Men's Project Night Suggestions?

[benwelder]

Hey guys (and girls), in our neighborhood/community there is a desire for a men's/dad's group of like minded people. I have a small 2 car garage with some metal and wood fab tools and was kicking around the idea of having a "Project Night" where I would open up my garage for men in the community to meet up, hang out, and build things/work on projects if people had things they wanted work on or wanted to learn how to do, or help with.

Looking to get some thoughts and suggestions about this idea? Crazy? Interesting? Liabilities? I find it hard to actually find people who are actually interested in doing things so not sure if it would even work!

Appreciate any suggestions.

 

[didit]

Sounds like a good idea as long as the neighbors are trust worthy and it doesn't turn into just a convenient hang out for freeloaders. You will have to come up with a plan for eligible people or referrals and have a set of posted rules. Hope I don't sound negative and it works out for you, good luck!

 

[The Cobbler]

The intentions are a great idea. I would be very concerned with liability... first person that does something to hurt themselves would be ... insert here

 

[y'sguy]

This does sound like a good idea. Make sure it is understood that its a community shop, not a shop where they bring stuff in and you end up "helping" too much or fixing their thing and then you never see them again.
Also as much as I like doing stuff like we do, other guys I know could care less and don't have any sense of how one goes about it. Yes, hard to believe some don't know what a screwdriver is or how to use it.
Good luck be nice if it does succeed.

 

[CN Spots]

30 minutes into this:

Guy #1 "Hey Mike, I found your wedding ring!"

Guy#2 " Great! Is my finger still in it?"

Hard pass

It's a thoughtful idea though.

 

[benwelder]

didit - Yeah, that's a concern of mine also. I have images of a totally wrecked shop after the evening is over.... Rule #1, no one leaves till the shop is clean...

The Cobbler - Hmm... good point. My wife raised that as well. I'll have to put a call in to the insurance company. No sense exercising the umbrella policy!

Y'sguy - thanks for the positivity! I like the idea in my head, and yes I don't want it to turn into a free repair shop, but somewhere we can build friends and fellow enthusiasts. Exactly! I have a hard time finding like minded folks locally who like working on stuff and building stuff. Looking for a way to connect with those folks and create a community (even if it's only 2 or 3 people).

CN Spots - liability. I get it.

I guess the more I think about it, what I'm envisioning is really a MakerSpace huh?

 

[benwelder]

I guess I'm also wondering if there are any of you out there that have a small community of people in your location that like to get together and work on things, whether it be cars or motorcycles, or welding projects etc. Even if it's just a couple of friends.

If so, how did it come about? And how would you suggest fostering this?

 

[NUTTSGT]

Sounds like a good idea as long as the neighbors are trust worthy and it doesn't turn into just a convenient hang out for freeloaders. You will have to come up with a plan for eligible people or referrals and have a set of posted rules. Hope I don't sound negative and it works out for you, good luck!

Here's the rub and something I'm always concerned about. It may not be the guy you invite in but when he runs his mouth about what's in your garage or shop. He starts drinking with his buddies, who may not be so trustworthy and the next thing you know, your door is kicked in and stuff is gone.


I voiced this concern to the wife about her brother. She claimed he's not a thief and got mad. I explained to her, it's not him I'm worried about, it's his lowlife crowd that he hangs out with and the way he brags. "Yeah, my brother in law has all these tools, blah blah blah."

I don't want people in my garage that I don't know, don't trust or associate with riff raff.

Then there's the liability issue.

 

[p00p]

price out an insurance policy & see if you're still interested in the idea you're drumming up.

 

[kelpaso1]

Dumb idea. No way I would want someone working in my shop and using my tools.

 

[TractorJeff]

In high school, "we" hung out at a buddies shop, fixing cars, building street rods. His parents didn't worry about Insurance as it was better than us hanging out on the street causing trouble. We did that Friday and Saturday nights (18 to buy Beer and Street Drag Racing). Most of the time, we were well behaved as the local Cops always seemed to track us down. LOL!
As far as now, I have a few neighbors that we get together to help each other out or borrow a tool from.
Its not a totally BAD idea, you may just want to keep it to people in the neighborhood you know and like.

 

[97tj-neil]

In my neighborhood we do that with beer and music. Sometimes there is a pizza involved. Only my closest friends come for real work nights in the shop.

 

[jonesg]

price out an insurance policy & see if you're still interested in the idea you're drumming up.

