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Looking for ww co-op or club in Toronto

Looking for ww co-op or club in Toronto (post #123869)

new enthusiast on Tue, 02/28/2006 - 20:38

Woodworking Clubs

Anyone know of a woodworking club or co-operative woodworking studio in the Toronto area? If not, is there anyone out there from the Toronto area who would also like to see such a thing created?

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by Bruce A in reply to new enthusiast [original] on Fri, 01/12/2007 - 18:55

I would be interested in any information you have found about WW Clubs in Toronto.
Thanks
Bruce

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by new enthusiast in reply to Anonymous [original] on Fri, 01/12/2007 - 22:33

Hi Bruce.

I'm sorry to say I haven't found much in the way of ww clubs in TO. So far I know of two cooperatives in the city. They both seem geared to professionals. The Wood Studio (I think that's what its called) charges an upfront $10,000 fee for joining ($9,000 of which one would get back when one is no longer in the co-op), PLUS about $1,000/month fees. The other one (can';t remember its name, but if you want it I can find it for you) is also a co-op with about 12 members. Each member pays a monthly rental fee of between $700-900, depending upon the size of the member's work area.

These options are, unfortunately, too expensive for me - especially since I am a beginner and likely to be a hobbyist for at least the next decade.

Please let me know if you hear of any other opportunities.

Susan

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by cbolton in reply to new enthusiast [original] on Mon, 01/22/2007 - 23:09

There are a couple of clubs and co-ops listed in the classified section of Canadian Home Workshop magazine. A few are more in the Horseshoe area (Hamilton, Oshawa etc.) and not in T.O. per se. The marquetry society meets monthly at Humber College and certainly isn't a $10,000 membership signup. Actually Humber College has a cabinet making course in the continuing education dept. in which you can build your own projects. It is really popular but worth giving them a ring. They have a fully equiped shop. They also offer one day seminars on a range of subjects.

Lee Valley also has seminars on different topics and the instructors are pretty decent. It might be worth talking to them to see if they have information on clubs etc.

There are a couple of places in the Dufferin and Queen area that rent monthly bench space and it is pretty reasonable (like -$400 - $600 a month). I had a couple of friends who went this route and I can get the contact details if you like.

If you find something that sounds good post the results as I wouldn't mind having a look to see what other folks are up to.

Thanks Chris.

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by new enthusiast in reply to Anonymous [original] on Tue, 01/23/2007 - 00:34

Thanks so much Chris. I will follow up on all your suggestions. I have just completed one year of full-time study in the cabinetmaking program at Humber. It is, indeed, a fantastic program, with fantastic equipment and superb teaching staff. My challenge now is making a transition from doing this work in the school setting as a student, to doing it on my own.

I will let you know what I discover. Thanks again.

Susan

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by kilsyth in reply to new enthusiast [original] on Tue, 01/23/2007 - 20:42

There is a do it yourself woodworking shop in Oshawa at 804 Ritson rd south called The Carpenters Square It is a 4000 sq ft shop . If you do a search under the name you will be linked to the web site

Colin

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by new enthusiast in reply to Anonymous [original] on Tue, 01/23/2007 - 22:59

Thanks for that info. Although Oshawa is quite far from where I live, it is definitely worth checking out!!!

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by new enthusiast in reply to Anonymous [original] on Tue, 01/23/2007 - 23:24

Wow! I just checked out the website for the Carpenter's Square and it is EXACTLY what I was looking for (except for the fact that it will mean a 45 minute drive for me).

Thank you SO much for calling this place to my attention.

Now, if anyone knows of a place like the Carpenters Square closer to downtown Toronto please let me know!

Thanks again though. I am really excited by this!

Susan