OVWG Members may come to the Learning Center (LC) to use the equipment to work on their own projects. The Open Shop Coordinators can provide coaching on a variety of basic and more advanced woodturning skills. Open Shop periods are not formal classes. Members attending an Open Shop should not expect to receive exclusive, 1 on 1, classroom type instruction from the LC Coordinator.
OVWG Members may also arrange to meet an OVWG Mentor at an Open Shop in order to receive more personal coaching. The list of mentors is at the end of each news letter, and is also on the website in the About Us tab.
By registering for this open shop, OVWG members agree to abide by the following operating principles. A complete set of the LC Operating Principles is posted on the bulletin board in the LC.
The LC Coordinator is responsible for the overall operation of the LC. Safe turning is a first priority for activities and events in the LC. Posted Safety Rules will be followed at all times. Anyone operating equipment for the first time must receive a Safety briefing for that tool from the Coordinator. No powered equipment may be used unless there are at last two people present in the LC.
Before leaving the LC, the members in attendance must return the LC to as-found or better condition. This includes, but not limited to, sweeping floor, removing dust from tools, closing/locking tool cabinets, and unplugging power equipment.
The LC Coordinator has the authority to stop activities not believed to be consistent with safety and these principles. Repeated violation of these principles is cause for losing Learning Center privileges.