Open Shop Details
Open Shop allows you to build your own project on your own time with your own materials, while utilizing our extensive array of woodworking power and hand tools. You get access to tablesaws, jointers, planers, router tables, chop saws and band saws, as well as storage space for your work-in-progress.
You also get access to an experienced instructor who can guide you through the process; however, this is not a traditional workshop, so we do expect that you are fairly self-sufficient and safe in the shop.
Shop Availability
Beginning in September, the shop is available Thursdays (with the exception of a few holidays) from 6:30-9:30 pm, Mondays from 2:30 - 5:30, and at least one Saturday per month. A schedule of Saturday times will be posted throughout the year. Depending on interest and availability, Sundays may also be an option as the program grows. Shop time will also be available more often in June and August, as our career training school and regular workshops tend to be on hiatus during that period.
Cost
Hours are purchased in set increments, broken down as follows:
3 Hour Trial Run - $45
20 hours - $240
50 hours - $500
75 hours - $675
100 hours - $800
Hours never expire. The more time you purchase upfront, the less expensive the hourly rate. If you're tempted but not sure it's for you, please consider the 3 hour Trial Run.
A Few Caveats
You must have completed Fine Woodworking Level I AND either Level II or Cabinetmaking OR can demonstrate to the instructor in advance that you know how to safely and confidently operate woodworking machinery. If you have extensive woodworking experience but have never or rarely milled rough lumber, you will be required to take our half-day Milling Class. If you have completed the Basic Woodworking course, you may take Open Shop but are limited to the tools you learned in your course.
You wil be required to check in/check out for each session on the shop computer. This is how we track the hours used.
You must already have a project idea and plans that include a cutlist. Sources for plans are listed below, if you don't already have one. The instructor can provide guidance if you wish to modify an existing plan, but cannot be expected to walk you through the design and drawing process from scratch.
The project must also be of a reasonable size for storage on site and of reasonable complexity, as determined by the instructor or staff. NESAW reserves the right to reject or charge more for larger projects or ones that would cause undue wear and tear to our machinery.
Open Shop hours are for hobbyists only, not for professional woodworkers. If you are a professional woodworker who needs to use a piece of specialty equipment, please contact us for our professional rate.
You will provide wood, hardware and finish for your project. A few local sources for quality rough hardwoods are listed below. We provide screws, nails, sandpaper, biscuits and glue.
A Few Sources for Project Plans:
Woodcraft
Woodsmith
American Woodworker
New Yankee Workshop
Fine Woodworking
A Few Sources for Wood:
Connecticut Wood Group in Enfield, CT (also carries some plywood)
Forest Products in Greenfield, MA
Amherst Woodworking/Copper Beech Millwork
in Amherst, MA
