The Vancouver Tool Library is currently seeking a Director of Events to join the Board of Directors.
About The VTL
The Vancouver Tool Library (VTL) is a cooperative tool lending library located at 3448 Commercial Street. We carry a wide variety of tools for home repair, gardening, and bicycle maintenance, which are loaned to our members free of charge. We also offer affordable workshops on tool related skills and projects. We are motivated by a vision of our community empowered by the tools and skills needed to transform their homes and communities into vibrant spaces that reflect a commitment to sustainability. More information is available on our website, at www.vancouvertoollibrary.com
Commitment
The VTL Board of Directors is a group of seven people (all volunteers) who are responsible for representing our Members’ interests and overseeing the business and long term direction of the organization. This is a volunteer position that requires a time commitment of approximately 20 hours per month to complete the responsibilities outlined below.
Roles and Responsibilities
Supervise the VTL Events and Communications Officer in the planning and coordination of two workshops per month
Work with the VTL Events and Communications Officer to plan and coordinate major fundraising events
Acquire and maintain sound knowledge and understanding of the organization
Represent the VTL in a professional and friendly manner
Attend monthly Events and Communications Committee meetings
Attend monthly Board meetings
Read and respond to VTL emails in a timely manner
Qualifications of the applicant
Interested in working in a non-profit environment
Experience fundraising and/or event planning
Experience in a supervisory role
Professional communicator
Organized
Benefits
Grow your personal network by meeting and working with a great Board and Volunteer group
Learn and gain professional experience in a leadership role
Opportunity to learn about tools and gain the skills needed to use them
Personal satisfaction of contributing to a non-profit community organization
To apply for this position, please send your resume and a statement of interest to president@vancouvertoollibrary.com before November 7th, 2012.
Keeping in the theme of posts this month, our feature tool is the bench grinder. This power tool is handy to have around the shop to shape metal or sharpen and polish tools. This is achieved by moving the edge to be sharpened back and forth across the wheel on the bench grinder. Check out this video of it in action.
The wheel of the bench grinder dictates its uses; what one does with it depends on having the appropriate type of wheel for the task at hand. The grinder is a simple tool: each wheel sits on either side of the motor. Below are some of the different wheel variations:
Aluminum oxide: Works well for grinding hard surfaces and sharpening tools
Fibre/wire: Helps remove rust
Silicone carbide: Good for grinding finer surfaces
Cloth: When used with a bit of wax, this is perfect for polishing tools
Changing the wheel on the bench grinder is as simple as removing the nut and washer from the initial wheel with a wrench, and replacing it with the new wheel. Here’s a good tip: “do not over-tighten the nut: it will automatically tighten as the wheel rotates”.
Before you start your next project, throw on your safety goggles (remember, kids, safety first) and sharpen the tools you’ll be using with the bench grinder. It is helpful to have a bucket of cold water nearby in case the metal you’re working with becomes too hot – watch to see if the metal is turning blue. A sharpening stone is great for polishing out smaller imperfections once you are finished with the bench grinder.
Happy sharpening!
Written by The Vancouver Tool Library, October 15th, 2012 | No Comments »
There was a flurry of excitement when this freshly donated tool showed up at the shop. Meet the Hackzall, the newest addition to the Vancouver Tool Library inventory.
Photo courtesy of http://professional-power-tool-guide.com/
The Hackzall is a compact, cordless reciprocating saw. Used mostly for construction and demolition work, larger reciprocating saws are not generally recognized for their precision. Cuts are made by repetition of a push and a pull motion, or ‘reciprocating’. Maneuvering can be difficult, especially if the saw is corded. Because of its size, weight, and shorter blade, the Hackzall allows the user to make more accurate and close cuts, or reach angles not previously possible. It can allow for better body positioning in relation to the material; this is important for safety and efficiency when making cuts. The Hackzall may lack some of the power of a bigger saw, but it makes up for this with its versatility.
While the Hackzall would not completely replace a larger saw, it is handy to have around for smaller projects. It is perfect for cutting materials such as copper, drywall, and PVC tube. Shameless plug: an excellent use of PVC tube is a cloche greenhouse for winter gardening – learn how to make one at our workshop in October.
Watch this short video for a quick look at what the Hackzall is capable of. The music really adds to the effect.
Have you ever use a Hackzall before for a project? E-mail lauren [at] vancouvertoollibrary [dot] com if you’d like your project featured in our next member project post.
Written by The Vancouver Tool Library, September 07th, 2012 | No Comments »
Applications are due September 1st. We look forward to hearing from you!
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The Vancouver Tool Library is currently seeking a Shop Manager to join our team.
About The VTL
The Vancouver Tool Library (VTL) is a cooperative tool lending library at 3448 Commercial Street. We are motivated by a vision of our community empowered by the tools and skills needed to transform their homes and communities into vibrant spaces that reflect a commitment to sustainability. To get there, we are creating a community resource that will reduce the costs of improving and greening the places in which we live, work, and play. More information is available on our website, at www.vancouvertoollibrary.com
Commitment
This is a contract position and pays $800/Month
Shop Managers Roles and Responsibilities
Work three shop shifts a week at the Vancouver Tool Library’s location, this includes two weekday shifts (4-8 PM) and one weekend shift (10AM-3PM)
Tend to the shop to ensure it is clean, safe, organized and welcoming for members
Greet and enroll new members into the Tool Library
Check in and out tools to members
Ensure all tools are brought back safe and in good working conditions
Schedule and train volunteers
Attend monthly or bi-monthly volunteer committee meetings
Receive and inventory tools
Qualifications of the applicant
Interest in working in a non-profit environment
Experience working with volunteers
Professional communicator
Experience in a tool/trades related field is essential
Knowledge of how to fix and maintain tools and equipment preferred
At least 6 months experience in a supervisory role in a retail environment preferred
Benefits
Grow your personal network by meeting and working with a great Board and Volunteer group
Learn and gain professional experience in a leadership role
Opportunity to learn about tools and gain the skills needed to use them
Personal satisfaction of contributing to a non-profit community organization
To apply for this position, please send your resume and a statement of interest to president@vancouvertoollibrary.com by September 1st, 2012. We look forward to hearing from you!
Written by The Vancouver Tool Library, August 18th, 2012 | No Comments »
With so many options available, our inventory can be overwhelming when the functions of some of the tools are unclear. That’s where our monthly Featured Tool post comes in: we’ll give you a quick run-down on a lesser-known tool that can be used in your future projects.
Many tool users can attest to the slight crushing feeling of having stripped a screw during a project. It can be frustrating and limiting. Luckily, if you’re working with bolts, there is a way to fix that issue.
This month’s featured tool is the tap and die set. It would be easy to write off this tool as being too complicated due to the number of pieces included in the set. The tap and die set consists of two types of complementary tools: a tap, which is used to cut threads into a bolt hole (or nut, to which it is colloquially referred) and a die, which is used to cut threads into a bolt that has been damaged or stripped. Even ordinary pieces of steel rod can be made into a bolt (if you just happen to have some lying around)! These tools are used mainly by mechanics and woodworkers, but can be used for bicycle and small-engine repairs as well.
Usage involves first determining the correct size of the piece from the tap and die set; this will fit into a wrench which will be used to turn the piece. The bolt or bolt hole is then held in place with a vise and turned with the wrench in ¼ turn increments until the threads are cut down the bolt or bolt hole. One reverse turn may be required every so often to clean up the threads. Cutting oil can be extremely useful in this process, as it allows the tap or die piece to move more easily.
