What does being a member of Sawdust Studios mean?
You are joining a community of woodworkers. Learn below what you can expect of Sawdust Studios community, and what Sawdust Studios community expects of you.
Here's a little more about Sawdust Studios:
Sawdust Studio’s Vision:
To give Mid-Missourians a place where experts to beginners can go to produce quality woodcraft
Sawdust Studio’s Mission:
Provide top quality tools and a pristine space while ensuring safety at all times
Sawdust Studio’s Values:
We respect and value anyone that walks through the door.
We never treat any one differently and will not tolerate any prejudice.
We always give everyone the benefit of the doubt.
SAFETY
We take safety seriously
- All members must take a Sawdust Studios Safety Class
- If you get hurt or trigger SawStop, you must re-take safety course
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Safety glasses are required to be worn while operating equipment or while being near running equipment
- Closed-toed shoes that are slip-resistant are to be worn
- It is recommended to wear ear protection
- Clothing should be in good repair and not loose/baggy
- Wearing jewelry should be avoided
Safety Violations
- Getting hurt
- Triggering SawStop
- Running power tools without safety glasses on
- Wearing open toed footwear
- Under influence of drugs or alcohol while on premises
- Facilitating non-member access to shop
3-Strike Policy
- Three Safety Violations in a 36 month period = termination of your membership for 6 months
- Membership may be reinstated for a 6 month probationary period
- No Safety Violations in the probationary period results in safety record reset
- One Safety Violation in the probationary period will result in a permanent termination of membership
- Membership may be reinstated for a 6 month probationary period
Outside Tools
- Since we don't provide all tools you'll need, you can bring in your own hand tools
- We recommend you read and follow all manufacturers' recommendations for safe operation of all tools.
- However, circular and chain saws are prohibited (so leave those powered saws at home)
Minors
- Minor Members under 16 will require parent or guardian to accompany them anytime they are in the shop (to be allowed access to facility, both adult and minor must have memberships)
- Members who are minors are expected to understand and abide by all policies
- Safety is our upmost concern so use your judgement before signing a minor up for membership
Disability
- We understand first-hand challenges that can come from having a disability. We make this single exception to non-members accessing facility. Members with disability are allowed to have a Non-Member accompany them in the shop. The Non-Member may only access shop with disabled Member and may not operate shop equipment without first taking a Sawdust Studios Safety Class.
Smoking
- Smoking is not allowed in shop or within 20 feet of shop entry doors or windows.
- This includes cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, pipes, and other smoking products.
Safety Do's and Don'ts
Do
Don't
Don't
Protect your fingers, use push sticks when operating equipment
Don't
Don't
Don't
Do not enter facility and/or operate equipment under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Do
Don't
Don't
Keep your appendages safe distance (generally at least 3") away from spinning blades, bits, discs, and belts
Don't
Don't
Don't
If your Dr. says don’t operated machinery on prescription, that means you’ve earned a well-deserved break from wood working
Do
Don't
Don't
Wear proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
- Safety Glasses
- Ear Protection
- Closed Toed Shoes
Don't
Don't
Don't
Safety is of upmost concern, no “bring-a-friend” allowed. Do not facilitate a non-member entering the premise.
STYLE
Dress Code
- Shirt, pants, and shoes must be worn (see PPE section additional guidance)
- Long hair should be tied back when operating equipment
- Members will receive woodshop points for wearing flannel, suspenders, tool apron, and any clothing with dried wood glue permanently affixed
Dust Collection
- Before turning tool on
- Open tool's blast gate
- Turn on dust collection
- When finished turn tool off, close blast gate, and turn off dust collection
Cleanliness
We work and play as a community, so please...
- Ensure a clean working space/tool for the next person
- Use shop vacs, wet rag, trash can as applicable
- Return clamps & hand tools to shelf/rack
- Reset tools (retract blade, engage safety lock, etc) and put bits back in rack
- Refrain from wiping wood glue on tables, counters, tools, etc.
Play Nice
- Give compliments
- Ask before giving advice/opinions
- Be humble. Know that nobody knows it all, including yourself
- Obey “free parking” time limits, and don’t hog clamps for longer than needed
Share
- Share the space/tools. May mean coming at non-peak hours.
- Take-some, leave-some for wood scraps and supplies (designated share areas)
- We are a community wood shop with members of all skill levels, so exercise patience with those working on developing their craft. We were all beginners once.
- Have wood working books that just collect dust on your shelf? …feel free to donate them to our wood working community library
Don’t steal
- Obvious one, but we are a community of wood workers, so don’t borrow something without asking and don’t leave with anything that isn’t yours. Facilities are camera monitored.
- Key FOBs are Sawdust Studios property, and must be returned upon membership termination or fee will be charged.
SIZE
Limited Space
As a community wood shop, our space is limited. As such...
