purchase that large for a seldom-occurring need.

[tplyons]

Really freakin cool!

[Pilgrim]

Interesting idea. Reminds me of the U-Fix-It auto shop with lifts that operated for years in my home town. You drove in, paid by the hour and had lifts. They provided an oil drain container and a place to get rid of oil filters and trash. They should have also rented tools - that would have been more profitable.

I think it sounds like a great idea if they have the insurance coverage needed. I'd also immediately start courses for prospective do-it-yourselfers so that they can prime the pump with customers.

[SchecterC4]

Nice! And there's one in the Bay Area. Membership is a little pricey, but for the person that can't afford their own tools or doesn't have the space this is ideal. $25 for one day isn't bad if you're just doing a small project.

[rcarraher]

Originally Posted by Bob Lee (QSC)

http://www.techshop.ws/

I hope they'll open one near me!

Great idea! Sort of an LA Fitness for geeks and nerds. Actually, back when I was in the Military (Christ was my corporal) they had all kinds of hobby shops, Auto Hobby Shop, Wood Shop, metal Shop, were you could go in and they had all the tools, equipment and even materials to complete many projects. It was only a few dollars a day, course it was the military (not trying to make a profit) and the 70's.....

[guitar ed]

This is a similar sort of thing, only targeted towards wood working. It is also in the Bay Area.

edg

[Joe Gress]

Very cool.

[smperry]

Aw man, I hear about this two weeks before I move!

[bassteban]

Originally Posted by Reanimate

Ehhh.... give me my dremel, a chainsaw, and an icepick and I'm good to go.

[crosses Reanimate off *luthiers to consider* list]


Kidding- Menlo Park, though- I think that's within range if I ever need something wacky like an adjustable brass DB bridge or 1" BMX-sized MTB fork steerer...

[NJL]

they have one of these in SA, but just for carpentry.. really great idea!!

[superfunk47]

Mother of God. That is the coolest thing I've seen in a very long time. I would so open one if there were enough people who would use it. Awesome idea.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Just for the record I didn't go through all the pages.

Very cool and extremely cheap. For the USER.

I have quite a bit of metal machinery: several lathes, several milling machines, welders, hand tools etc. and I can tell You, none of that stays in shape if there's more than 1 user. 1 who also has bought the damn things . The same goes for the woodworking machinery to some extent.

Who sharpens the blades/drills/cutting tools?
Who pays for the bits in the tool holders?
Who supervises the use of lathes and milling machines?
What kind of insurance company will grant an insurance for an individual to cover the damage that he/she can cause in split second with a lathe or a milling machine. Those Bridgeport Series I's are around $5K used and effing one up for $2K damages is extremely easy and happens faster than You can say OOPS...

A cool idea, but won't last long I'm afraid. Either they close down or the machines become too damaged to precision work.

Regards
Sam

[Kosko]

I like the idea, but what happens when someone loses their hand?

[Absentia]

Originally Posted by Kosko

I like the idea, but what happens when someone loses their hand?

DISCLAIMER!!!!
"I agree that this establishment is not responsible for my stupidity"

great idea you could make some bread opening one of these.

[Pilgrim]

From my post #4 above:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

I think it sounds like a great idea if they have the insurance coverage needed.

Also, great note about maintenance and adjustment. I am one of the few who is even MORE careful with other people's tools than I am with my own. Ethically, one is obligated to take excellent care of things which belong to others and with which we are entrusted.

Most people (rash and unjustified generalization follows) are careless pigs who treat even their own tools like garbage, and who are even more careless and destructive with tools belonging to others.

[Barkless Dog]

CNC Cad routing or 3-d printing & laser cutting would be great if they could help you do it without spending months in classes.

Another plus would be doing dirty wood or other stinky job there.

[Jim Nazium]

Great idea ... I can think of lots of projects I'd love to do, but I live in an apartment and don't have the tools or space. But, as others have already pointed out, it does seem like a lawsuit waiting to happen.