The Metalwork Shed is Now Fully Operational
We are delighted to announce that the Metalwork Shed, often referred to during its development as the “Small Shed”, is now officially open and available for member use. Following a period of intense preparation, significant electrical upgrades, and equipment installation led by our dedicated technical team, this facility has been transformed from a storage space into a fully functional workshop.
The opening of this space marks a major milestone for Petersfield Men’s Shed, completing our core trio of workshops alongside the established Woodwork and Bike Repair facilities. It offers a specialized, purpose-built environment where members can engage in metal machining, fabrication, and repair work away from the dust and noise of the main wood shop.
Facilities & Equipment
The Metalwork Shed has been designed to cater to a wide range of skill levels and interests, from model engineering and vintage tool restoration to practical fabrication and household repairs. While our inventory continues to grow through generous donations, the workshop is currently set up to support:
- Machining: We offer facilities for turning and milling, allowing members to manufacture custom parts, bushes, and fittings.
- Fabrication & Assembly: Whether you are repairing a broken garden gate component or fabricating a bracket for a home project, the shed provides the bench space, heavy-duty vices, and clamps needed for fitting and assembly.
- Drilling & Grinding: The shop is equipped with pillar drills and bench grinders, essential for accurate hole production, shaping metal, and keeping tools sharp.
- Hand Tooling: A comprehensive selection of files, hacksaws, taps, dies, and measuring instruments is available for those final, detailed adjustments that machinery simply cannot replicate.
We are always grateful for donations of high-quality tools. If you have metalworking equipment you are looking to rehome, please get in touch.
Safety & Training (Mandatory)
Metalworking machinery presents different hazards compared to woodworking equipment. Therefore, safety is our absolute priority.
Important: Before using any powered equipment in the Metalwork Shed, all members must undergo a specific “Safe Use” assessment and induction. This rule applies to everyone, regardless of previous professional experience.
- How to arrange training: To book your induction or to discuss your competency with the machines, please contact Nick directly.
- Email: [email protected]
The induction process is designed to be supportive, ensuring you are comfortable with the specific quirks of our machines and our safety protocols before you begin work.
Projects & Community Support
The Metalwork Group is not just about cutting steel; it is a hub for creativity and problem-solving. The availability of this shed allows us to broaden the scope of our projects:
- Restoration: We can now handle the mechanical aspects of restoration projects more effectively, supporting the Heritage and Furniture groups with complex metal repairs or missing part fabrication.
- Custom Builds: From creating bespoke jigs for the woodshop to fabricating accessible aids for local charities, the metalwork capability adds a new dimension to what we can achieve for the community.
- Skill Sharing: One of our core strengths is the diversity of our members. If you are a retired machinist, welder, or engineer, your knowledge is invaluable. We encourage members to swap skills; teaching a novice how to turn a piece of steel is just as rewarding as making it yourself.
Get Involved
If you have an interest in engineering, want to learn how to use a lathe, or simply have a repair job that requires metalwork tools, we invite you to get involved.
The Metalwork Shed is a place to learn, share, and create. Check the Weekly Bulletin or the main workshop calendar for specific Metalwork Group session times. If you are new to the group, just pop your head in during a session; the kettle is usually on, and the team is always happy to chat about their latest projects.