DWC ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RECAP FROM NOV 2nd 2026
- SAFETY: 3 fire exits, 3 first aid kits, Fire extinguishers, emergency phone all reviewed. AED device is upstairs.
- NEWS AND UPDATES:
- Kent: Lee Valley Catalogs are available courtesy of last week’s guest speaker.
- Chad: Kade and Chris expect to start Turning 101 courses in Dec or January. Contact them directly via their email addresses. First come First served!
- Aaron: Wood that is stored without following our announced and posted protocol will be disappeared! We have been warned.
- DECEMBER 7th will be our AGM meeting…There WILL BE elections for some exec positions. (NOTE as per Const. that any proposed changes to our constitution must be submitted to the exec at least 6 weeks prior to the AGM., while Bylaw proposals may be sent to the exec at anytime.) Where can you find our bylaws and const.??
- IMPORTANT: Let NO-ONE in whom you do not know at the door…kindly close the door and ask them to enter the passcode.
3. SHOW and TELL: WE LOVE to see what you have been working on!
*Noel G. 2 Bullet Pens, olive wood, ‘Aussie Oil’ finish.
*Dan A. Very large turned Ash chess piece, with wine glass tray top!
*Bernie V. Wig stands, walnut and Cherry, Shellac and then lacquer.
*Gabbie B. Stacking toy for kids, various woods
*Rod L. Mention of ‘Men’s Shed in Australia (and elsewhere), vase and inside out turned tulip.
*Don Mc. Scrolled tree and birdhouse. Scroll 102 course is on in the shop this wed evening and on the 11th.
4. DISCUSSION: SAFETY AND TRAINING AT DWC
We get 20 -30 new members some years, all of whom must do the shop orientation, but not all do the 101 courses. There are not enough 101 courses offered to meet the demand for them. Equipment damage happens. We need to ensure a safe operating culture.
101 course instructors (Paul, Noel, Wayne, Kent, Dale, Kade, Chad, Don) were thanked for their significant contributions to the club membership over recent years. Their well developed and detailed courses will be of immense help moving forward. Several of these instructors shared their experiences and insights with the group, helping us chart a path forward.
The executive presented a list of questions to be considered:
- Should training courses be recommended or required? After discussion it was decided that training courses will be recommended, (except for the LATHE course which will be required before use). Videos should be made available. Some courses may be parsed into smaller machine specific components. A greater number of volunteer instructors will need to be trained for this.
- Should we have some form of actual certification to allow machine access? After discussion it was agreed that this would not be practical. We will ‘train the trainers’ in an effort to promote skill building and safety.
- Should attendance at meetings be required in order to use the machines?
- Different rules for different tools? It was agreed that our current practice of Turning 101 being required before lathe use, and the hands on direct instruction and check out books for the proper use of the Router table and the drum sander would be maintained. All other machines should be treated equally with specific recommended training sessions being offered by the club with well trained volunteer instructors.
- Damage to machines and unsafe use…how should we deal with this? It was agreed that members MUST REPORT any issues or concerns or damage using the redtag system and EMAILING the repair team or emailing any member of the executive… making a mistake at a machine will not be a big issue, will not be a blame and shame situation at all, there will be a 100% positive response! Members are reminded that we are all here to help each other; if you are unsure just ask…in person, or by phone or email. These situations, when they arise, may point us to an area that needs further training or learning.
- Should there be controls in place to enforce any of the club’s decisions on these matters?
- Other ways to promote safe woodworking?
The above notes are just this one member’s attempt to summarize what was discussed at this meeting. Actual firm decisions/directions that may be taken by the club and its executive may be incorporated into our bylaws and/or constitution and will be communicated to the membership. Thanks to all who participated in this important discussion.
CLEAN UP….THANKS for helping to put away chairs and other stuff!
SEE YOU ALL next week MONDAY NOV 9th at the club! 6:30