Keep Projects Small
- We ask that you keep all projects to 32” x 36” x 72” max (so it fits in/out the door)
Assemble Offsite for Bigger Projects
- For bigger projects, feel free to build component parts that fit in that footprint, then final assemble off-site
Limit Your Work Area during peak hours
- Generally, when on-site, we ask that you limit your work area to a 48” x 24” work table space. But obviously, if you're the only one there at 2am, feel free to spread out.
Take Out what you Bring In
- Bring in your hand-tools, lumber, and supplies, and take them with you when you leave (unless you are contributing to designated share area or you rent a locker)
SPACE
Use of Space
- Should be used for personal use (personal items, gifts, etc)
- Should not be used for commercial use
- Commercial use may result in termination of your membership
Food and Drink
- Feel free to brings food and non-alcoholic drinks in, we just ask you clean up after yourself
- Plastic tables are provided to set food/drinks on
- Don't set food or drinks on tools, equipment, or wood surfaces unless in sweat-proof, spill-proof container, since items could cause damage
- And keep food and drink covered, unless you don't mind a little sawdust
No coatings allowed
- We don't have proper ventilation to control fumes or coverings to protect surfaces
- No paint, poly, finishes, stain, oils, etc. (you’re not going to want sawdust in your finishes anyway, so find a clean, well ventilated, dust free space off-site)
- We are looking into future expansion to add a separate finishing space, so stay tuned
Shop is climate controlled
- So for your safety and security, please do not prop door open or windows, or open the door for others
- Obvious exception for when you are loading and unloading
New Wood only, No reclaimed lumber
- If you’re doing a project to re-claim pallet wood or old barn wood, kudos to you, but we ask you do that off-site with your own tools.
- Ensure wood is directly from mill or lumber yard.
- Cardwell Hardwoods in Jefferson City has one of the best milled lumber selections in the area
- Menards down the street also has a good selection of lumber
- Never run staples, screws, nails, or any other non-wood materials through any of the equipment.
- Make sure the tool is running great for the next woodworker that uses after you. We have expensive tools and components that can be severely damaged by metal or other foreign articles. If you cause damages, you may be charged a replacement cost.
SCHOOL
Classes/Events
- We are a 24/7 Woodshop, but our goals also include woodworking education
- Sawdust Studios will be generally be closed to non-class participants to facilitate educational atmosphere
- A minimum of 4 weeks notice will be given for class/event times, so members can plan accordingly for closed hours
- Review Sawdust Studios Calendar for upcoming classes and events
Class Size
- Classes are generally limited to 10 attendees
- Class sign-ups will be on a first-come-first-serve basis
- But class registration will be open to members first before opening to general public
Safety Requisite
- Non-Members are welcome to join classes and events, but most classes will require taking a Sawdust Studios Safety Course as a prerequisite, and Non-Members will not be allowed to operate equipment without first taking a Sawdust Studios Safety Class
Instructors
- Sawdust Studios has a small team of instructors, but if you have skills/interest in teaching woodworking classes, ask us for an instructor application
SUPPORT
Down Tools
If a tool is not working properly or safely, we ask that members tag it with down tool tags provided and alert info@sawduststudioscomo.com, so we can repair as soon as possible.
Saw Blade Change Out
- Members may change out scroll saw blades.
- Tool must be unplugged during change out
- Members may not change Table Saw, Miter Saw, Jointer Teeth, Planer Teeth, or Band Saw Blades.
- Sawdust Studios staff will change out Table Saw, Miter Saw, Jointer Teeth, Planer Teeth, and Band Saw Blades on regular maintenance schedule.
Other Change Outs
- Members may change out Router Bits, Drill Press Bits, Palm Sander paper, and Rotary Tool attachments.
- Tool must be unplugged during change out
- Bits and attachments should be returned to shelf/rack after use.
- Sawdust Studios staff will change out Belt and Disc Sander on regular maintenance schedule.
Compressed Air
- Compressed Air lines are set at 100 PSI. Air blow gun nozzles will be provided, but no other air tools are provided by shop.
- Members may bring their own air equipment (such as brad nailers). Air blow gun nozzles should be returned to air hose after use.
Other Tool Maintenance
- Sawdust Studios staff will perform regular maintenance on all shop tools, so you'll have more time creating woodworking pieces and less time fixing tools.
Other Policies
Subject to Change
The above Sawdust Studios policies and procedures are subject to change from time to time and without notice. Sawdust Studios will make effort to communicate changes to Members. Interpretation of the above policies and procedures is at the discretion of Sawdust Studios owners and management. Any questions or concerns should be directed in writing to info@sawduststudioscomo.com or by writing Sawdust Studios 2207 Nelwood Dr., Unit 105 Columbia, MO 65202.