I was going to invite the neighbors for dinner but the liability is too high.

 

[p00p]

I was going to invite the neighbors for dinner but the liability is too high.

the toilet repair in itself can lead to a crappy situation.

 

[didit]

...and the next thing you know, your door is kicked in and stuff is gone.

And after the insurance company replaces it all they do a repeat to get the new stuff... That did happen to a friend of mine.

 

[Bighead38]

My friends come over and hang out whenever I work on stuff. I can’t do anything at night since I don’t have a garage but there’s something going on in the driveway almost every weekend. There has been times where 6-8 different people stop with no knowledge of each other stopping here. It’s how I grew up so it just seems normal to me. Growing up with my dad some days we would go and hang out at a shop or two, other days we would cruise by a few of his friends houses to see who was out working. This was before cell phones plus it was nice to just cruise around in one of the cars and take a social break every now and then lol.
The liability thing is weird to me. I know that thought has never crossed the mind of my friends or I when we hang out or help each other out. I could see it being different though if you aren’t really friends with the neighbors or have an organized gathering.

 

[LeonardY]

I'd start off with a get to know you gathering. Backyard, hotdogs, hamburgers and the like. You should be able to determine if this would or should go any further. If the turnout isn't good, that's an indication of interest.

If they are like minded they might or should have tools themselves. So it could be a rotating location.

 

[ddawg16]

I see both sides.
In my neighborhood, there are a few car guys. Me? I'm the ultimate DIY guy...I have the wood working tools and car tools....at least most of them. My neighbor up the street is a master BMW mechanic....what I don't have......he has.
We all help each other

The intent is great......in reality....a lot of people will take advantage of it.

Keep it local....

 

[Vintage Veloce]

Close friends who you are sure are not litigious: Yes.
Random neighbors and members of the community: No.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I guess I'm also wondering if there are any of you out there that have a small community of people in your location that like to get together and work on things, whether it be cars or motorcycles, or welding projects etc. Even if it's just a couple of friends.

If so, how did it come about? And how would you suggest fostering this?

Around here we have the NWA, Northeastern Woodworkers Assn. It started from a group of 5 or 6 to a couple hundreds, with a big woodworking shop in an industrial area. They have insurance and dues and rules. And, lots of idiots. That said, there is an informal group that meets at my place occasionally. More of a coffee klatsch. Bring your own materials and I supply bench space. We all supply advice. Your project needs to leave with you. And, yes, I have liability in case someone does something stupid. Most times, though, we just bury them out in the swamp.

 

[TractorJeff]

In response to post 13
Invite people to dinner but the liability is too high?
I'm sorry, but that sounds crazy/paranoid!
How do you socialize?

 

[bwringer]

I'd start off with a get to know you gathering. Backyard, hotdogs, hamburgers and the like. You should be able to determine if this would or should go any further. If the turnout isn't good, that's an indication of interest.

If they are like minded they might or should have tools themselves. So it could be a rotating location.

Yep. First meeting is just a exploratory meeting, a cookout or whatever, maybe even in a park or not even in your house, to feel out the situation and make some decisions. Ideally, they'll have some ideas and resources you haven't even thought of.

Close friends who you are sure are not litigious: Yes.
Random neighbors and members of the community: No.

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but I agree with this. I've found that there are people who respect my time, skills, and investments I've made in tools and equipment, and then there are just freeloaders. I've gotten better at telling the difference and dealing with the latter, but it's never easy and often takes a failure or two.

Overall, I'd say one important tenet of the "club" MUST be that everyone brings something (skills, tools, materials, cash, sweat, time, etc.) to the table so they have some sort of personal stake in it; it's not just a "abuse my tools for free" invitation. There has to be some sort of exchange of value, or no one will respect or value your time, equipment, cash, expertise, etc.

For example, one friend of mine didn't have the skills or equipment to change the tires on his motorcycle. So he arrived with his bike, the tires strapped onto the luggage rack, and his 13 year old son riding behind him. He paid his kid to mow my yard while we changed the tires; overall a nice win-win-win for everyone.

...Most times, though, we just bury them out in the swamp.

I tell ya, we really could use more swamps...

