Are there tool or machine shops available to the public?

[guitarister]

Hey guys, I'm thinking of possible building myself a guitar sometime in the future (and possibly making myself some pickups in the nearer future) and was wondering if there're any machine shops or tool shops that let you use their tools or pay to use their tools on location. Maybe it sounds weird, but for people with limited space having a personal worskhop isn't an option.

[mickie08]

I would highly doubt it due to liability.

You could enroll in a woodshop type class at a local college or the like, or ask friends if any of their family has the tools. etc.

[dodgedartdave]

I've never heard of such a thing. Mickie's idea is the best. I have a buddy who operates a machine shop. Even still, I go in there and he does stuff for me. Those guys are usually touchy about there stuff.

[Justin J]

i took a machine shop class last semester at a community college. it was the first in a 4 semester course. we did lathe work first.
if you don't want to take the classes, you could try asking them if they'd let you mess around with crap. but i highly doubt it. the first week or two was just one big safety lesson.

[MutantParty]

there are. i'm sure they're few and far between. but this one is working on expanding outward from the bay area in cacalaca: http://techshop.ws/

they've got a location coming soon to seattle. and hopefully everywhere else, cause folks like me who pack up and sign a new lease every year or so sure could use it.

[More Cowbell]

Rent the tools from a hardware store for a day.

[Will]

There are some - one place in Milwaukee that's geared towards artists. Probably easiest to rent, though.

[guitarister]

K, I'll check that out. I've got a snag in my guitar plans for the time being though because I can't find a compatable bridge for my hag so I'm not going to bother making pickups if I can't get a bridge