Woodworking Shops--Non-Portable Power Tools for Rent (Arlington, Reston: Home Depot, activities, required)

[Carlingtonian]

I've heard that there are or have been woodworking shops here and there in NoVA, where you can use their large saws for a fee. Someone told me there used to be one in Springfield. Anyone know of any still around? I'm looking to use a bandsaw or jigsaw on a small project but don't own any serious power tools and won't likely need them in the future.

Ideal would be someplace in Arl/Alex/FC/McLean, but I'm open to Fairfax County on the weekend if need be.

Thanks.

[weezycom]

Bethesda?

Directions « Woodworkers Club

[Carlingtonian]

Originally Posted by weezycom

Bethesda?

Directions « Woodworkers Club

Thanks! That might work on a weekend.

[leavingwash]

I think that most Home Depot locations have Power tools that can be rented.

[car54]

You work for DoD, right?

I know Bolling has a woodshop...I don't know about Belvoir or Myer. They might.

http://www.mywfr.com/programs/f86fb6...b-6feea670e090

[Carlingtonian]

Originally Posted by car54

You work for DoD, right?

I know Bolling has a woodshop...I don't know about Belvoir or Myer. They might.

http://www.mywfr.com/programs/f86fb6...b-6feea670e090

Good to know, thanks. I work at Belvoir but am usually in a hurry to get out of there as fast as possible when work is over. Plus I'm not sure if such a facility would be off-limits to non-veterans, as with the PX and Commissary.

Originally Posted by leavingwash

I think that most Home Depot locations have Power tools that can be rented.

I think that's true, but I'm not aware they have an actual woodshop where you can use the (large, floor-standing) tools on site.

[TravelNatty]

Woodcraft, while in Springfield, is right next to 495, so it's pretty easy to get to. They have a wood shop and do classes, but I don't know about using their tools - you'd have to call.
Springfield Woodworking Supplies at Woodcraft Store in Springfield, VA - home

There's also the TechShop in Crystal City. I don't know if they have what you're looking for, but they have a shop with some cool tools.
TechShop is the 1st International Open-Access Workshop -- TechShop DC-Arlington

[JfromReston]

Reston Community Center
Open Labs & Studios

Open Woodshop
(16 years and older)
Members of the public are invited to use RCC’s Woodshop during weekly open shop hours. The shop includes a variety of table saws, sanding machines, drill presses, routers, a jointer, a planer, and ample workspace. A woodshop supervisor will be onsite for consultation during these open hours. Reservations are not required; however, the drop-in fee must be paid at the RCC Customer Service Desk..
Drop-in • RCC Hunters Woods
$8 (R)/$16 (NR) Tue
$8 (R)/$16 (NR) Fri
$13 (R)/$26 (NR) Sat
January 2 – May 31
Tuesdays • 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fridays • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturdays • 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
June 4 – August 30 (No Friday Woodshop during Summer Season)
Tuesdays • 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturdays • 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- See more at: Open Labs & Studios

[citizenchan]

Techshop! Pentagon City
Not really a woodworking place, though
TechShop is the 1st International Open-Access Workshop -- What Do You Want To Make at TechShop?

[Carlingtonian]

Thanks, y'all. Haven't check in for a couple of days, because I've been busy doing my project without power tools. Wish I'd seen JfromReston's info; that's very convenient.

I actually stopped by Arlington's TJ Community Center on Thursday and was told some convoluted process for using their woodshop, entailing signing up for a listserv and then waiting to see if enough people sign up to justify the County paying the "instructor" (translation = saw nanny) with the $20 collected from each user. And they only do it two days a week! Crazy.

Anyway, I managed to do it Amish style, with only a slightly sliced finger on my non-dominant hand.