Membership Enquiry
Western Woodworkers is open to anyone over 18 who has an interest in woodworking or woodcraft. You might be a complete beginner, a returning hobbyist, or an experienced maker looking for a well-equipped workshop and a social club environment.
Membership fees
Annual membership is $50.
Members are also asked for a $5 weekly donation to cover morning tea.
That weekly morning tea contribution is part of the social rhythm of the club. People come to work on projects, but they also come to talk, share ideas, and spend time with others who enjoy woodworking.
What membership includes
Membership gives you access to the club workshop during club days, with hand tools, lathes, a table saw, thicknesser/planer, combination machine, morticer, drum sander, bandsaw, mitre saw, dust extractors and other safety equipment available for member projects.
The club does not run formal classes. Instead, members bring their own projects and learn informally through practice, conversation, observation and support from other members.
What to bring once you join
Once you become a member, bring the materials you need for the projects you would like to work on.
Members are also encouraged to bring their own PPE and consumables where possible. Some PPE and consumables are available at the club, but bringing your own helps you work more comfortably and keeps your project moving.
If you are not sure what to bring, ask. Members have a broad range of experience and can often help you think through what a project may need.
Using machinery safely
Western Woodworkers is friendly and casual, but health and safety comes first.
Members need to be certified before using machinery independently. Certification happens as needed, depending on the equipment you want to use and the projects you want to work on.
The club has dust extractors and other safety equipment, and members are expected to use equipment responsibly.
Visit before joining
If you are interested but not ready to join straight away, you are welcome to visit on a club day first. A first visit gives you the chance to meet members, inspect the workshop, see the equipment and watch a normal club session.
For insurance reasons, visitors cannot do woodworking during that first visit. You are very welcome to watch, talk with members and look around.
Helpful membership pages
If you still have practical questions, the Membership FAQ covers fees, eligibility, what to bring and visitor expectations.
If you are new to woodworking, Woodworking for Beginners in St Marys explains how beginners can start. If you want to understand machine access before joining, read Safety and Machinery Use at Western Woodworkers.