About

an overhead view of various woodworking tools

The Champaign Woodworkers Club, Inc., is a not-for-profit 501(c)(7) social/recreational club, organized for the pleasure, recreation, and other activities of it’s members, and for the sharing of tools, work space, expertise, knowledge and skill in the field of woodworking and other skilled handicrafts.

Who are we?

The Champaign Woodworkers Club was started by a group of woodworkers to pool our resources and create a shared workshop.   Our members pay a fee to have access to the workshop space and tools.  We’re primarily a woodworking shop, but with some metal working facilities as well. 

Club facilities

We have about 14,000 square feet of space at 1302 Parkland Court in northwest Champaign.  Besides workshop areas we have a dedicated finishing area, glue-up area, a library/classroom, a lounge/breakroom, and dedicated storage areas.  Our large stationary power tools include planers up to 24”, jointers up to 12”, SawStop table saws, mortiser, drill presses, lathes, and band saws.  Smaller tools include scroll saws, compound sliding miter saws, router tables, and just about every type of power hand tool.  In addition, there are work benches, lots of accessories, clamps, jigs, sharpening tools, and some hand tools.  Sanding can be done every way possible with belt, drum, spindle, disk, and hand sanders.  We also have digital woodworking tools such as a laser and CNC routers.  Dust collection is a priority – every power tool is connected to a dust collector, most with automatic engagement and automatic blast gate control.  Members may use day-use or permanently assigned spaces to work on their projects.

Membership levels

We’re still refining some details.  After appropriate training and orientation, the Standard Member has access to the entire shop, generally with anytime access.  They can use an open work table for the day and store a project for limited time. Standard Members have no permanent work space and must put away all tools and projects before leaving for the day.

A Premium Member has all that a Standard Member does plus a permanent work area in the workshop.  The work spaces may differ slightly, but generally include a large work table and permanent storage space near that table. 

A Standard or Premium Member may sponsor 1 or 2 Partner Members.  These partners, after appropriate training and orientation, may work with their Sponsor, use tools with their Sponsor, and must always be under the supervision of their Sponsor.  Partner members may not work independently.

An Affiliated Member has no access to tools, and may not assist with tool use.  The Affiliated Member has access to the Club library, may attend monthly Club programs (starting after COVID-19 precautions end), and is invited to Club social events.

Benefits of membership

  • Access to some of the best tools available, most beyond access to the hobbyist woodworker. 
  • State-of-the-art dust collection for health, safety, and cleanliness.
  • Use of a heated/air conditioned workshop year round. 
  • Work with and learn from other woodworkers at all levels of experience
  • A library, nearly complete with every major woodworking magazine.
  • A lounge with kitchen to make a day of it at the shop

Costs

The Club must cover building rental, utilities, insurance, maintenance, and a small amount for contingencies.  We are a not-for-profit 501(c)(7) corporation, so we do not recoup more than our budgeted costs.  

For 2022, dues have been set as follows:

  • Standard membership is $125/month with a minimum commitment. 
  • Premium membership is $250/month, also with a minimum commitment.
  • Partner membership is $37.50/month.
  • Affiliated members pay a small annual fee of $15/yr.

Although indicated (above) as monthly, fees may be paid quarterly, semiannually, or annually, with significant discounts for longer-term payments (up to 20% off, if paid annually).

There is also a $100 one-time application fee for the Standard and Premium members, which must be paid again if a member lapses their membership.

All members whose level qualifies for tool use must complete mandatory shop safety training. This training is done through a private safety training agency, with course materials developed specifically for us.  After an online evaluation of your experience you will be given 2-4 hours of individualized, customized training.  The one-time cost for this training will be $150-$300.

Premium and Standard members are required to complete five volunteer hours per month in support of the workshop.

Contact information

For more information: