What is a community woodshop?

Most cities don’t have a community woodshop. Usually if you’re interested in pursuing woodworking you need to find space at home, which you can forget as a renter in an apartment, and slowly start building up a collection of tools.

Not anymore. A community woodshop is a large collection of tools that you get access to right away. Think about it like going to a gym rather than piece meal buying a set of weights.

More information

take a class

Join our unique Do It With classes that guide you through building something that will last to tell a story and see the future.

Build

We have a massive warehouse where you can build without bumping into walls, keeping the neighbors awake and making a mess.

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join a community

Everyone needs an insight, a new technique, a new idea or someone to chat with. Our members bring

SIMPLE PRICING

$205/month

Membership Information

Leave the dust with us

Each member gets complete access to the shop including the work stations, classrooms, design lab, roll up entrance, and lounge.

Learn the basics, make Classic pieces, build something that lasts in our classes

Classes at the woodshop are hands on. You'll be guided through the class completing your project with our unique Do It With approach

Private lessons

Take home projects

We build practical projects at Hands On. For the home we have classes that will be a welcomed addition to your kitchen, garden, office, storage or living spaces.

Build

craftsman Classes

If you're looking for something more substantial, join a crasftsman level class.

Excel

Frequently asked questions

What are membership terms?

All new memberships are month to month at this time. After you've been a member for a few months you can elect to pay for longer periods with a discount.

What can I make at the shop?

You can take a guided class with one of our instructors which you'll come away with a nice project or if you're a member you can make whatever you want.

When is the shop open?

For members the shop is open all the time. If you're taking a class please show up 10 minutes early to pick out your safety gear and meet your classmates.

Are the classes included with membership?

All members must take a safety and operations class in the first month of their membership regardless of experience. All other classes are at will but members do get discounts.

Do I have to be a member to take a class?

Woodworking machines are used everyday by carpenters, artisans and hobbyists. They take time to learn but everyone can operate them in a safe and efficient manner with a little of training.

How do I get in to the building?

Each member will be given a security key to get into the shop. All students will be given instructions before class starts.

More FAQ

About the shop

A community of makers, doers, woodworkers and you.

jigs and helpers

Every cut has precision – it’s up to you of how much. The shop has a set of jigs that’ll enhance your work and help you cut, shape, drill and sand the parts of your project.

great tools

The shop is set up to meet the needs of any project you can think of. We're constantly adding to the tool set to ensure that you're equipped.

Large workspace

Size is always an issue. Imagine not having to bump into the wall or the ceiling, having a free flow. Hands On has taken that imagination and brought it life.

imbedded knowhow

Each tool comes with instructions on best practices, how to use it safely, what you can make with it and how it should be cared for so you're never in doubt.

More about the shop

Upcoming Events

All event times are displayed based on America/Los_Angeles timezone. edit

More information about hands on

Workspace

In a 6,500 sqft woodshop, space isn’t just a luxury—it’s a source of creative energy. With room to spread out, large projects like sturdy farmhouse tables or sweeping wooden sculptures seem more possible.

The freedom to move around without walls closing in sparks a fresh kind of creativity, where each stroke of the tool feels less confined and more in harmony with the environment.

The natural light brings out the warmth of the wood's grain, making every cut, sand, and polish feel like part of a larger, organic process.

Classes

Woodworking classes offer more than just the opportunity to craft furniture or carve intricate designs; they provide a tactile way to connect with creativity, patience, and precision.

In a world where digital skills often dominate, there's something grounding about the smell of sawdust, the feel of raw wood under your hands, and the quiet focus it takes to shape a simple block into something purposeful and unique.

These classes aren’t just about tools—they’re about learning to work with natural materials, embracing the imperfections, and creating something that lasts.

Community

A large woodworking community is like a living, breathing library of craftsmanship and creativity, where every member brings their own unique skills, ideas, and perspectives.

It’s a place where beginners can learn from seasoned experts, and even master craftsmen find new inspiration from fresh eyes.

The collective knowledge of such a group is vast—whether it’s sharing the best techniques for joinery, troubleshooting tool issues, or offering feedback on a design, this community turns solitary work into a collaborative experience.

Woodworking can be a solitary craft, but in a community, you’re never truly working alone.

interested in becoming a member?

We’d love to hear from you!

24/7 Access to the shop

Whether it’s an early morning burst of inspiration or a late-night project, our fully equipped workshop is always ready for you.

monthly meetups

Each month, Hands On hosts exciting events designed to bring your community together and foster creativity.

class discounts

As a member, you'll receive exclusive discounts on our classes, making it easier to sharpen your skills or explore new techniques.

An East Bay
Community Woodshop

What is a community woodshop?

$205/month

Leave the dust with us

Learn the basics, make Classic pieces, build something that lasts in our classes