New Member Orientation is an introduction to the SCW Woodshop for new members to get acquainted with the shop policies and procedures. It meets for three successive days.
- Monday – 1:00 PM
- Basic shop rules and membership requirements
- Orientation overview
- Member photos for badges
- Tuesday – 2:00 PM
- Hands-on training using shop equipment
- Wednesday – 1:00 PM
- Tour of the lumber room and tool crib
- Overview of monitoring duties
- Instruction on how to sign up to monitor
NOTE: There are no refunds for the New Member Orientation. If you are unable to attend every effort will be made to get you in another class.
You are required to read and BRING COPIES to class of the following:
In addition, there are two videos that you should watch prior to attending the orientation class (see links below).
Membership Requirements
- Valid SCW Recreation Card Your Recreation Card must be current. Payments are verified.
- Orientation Completion All members must successfully complete all three days of the New Member Orientation Class.
- Annual Dues Membership dues are paid annually and are due by January 31.
- Invoices will be emailed out on Jan 1 or shortly there after.
Member Responsibilities
- Give Back to the Club members are encouraged to volunteer through monitoring, shop support, and other opportunities.
- Maintain a Safe and Clean Shop practice safe, clean, and courteous work habits at all times.
- Respect Other Members treat fellow members with respect. Members are expected to follow the discipline process outlined in the club by-laws.
- Help Fellow Woodworkers the club thrives on cooperation—many members are happy to pause their own work to lend a hand.
- Share Resources share knowledge, plans, books, websites, and other woodworking resources to support the community.
Safety Requirements & Cautions
Safety is every member’s responsibility. The following requirements and cautions exist to protect you, other members, and the shop.
Emergency & First Aid
- First Aid and 911 procedures are in place—know where supplies and emergency information are located.
Eye, Face & Lathe Protection
- Safety glasses are required at all times in the machine room.
- Face shields are required when operating large lathes.
- Lathe safety cages are recommended; use is a personal safety decision.
Clothing & Personal Safety
- Footwear
- Closed-toe shoes are required.
- No open-toe shoes, sandals, flip-flops, or similar footwear.
- Clothing & Accessories
- No loose-fitting clothing, jewelry, or unsecured long hair.
- Gloves are not allowed, except with a specific exemption (e.g., wood allergies).
- Long sleeves are discouraged. If worn, sleeves must be tight from elbow to wrist to prevent entanglement in rotating machinery.
Alcohol, Drugs & Medications
- No alcohol or recreational drugs are permitted in the shop.
- Use caution when taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may impair judgment, balance, or reaction time.
Personal Stability & Mobility
- Members must be able to operate machinery without canes, walkers, or similar supports.
- Table saws may not be operated while sitting.
Sitting places the face at blade level and limits safe reach past the blade. - Lathes may not be operated while sitting.
Lifting & Assistance
- Use proper lifting techniques.
- Ask for help when moving heavy or awkward materials to avoid injury.
Space Awareness
- Be aware of:
- Other people
- Moving wood
- Machines
- Power cords
- Carts and vacuum hoses
- Maintain clear walkways and safe working distances.
Table Saw Safety (SawStop)
- Activating a SawStop brake costs:
- $150.00 for standard saws
- $250.00 for the dado saw
- The fee is payable immediately.
- No exceptions. No excuses.
- Consider the alternative: injury, emergency room visit, medical costs, recovery time, and the saw being unavailable to all members until repaired.
Finishes, Chemicals & Spray Paint
- Use of finishes and chemicals is limited.
- Products with offensive odors must be:
- Applied and dried outside behind the shop, or
- Used at home
- Spray paint must be used outside behind the shop.
Be mindful of over-spray.
Lockers
- Lockers are available by waiting list:
- Under-bench locker: $50 per year
- Wall locker: $35 per year
Bench-Top Work Space
- Bench space is shared.
- No member owns or rents a bench.
- Be respectful of others’ space and time.
Broken, Damaged, or Dull Tools & Machines
- Report issues by filling out a repair slip located on the maintenance room door.
- Admit mistakes when they happen—this helps everyone learn and keeps the shop safe.