19th Ward Tool Shed

14 members

Description

19th ward Tool Shed

A community Tool Shed for residents of the 19th ward to borrow, link together and exchange tools, knowledge and work partners to complete jobs in our neighborhoods.

The Breakfast Club:

I used to live in a small town down state where we had a 'Breakfast Club'. On either a Saturday or Sunday morning a group of 4 to 6 guys would meet for breakfast (sometimes at the persons home, wives that cook were great!) and the person who's home was getting worked on that day would buy breakfast. Then we would proceed to insulate, hang drywall, cabinets, countertops, windows, paint, etc. We'd work till 1 or 2pm and usually complete the project in a day. Some guys were just laborers, some were retired plumbers, some did landscaping all day for work, electricians, tile guys... but we came together and got each home done for the cost of breakfast. The next week it was another guys house.

If you are interested in starting/joining a club in the 19th ward, please email me here or at redcedarme@yahoo.com  Please put Breakfast Club in the subject line.

Comments Discussions Members

  • John Boutet

    This sounds like a nice concept Robert.  If you are ever needing a cement mixer I have one available.

    Oct 25, 2011

  • Robert Cooke

    I used to sell cordless power tools on ebay. I got out of it, but I still have a lot of drills, circular saws, sanders, jig saws, sawzalls, batteries and chargers to spare. I'd be willing to donate to a community tool shed (maybe even host one) if it came together. I also have a gas power washer, pavement torch and a lot of electrical equipment. But John, a cement mixer I do not. :) I'd love to get together with several interested people and figure out how we could make this work. I don't mind loaning my tools out to a degree, but with enough interest we may need to have a membership based not for profit just to cover wear and tear similar to the South Wedge. That combined with a Breakfast Club may just work for everyone involved and our neighborhoods as well.

    Oct 26, 2011

  • Mark Sweetland

    Tool shed - I have an electric hedge trimmer, 22 inch, that could be borrowed.  Also a pole saw/pruner.  How can we organize this? 

    Nov 3, 2011

  • Robert Cooke

    I was hoping to interest more than 10 people by now, with the size of our neighborhoods and all. Spread the word and invite people! 

    I'd like to get together with everyone (a breakfast club meeting?) to figure out the specifics on how we can make this work. No one wants to give away their tools... should we do a membership based group? A not-for-profit? Combine with the south wedge? Ideas?

     

    I think a breakfast or lunch meeting with at least the 10 of us would be a good start. I'm new to the area, can someone suggest a place?

    Nov 3, 2011

  • Mark Sweetland

    How about a breakfast club meeting at Holleys, at the corner of Brooks and Thurston?  They have been very supportive of the neighborhood, and have good food.  I think they open at 8 am, but not sure.   Maybe we could meet soon, but I am unavailable on weekends as I work then.  Anyone else, go ahead and meet.   Post suggestions here and thanks!

    Nov 5, 2011

  • DeWain Feller

    Robert,

    The 19th Ward Community Association was considering re-starting a tool library for members.  Is there a way to incorporate or morph what you were thinking of into a 19th WCA tool library.  The 19th WCA could try to apply for grants for tools (and the deadline for our best opportunity is looming on Friday, November 18th). 

    We could house the tools at our office.  There is plenty of room on the 2nd floor to store the tools, but it would be a pain to lug heavy tools down stairs.  The other draw back is that our office is only staffed 20 hours a week during the day.

    The 19th WCA used to have a tool library, but it was discontinued apparently due to liability concerns.  However (as you pointed out), the SWPC has an active tool library, so they must have found a way around liability issues.

    We have been trying to come up with things that would add value to paid 19th WCA membership, and the tool library would be of value to a lot of people.

    Any thoughts?

    Nov 13, 2011

  • Mark Sweetland

    DeWain,  if people borrowing tools sign a liability release form when borrowing tools, I think that solves that problem.  As far as office staffing goes, if you publish that people must pick up tools on X day to borrow, and return on X day, should work.  It may also be possible that heavy tools could be stored at Crowley's, if they agree.   Most tools would not be a problem at the office, I think. 

    This is a very positive and attractive thing to pursue, would be a great value to the neighborhood.

    Nov 13, 2011

  • DK Miller

    We had a group like this once back in the 80's.  Peter Evans led it, and our first task was to build a tool cage in the basement of the old office at 541 Thurston for the tool library.  When we moved to a smaller office, the tools were stored at Hunt's, and eventually they were all lost, or broken.  With no new funding to replace them, the library was shut down.  I do not recall liability being an issue.

    I would be willing to work on this also, let me know when the meeting will be.  Ideally a membership fee for the tool library, or access as a benefit for paid membership in the Association would be ideal.

    Nov 22, 2011

  • Mark Sweetland

    What is the next step on this? Maybe a meeting?

    Dec 5, 2011

  • Robert Cooke

    Sorry for my absence. Yes, I would agree a meeting to discuss the details would be a good first step. I can meet Tuesday evening, at any time on Wednesday or Thursday morning. Anyone else?

    Dec 5, 2011

  • Mark Sweetland

    I could meet on Dec. 15 or 16.  Let's see what others availability may be --- any time during those days.

    Mark

    Dec 6, 2011

  • Mark Sweetland

    What ever happened with this?  The time is now when people need tools, or coming up soon. 

    Apr 7, 2012