1.  How do I become a member?

To become a member, from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024,  simply fill out the application form and send it with $170.00 to the Club Secretary (address on the application form) or drop it into the Club during normal session times. (The $170 is made up of an $100 joining fee plus a $70 annual fee. ) You will then be contacted by the Safety Officer and invited to complete an induction session during which you will be made aware of the safety guidelines applying to each piece of equipment available for use. 

Note: If you join after the 31 December 2021 the annual fee will be $35.

2.  Why is there a joining fee?

A one-time joining fee of $100.00 applies.  We are an independent club, self reliant financially and dependent on fund raising mainly through sausage sizzles at Bunnings and grants received from local community sources such as the Bendigo Bank, Op shops etc. The money is used for purchase and maintenance of tools and equipment and materials for toy making. For the $100.00 you also receive a name badge.

In addition the annual fee of $70.00 is renewed each July 1st.

3.  What if I have very few skills with wood working?

Although the Club does not have the personnel for one on one extended tuition, at each session a Session Leader is available to mentor you. Additionally more experienced woodworkers are always available to provide assistance and advice. All you really need is a desire to work with wood and a willingness to learn and use safe handling processes on the equipment.

4.  What can I make at the Club?

A huge variety of wooden objects and projects are produced by Club members. The equipment available to you includes 8 wood lathes and woodturning gouges, bandsaws, a large table saw, a thicknesser/planer, large dual drum – drum sander, a large cabinet belt sander, a  large  jointer/planer, and various hand tools.

You are free to work on your own objects such as Christmas or birthday presents, furniture items, wood turned bowls or pens etc. Many ideas come from other members or the photo board at the Club.

5.  Do I have to supply my own wood?

All members are expected to provide their own timber for project work.  However, there is a nice collection of a variety of woods for use with various projects available for sale at very reasonable prices. 

6.  Are there any additional costs?

The Club encourages all members to have their own safety glasses and ear muffs to guard against possible hearing loss. There is a charge of $5.00 at each session which covers the cost of biscuits, tea and coffee etc.

7.  Can I keep materials and partly finished projects at the Club?

The Club unfortunately does not have storage for members to store the projects they are working on. These must be taken home at the end of each session.

8.  Is there a break part way through a three hour session?

There is a 30 minute break half way through each 3 hour session for tea / coffee. It is also a great time to socialise & solve a few world problems.

9.  How do I get involved with toy making?

Once you are a member you are welcome to join other of members every Wednesday. The goal is to make 800+ toys to be donated to local charities for distribution at Christmas. We would love to have you join us.

10.  How are the tools and equipment sharpened and maintained?

Each Monday morning a team of members attend the workshop for the purpose of cleaning, sharpening and maintenance.