Been reading thru some of the chat topics and you all seem super nice and helpful so I’m going to add to the “I’m new can I get some help” conversation. Was involved in a woodshop before my daughter was born and put it on the backburner and recently moved to DFW and looking to get back into it. Haven’t joined DMS yet because I’m 99% interested in the wookdshop and please confirm my understanding that I need to take the classes to get access? I’m waiting for the class schedules to be posted that align with my availability before I look to join as a member. Just looking for confirmation that I’ve got it right about required safety classes and whatnot. Is it just 1 or are there multiple classes that must be completed first?
Your assumption is correct re: training classes. Not everything requires training, you can tell if there is a sign on a machine that says, “Training Required”. Drill presses, no training. MultiCam CNC Router, lot’s of training. There are multiple classes, usually 1 for each discipline; so wood lathes would qualify you on all those machines, but not the lathes in the Machine Shop (completely different).
For the Woodshop, there are three classes that will cover everything: Woodshop Basics, Wood Lathes, and MultiCAM CNC. We typically have 3-5 Woodshop Basic Classes a month [three already for June]. Wood Lathes is fairly regular [once/twice a month]. And the CNC is in need of training classes.
All classes are taught by volunteers, so there really isn’t a set schedule and are often posted 10-14 days out. The best bet is to continue to check the calendar or read talk.
The Tools section of our wiki lists our major tools and tells whether training is required. In the case of Woodshop, it (mostly) identifies the specific class required.