Frequently Asked Questions

We meet in the Fellowship Hall of St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, 2003 West 43^rd St., Houston, 77018, from 9:00AM to 11:30AM every second Saturday of the month

How do I join?

Come to any meeting and pay annual dues of $36.00. Dues are prorated if you join in the middle of the year. You may also download an application and mail in the dues.

What kind of initiation program do you have for new members?

We make you stand up and sing, "If I Had a Hammer", and then dump a barrel of sawdust over your head ...... just kidding...but you do have to clean up the sawdust..(snicker)!

A the start of the meeting the president will ask if there are any new members or visitors. You'll be invited to stand up and tell us a little about yourself and what type of woodworking you like to do. If you feel uncomfortable about being introduced, by all means don't raise your hand. The president will NOT call on you by name.

What do you do at your meetings?

Members discuss their various woodworking problems and other members offer solutions. Members socialize and talk woodworking before and after the meeting and during the break. A great chance to ask questions.

Once the business portion of the meeting is concluded the meeting continues with a guest presentation. Guests range from people representing various manufacturers, experts in certain woodworking fields, to club members with expertise in various areas.

Members proudly present their projects to the club. They explain why they made it, how they made it and whatever else they might want to say. Members can't help but feel proud of their projects.

Do you have "side" meetings?

The Club sponsors splinter group meetings hosted by members at their personal shops for toy making, furniture, hand tools and sawmill. These splinter group meetings are held periodically and determined by the members of the splinter groups. Our toy making splinter group typically produces 3 to 5 thousand or more toys for distribution primarily at Christmas.

Do you sponsor raffles or sell things?

Our biggest fund raising raffle is at our annual barbeque. We sell tickets to win a multitude of tools and assundry items donated by local area woodworking supporters and some things bought by the club itself. Tickets are sold at some meetings for a raffle to be held after the meeting.

The club also sells shirts and caps with the club logo on it. Members are not asked to canvass neighborhoods or sponsor car washes to raise money.

I have some old and no longer used tools. Can I bring them to the meeting to sell?

Yes.

I make and sell pens. Can I bring them to the meeting to sell?

No problem.

I need help building my workshop, can you help?

If you are really "slick", you sponsor and host a splinter group and "coerce" the members with barbeque and beer to help you finish your workshop. If not, ask members for help. Some of us can probably come over and give you a hand not to mention hours of advice.

Do you have a happy hour or serve cocktails?

Since everyone is happy to be at the club meeting we do not have a "happy hour". Nothing harder than ebony.

Coffee and doughnuts are available and there is a vending machine in the Bayland Community Center kitchen.

No charge for coffee and doughnuts but donations are welcome..

My woodworking skills are lacking, can you help me out?

Most assuredly. During the break, before the meeting, or after the meeting, is your opportunity to chat with other club members and "pick" their brains. Many members are professional woodworkers as well as seasoned "veterans" who can offer a wealth of advice. Bring your notebook.

My projects look amateurish, are club members really interested?

Darn tootin' they are. Whether a project looks amateurish or professional, is a matter of opinion and really doesn't matter. Projects are not judged nor are they criticized. You won't see any thumbs up or thumbs down votes. A project loaded with character is as fascinating as a project made for royalty (or rich people).

Do you publish a journal or a newsletter?

We publish a monthly newsletter that is posted on our website. Hard copies are mailed to members who do not have Internet access.

What can you tell me about your website?

Glad you asked. Our website features photos of projects presented by our club members. Some members have even submitted a sequence of photos detailing how they crafted something. We also feature detailed plans of projects that have been drafted by our members.

Do you take field trips?

Yes. We have gone to sawmills, furniture makers, and professional shops. Usually about once a year.

Do I have to present a project?

Definitely not. It is just as fun to watch other members present theirs as it is to present your own.

What kind of parties do you sponsor?

We sponsor an annual barbeque in October. Members can bring tools or some of their own projects to sell. An auction and/or raffle of donated woodworking items from local and regional supporters is held to raise money for the club.

I'm a woodturner and my wife is a wood carver, can we join?

You betcha! Several of our members also belong to woodturning and woodcarving clubs and attend them as well.

I do traditional woodworking, will I fit in?

Absolutely. Using power tools is not a prerequisite for joining or fitting in. Perhaps you'd like to present a program on the use of traditional methods. Members enjoy hearing presentations on a variety of woodworking topics.

I'm a tree hugger, may I join?

If you aren't measuring board feet we don't care if you hug bears, palm trees or cuddle with alligators.

What kind of lobbying do you do?

Standling in the lobby of the community center to converse so they don't disturb folks listening to the presentations.

The club is not a political organization and takes no stand concerning politics. We don't donate to political parties nor do we donate to political organizations.

Can I make a "Save the Rainforest" speech at your club meeting?

If you really have a point of view that you want the members to hear you must contact our Vice President who is in charge of programs and request to be placed on the agenda.

What is the club's position regarding forestry management?

As I said earlier the club takes no stand on political issues. We are a charitable and social club.

I am sure I can speak for all club members when I say that all of us support responsible forestry management policies and that no one advocates wanton destruction of any forest for the sake of getting lumber.

Do you discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, ethicity, religious or sexual preference?

Excuse me? What does that have to do with woodworking? The only thing we discriminate against are shoddily made tools and unsafe practices.

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