 

[Gunfixr]

Some of us used to do that, but we were all already friends. So, no potential lawsuits, none of the tools in the shop were leaving in people's pockets, etc......
And, even then, things can go awry. I've been reloading ammo for a good while, had a friend once who said they had as well. Supposedly, he'd loaded some ammo too hot for a gun of his, but I had one in that caliber that would take it. Wanted to trade his ammo for components. Good thing I paid attention, more like bullet getting stuck in the barrel, so the next one blows it up.
As far as theft, our daughter had her wedding at our house. Basically, a few of our friends, his and her friends, his family. We're missing a bunch of cds now, so imagine what total strangers can do.

So, be careful, i'd definitely consult my insurance company......

Bury them in the swamp, I like that.........
Maybe I need a sign in the shop "don't do anything especially stupid, I have 30+ acres, and a backhoe".

 

[NUTTSGT]

Around here we have the NWA, Northeastern Woodworkers Assn. It started from a group of 5 or 6 to a couple hundreds, with a big woodworking shop in an industrial area. They have insurance and dues and rules. And, lots of idiots. That said, there is an informal group that meets at my place occasionally. More of a coffee klatsch. Bring your own materials and I supply bench space. We all supply advice. Your project needs to leave with you. And, yes, I have liability in case someone does something stupid. Most times, though, we just bury them out in the swamp.

Ever get the Dingo stuck in the swamp ?

 

[kaymccampbell]

Ever get the Dingo stuck in the swamp ?

Once. We had to pull it out with a comealong. I've since improved the road through the swamp. I'm just down there too often not to.

 

[bassJAM]

Depending on the size of this group I could see your frustrations getting high with lost and broken tools. A couple buddies is one thing, but once you get towards double digits even trustworthy people put things in their pockets and wander off, intentionally or not.

For safety reasons, it'd help if you had at least another guy there that could keep an eye on everyone, otherwise you'll run yourself ragged stopping one guy from drilling into aluminum without eye protection while the next guy is about to drive his hand through the table saw.

 

[nadogail]

I am eager to drop by, where to I bring my toois?

 

[steaks&anvils]

Nope. Don't do it. Don't.

If a guy really wanted to do those hobby things, he would have already figured out how to do it. He wouldn't need you to supply the tools, space and knowledge.

Just have a BBQ, drink beer and maybe have the guys macrame some drink coasters...

 

[SamuraiJack]

Sounds like a great time. Pick an easy project, everyone chips in for food and beer and have fun. You will meet some great neighbors along the way.
Do off the wall projects like building a small trebuchet or installing a 24 inch LED light bar on a lawnmower that way no one will be expecting free vehicle maintenance. I don’t think the liability issue is that significant.

 

[Jinks]

This will sound antisocial, but it's the way things went... For several years I owned two houses around Daytona Beach. I was a member of a large internet Harley group, & held BIG parties for the bike events. I provided rooms for the ones I could, tent space for others, bath facilities for both groups, breakfast for anyone on the property or just stopping by. Dinner & snacks everyday for a week at a time.

I also had a garage full of motorcycle tools & parts to go along with 40 to 50 years of experience. If anyone had a bike problem, me or someone in the group could probably fix it. It all started as an enjoyable time with friends with similar likes.

Then it became the heckling about the amount of work I was doing to change someones tire "it'd be easier to take to a shop" "way too much work" "I wouldn't get that dirty to change my own tire", etc. etc. etc.

Once a woman trailer-ed her bike down. On the first ride it coughed, stalled, & would hardly run. I knew instantly it was an intake leak. We got back to the shop, I sent someone to buy gaskets, & set to work. It takes about an hour. During that hour I got criticized more than I had in the past year. When I finished & she fired the bike up on the first try & had no problems the rest of the week, nobody said anything good about me fixing it......

It soon got to the point that if someone had a problem I'd suggest a fix or a shop to take it to. If I loaned them a tool I stood back with a drink in my hand watching them "try" to fix it, & keeping an eye on my tools. Eventually I weeded out the "real" friends (those that don't criticize, & return the favors). At that point I ended the bike event parties. The "real" friends just happened to visit at those times. No one else was invited. I got a lot of requests, but always said "I don't do that anymore".

If you have real friends that are interested in what you're talking about it'll be obvious. If you try to set up a "group" thing it'll bring more strife than enjoyment.

