Who can use the shop?

The shop is for full and part-time members and for students. Others are not permitted to use machines.

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What about safety?

We take safety extremely seriously. All introductory and intermediate classes will include instruction and demonstrations to help students safely navigate the woodshop. More advanced classes will include reminders and demonstrations. Members will be trained as well and must demonstrate proficiency on all machines.

 

I want to be a member. What if I don't have a workbench?
Part-timers will be provided benches. Full-timers can use one of our starter benches before buying or building their own. Building your own bench is highly recommended and a great first project. We can provide plans, guidance and enthusiastic support.

When can I be in the shop?
The shop is open from 8am to 10pm Monday through Friday and 9am to 5pm on the weekends.  Full members have full-time access to the shop. Part-timers choose three days per week, including one weekend day if they wish. Daytime members have access 9am to 5pm. Members may not use machines if they are alone in the shop.

What if I sign on but realize I don’t want to or can’t continue?
Things happen. We’d like for membership to be steady and consistent. But if, for whatever reason, you can’t continue, we ask for two months notice.

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What if I need to cancel a class registration

You may cancel your course registration one month before the first class and receive a full refund minus a $25 fee. Cancellations just two weeks out will result in half the course fee refunded. Cancellations in the two weeks before class begins will not be eligible for a refund. With one month notice, we can shift your class registration to a future session. Changes made less than a month in advance will be made without charge only if we can fill the vacated spot.

 

Class absences

For our longer form courses (5-10 weeks), one absence will still allow students to complete the project. A second absence makes it too difficult to complete the curriculum, so students typically may not continue in the class. For shorter courses (1-5 weeks), students must attend all sessions to complete the project. Please understand that we cannot schedule one-on-one make up sessions.

As a member, what can I make?
Most anything, but large scale plywood projects are limited. Why? First, the scale and nature of our machines make them best suited for smaller, fine furniture pieces. Second, we have storage limitations. That said, the occasional bunch of kitchen cabinets is fine. Talk to us!

What’s the space like?
The space, formerly part of a motorcycle and scooter shop, is ample with high ceilings and great natural light. There's an outdoor area with picnic tables and grill.  

 

And the neighborhood?
The neighborhood is centrally located, easily accessible and boasts all kinds of amenities. Zeitgeist is around the corner, and coffee places abound. Discount Builders Supply is a couple blocks away - as is Rainbow Grocery - and Dolores Park isn't far. It's a vibrant part of the city with a rich history, and we are excited to call it home.

Is there parking?
There’s plenty of space for bikes in the shop, and it’s very accessible via public transit. Loading and unloading is easy via roll up garage door and ramp. Car parking is available on neighborhood streets.

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Tell me more about your sliding scale.

We are a nonprofit committed to providing access to people who could not otherwise afford to participate. If money is tight, please take advantage of the lower rates we offer on classes. And if you're feeling flush, consider increasing your tuition. The scale only works if people do both. We also offer assistance to members renting our benches. In this case, we ask applicants who want to pay less than our target rate to reach out to answer a couple questions. We promise to do all we can to make Mission Community Woodshop affordable.