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Old 11-02-2011, 09:56 PM
Kerry Pinkerton's Avatar
Kerry Pinkerton Kerry Pinkerton is offline
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Near Huntsville, Alabama. Just south of the Tennessee line off I65
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Default What can you expect at a metal shaping event?

A lot of folks want to know what they can expect from at metal shaping gathering. Expectations run both ways, what YOU can expect, and what the hosts expect from YOU.

You can expect to get involved with projects, to have access to tools, equipment, and metal, work on your own projects, learn a ton, meet some great people, and generally have a ball. Some events provide metal some events you are asked to buy material.

Generally speaking, folks who host one of these are taking some pretty big risks for no, or little, gain.

- They are taking time from their normal work to clean and organize their shop, both before and after the event.

- They are exposing their tools to use, abuse, and loss (yes, it has happened more than you might think).

- They are out of pocket for expenses such as port-a-pottys, drinks, food, supplies, metal, gas for welders, etc.

- They are probably going to have some work to do in their lawn from damage by the cars and trucks that park/drive there.


You can expect to get involved with projects, to have access to tools and metal, work on your own projects, learn a ton, meet some great people

If we want to continue to have people open up their shops and host event's WE need to make sure WE do our part so here is a list of "DO's and DON'Ts"


DO- Register however the host specifies. It's really hard to plan if the host has no idea how many people are going to show up.

DO- Fill out a Registration form and Liability Release when you first arrive at the event.

DO- Wear your name tag. Believe it or not, everyone doesn't know you.

DO- Ask before using tools. Make sure you know how to operate and adjust them and have the owners permission. Lots of attendees bring gear also.

DO- Put things back where you found them.

DO- Ask before bringing a project. Shop space is ALWAYS limited. Don't just assume you will be able to bring your car and other people will chop it for you etc.

DO- Be aware and respectful of others. Watch where you are throwing sparks. If you're going to start making a lot sparks or noise, let people know. If a bunch of guys are talking, don't just fire up the planishing hammer without asking if they mind.

DO- Follow the Golden Rule.

DO- Put your fair share in the kitty. Past experiences has shown about $30 per person per day has been spend in preparations by the host.

DO- Bring and use your personal safety gear. (Glasses, gloves, hearing protection, welding helmet, etc)

DO- Ask before cutting up a piece of metal. Make sure the host knows what you will need and gets compensated for the costs. Metal isn't cheap.

DO- Help clean up after yourself and others. There are always brooms and dust pans laying around. Empty water bottles and drink cans go in trash cans not on tables or the floor.

DO- Ask before smoking.

DO- Take notes, learn, share, play nice, HAVE FUN!

DON'T- Dominate a work space. On peak days, things usually get crazy and space is at a premium.

DON'T- Assume there is room for your project. Talk to the host before hand about what you want.

DON'T- Dominate equipment. Let other folks have their turn

DON'T- Get irritated if someone changes tooling from what you were using. It's just part of the process.

DON'T- Make loud noises or engage in loud talking during seminars. Not all people are interested in all seminars, but show respect for those that do.

With one exception (who is no longer a member here for different reasons), no one that we're aware of has actually tried to run a gathering for profit. They do it to spend time with friends, learn, share and grow.

That said, there are costs associated with hosting a meet. Usually there is a donation jar and if pushed to put a 'price', the number of $30/day/participant seems to be about average for the hosts to cover costs.
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