The new workshop that has been created by Rand Aid Association is in need of a bandsaw.
The initiative is modelled on the Australia’s Men’s Shed concept, which is an updated version of the shed in the backyard that has long been a part of Australian culture, just as garage workshops are part of South Africa’s culture.
Residents from all retirement villages and care centres run by the 116-year-old non-profit organisation are welcome to become members of the workshop.
Members will not only have a chance to enjoy their own hobbies in the workshop but will also be a force for good in the community. Many good things are already planned, from making wooden toys for orphanages, to crafting items to be sold at Rand Aid fetes and markets to raise funds for the retirement villages and care centres. Training and ongoing mentorship will be given to less skilled members of the workshop as well.
The workshop has been taking shape over the past weeks and is already kitted out with a variety of equipment, including radial saws, thickness planers, table saws, pedestal drills, woodworking and metal lathes, moulds, drills and grinders – most of which were donated by residents. However, there is a desperate need for a bandsaw to allow the workshop to reach its full potential.
“A bandsaw is considered to be singly the most versatile of all woodworking machines,” said George Green, a member of the steering committee elected to oversee the workshop.
“It is needed by both by the woodworkers and model makers. The metalworkers may also take advantage of the possibility to cut light gauge steel and non-ferrous metals.”
The bandsaw will be used for resawing, notch sawing, cutting curves and circles, arches, book-matching, repurposing and making jigs. “None of these can be achieved using the current table and scroll saws that we have,” added George.
Individuals and businesses are encouraged to help Rand Aid in acquiring a bandsaw, or any other equipment to they are able to donate.
Details: Zabeth Zuhlsdorff 011 882 2510.
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