 

[engineer2]

Your homeowner's policy should have "guest medical coverage" in case someone gets hurt.
Screen people with questions like "how much have you used a miter saw?" or whatever power tool they are using.
I would also tell everyone "when the alcohol comes out, the power tools get put away."
You will soon figure out who is mechanically inclined, who needs help, and who shouldn't allowed to hold a screwdriver.
If someone is willing to learn, no problem. If someone is arrogantly telling others what they are doing wrong, they need to be talked to or uninvited.

Good group projects: building a birdhouse, sheet metal basics (if you have a brake and a shear), fixing a small appliance, brake inspection/tire rotation, furniture repair, outdoor power tool tune-up. Maybe help an elderly person with fixing something?

 

[HaiKarate]

If I was ever invited over to some dude's house to play together with his and his friends tools, I'd expect to be using hole saws to drill extra holes in doors to please the crowd.

 

[Holt]

You should ask your wife what projects need done around the house and have everyone help.... I mean teach them....

 

[rburke65]

Me?......I would have to vote no on this idea

 

[benwelder]

price out an insurance policy & see if you're still interested in the idea you're drumming up.

Hey pOOp, I don't know that much about insurance, what policy would I even ask about getting a quote on?

 

[benwelder]

Around here we have the NWA, Northeastern Woodworkers Assn. It started from a group of 5 or 6 to a couple hundreds, with a big woodworking shop in an industrial area. They have insurance and dues and rules. And, lots of idiots. That said, there is an informal group that meets at my place occasionally. More of a coffee klatsch. Bring your own materials and I supply bench space. We all supply advice. Your project needs to leave with you. And, yes, I have liability in case someone does something stupid. Most times, though, we just bury them out in the swamp.

Nice, that sounds cool, aside from the idiots.... I'm fine with eliminating those. What kind of liability do you have? Do you have them sign a waiver? We have a large ravine, maybe that will work as a swamp...

If I was ever invited over to some dude's house to play together with his and his friends tools, I'd expect to be using hole saws to drill extra holes in doors to please the crowd.

Wait... they tried to warn me about you!

In response to post 13
Invite people to dinner but the liability is too high?
I'm sorry, but that sounds crazy/paranoid!
How do you socialize?

I think they were exercising sarcasm, but then I could be wrong.

You should ask your wife what projects need done around the house and have everyone help.... I mean teach them....

Holt - Nice, I was kicking that around also, have a rotating location like LeonardY suggested also to work on projects etc. Like an old fashioned barn raising.

Jinks - Bummer, that stinks, sorry to hear it turned out that way. I agree, trying to find some like minded people/friends. I'm finding it hard to find people who actually want to work on things and make things happen. I with you, less of talking/sitting around, more of the working and getting dirty!

bwringer - Great suggestions I like it.

Bassjam - good call. I'm quite safety conscious, front on my workbench is spots for ear and eye protection. I like the idea of keeping the "group" small, less than double digits.

I like the guidelines:
1. Bring your own materials
2. Projects leave with you
3. Sign a waiver
4. Equal contribution

Its good to hear from both sides of it and you guys real experiences.

 

[p00p]

Hey pOOp, I don't know that much about insurance, what policy would I even ask about getting a quote on?

I'd look into an "umbrella" policy & homeowners policy for covering theft + damages caused by guests/others that are on the property.

 

[Jsf721]

Buddy with a life was showing a friend how to change brakes. Upon showing up he is asked to sign a non conditional waiver.

for what he asked. So if you get hurt here I am not liable no matter what ! Really ? Yes. My attorney and insurance require it.

guy signs and brakes get changed. No issues but you never know.

 

[ZRX61]

At my old place I'd host a 3-4 day meet up with rides, mechanicing, BBQ etc. First few were maybe 12-18 people & then it got real popular. One guy rode from Maine to California two years running just to be there. One guy changed his flight from Paris to Melbourne via Hong Kong to via Los Angeles. There would be bikes getting torn apart & modified over the entire long weekend.
Did this for almost a decade. Only problems were one idiot using a body hammer to beat the axle out of his Suzuki (Friend of a friend) & a 1/4in ratchet & 10mm socket accidentally went home with one guy.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

The sign says- “Tools Are Not For Loan!”
Why in the Hell would I invite the neighborhood over to “play” with my tools!?

Want camaraderie? Come have a beer and “shoot the ****”! The other half was in a bunko group- and for awhile some of the guys got together for a poker night. It turned into a testosterone contest- for nickel, dime, quarter poker! Too competitive!
Can you imagine what would happen with Power Tools!!!?