There is a dedicated and creative group in the Shed who talk and do
anything and everything to do with wood. They cut, saw, sand, plane and shape
all kinds of timber into magnificent wooden creations. The finished results
come in the form and vases, cutting boards, bowls and any other manner of
creative design and functionality.
Every Monday through to Thursday, the ‘Woodies’ meet at the Shed under
the leadership and skill of not just one, but four dedicated wood craftsmen:
Guy, Joe, Peter and Garry. The ‘Woodies’ sessions usually go from 8:30am to
12:30pm, however they have been known to stay longer when a special project
demanded it.
The wood working section of the Shed boasts an impressive range of
sophisticated woodworking tools and equipment – in a well laid out and safe
environment. SAMS takes the safety and wellbeing of the men very seriously and adhere
to strict workplace health and safety practises. Recently, in order to further
the safety of the men, SAMS installed a sophisticated dust extraction system.
The ‘Woodies’ don’t just make things out of wood for their own
satisfaction, but also to display and sell at events such as the Samford Show –
to raise funds for the Shed. Another area that benefits from the ‘Woodies’
creativity is in the community. The ‘Woodies’ have built all kinds of
structures for local schools, churches and child care centres.
Apart from the ‘in-shed’ activities, the ‘Woodies’ go out on field
trips to source more timber for their projects. Timber is sometimes donated to
the shed by local land owners – or the men will venture out into the bush to
locate suitable timbers such as Jacaranda and Camphor Laurel as part of the
‘Weeds to Woodcraft’ initiative. These timbers must then be prepared for use by
slabbing, drying and storing.
In order to further their knowledge and skills, the ‘Woodies’ also
visit other Men’s Sheds, attend trade shows and invite experts in woodworking
skills to the Shed to share their expertise.
The SAMS ‘Woodies’ workshop is the ideal place for men to learn new
woodworking skills, to ‘brush up’ on existing skills or to pursue personal
woodworking projects. There is a whole bunch of ‘Woodies’ who have advanced
woodworking skills and are only too happy to pass on their knowledge to others.
Of course, woodworking is not the only reason for the ‘Woodies’ getting
together. The most important function of the ‘Woodies’ workshop is to offer a
safe place where men can get together in friendship and fellowship – enjoy each
other’s company as they learn, share and experience hands-on woodworking
activities.
Men from all backgrounds are invited to come and 'Meet the Woodies'. It doesn't matter what level of skill or knowledge you have - or if you have any woodworking experience at all - you are warmly welcome.