Anyone hear of Techshop before?

[8 perf]

Calling all RPF'ers in the San Francisco, Raleigh/ Durham, and Portland, Oregon areas.
If you always wanted that dream shop where you could go build your dreams whenever you wanted, then this is the place for you. As i understand it, for $1000 a year (they have other rates too), they offer you a place to work with unlimited access to tools, and modest materials. They're open 24/7 with keycard access.
I just visited the one in Durham, NC yesterday for their grand opening. They had both free and "for sale" parts bins to rummage through, a tool shelf that would rival Bob Villas, and MAJOR tools out the ying yang. Multiple mills, lathes, drill presses, and saws. 3D printer, computer lab, industrial sewing machines, welding shop, auto bays, Shop-Bot, and free popcorn all the time! The owner said that future tools/ machines would be dictated by the members and what they wanted to have.

Durham location is the second one to go active in the country, with Portland coming on-line in a few weeks. i guess the one in San Fran is the home shop with franchises originating from there. Check 'em out if you get the chance. Oh, and if you're a member of one, you get access to the others if you are in the neighborhood.

https://techshopdurham.com/

 

[Serafino]

Very cool. Although they may overstate their uniqueness in the San Francisco area, I believe there is a community workshop running in the east bay currently.

Here's a similar venture going in Denver:

http://www.clubworkshop.com/

 

[sycor]

I would really like the join but don't have the available cash right now. I've been on their mailing list though.

 

[Yodajammies]

oh wow, this is right up my alley. Thanks for the heads up! :love

 

[propmaster2000]

I think a few of us here in So. Cal. are waiting for one to open near here, so far nothing This is a post I started about a year ago:http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=43753.

 

[clonesix]

If they are already in your area, I would like to hear from folks who have gone there and used the facility. If they aren't in your area, don't hold your breath. They were advertising all this prior to the economy meltdown.