The Vancouver Tool Library is very excited to have been included in talented illustrator Sam Bradd‘s map of the co-operatives of East Vancouver.
A group from a number of housing co-ops on the Eastside came forward with the idea and Bradd designed a map that spans from 16th and Clark to Victoria and Hastings. Although the VTL falls just shy of the map’s borders, our little tool-lending library received an honourable mention! We’re proud to be among such great company: 19 housing co-ops, Vancity, modo car co-op, East End Food Co-op, People’s Co-op Books, and CCEC Credit Union, to name a few.
This is an especially opportune time to plot these co-ops on a map, give that 2012 has been declared ‘International Year of the Co-op’ by the United Nations! By supporting co-ops, you’re helping development happen in your community from the ground up. Be involved in the creation and management of the organizations and businesses in your neighbourhood: join a co-op you care about! Spread the word about your local co-ops by telling your friends and family about this handy map.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we have had to cancel this workshop for this month. We will hold it in the spring or summer of 2013. Please check back soon to see what other workshops we’ll be offering in those months. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Circuitry is a mysterious and potentially dangerous creature. A small area to work within and a jumble of coloured wires can make your head spin (or your hair stand on end). This Intro to Electrical Workshop aims to impart essential wisdom on the wonder that is household wiring.
This workshop will go over the types of projects in which you might encounter electrical work, the tools needed to complete these projects, and different variations of circuits and voltage. Above all, safety measures will be our focus. Your confusion level with the picture in this post is directly proportional to how much you need to attend this workshop!
When: Saturday, November 24th, 2012, from 11:00am-2:00pm
Where: The Tool Library, 3448 Commercial Street
Cost: $15 for VTL Members | $20 for Non-Members
What to Bring: All materials will be provided. The workshop will take place outside so wear comfortable, tighter-fitting clothing that is weather appropriate. Avoid dangly accessories for safety reasons.
Questions? Email lauren [at] vancouvertoollibrary [dot] com
Advance registration is required! Please pre-pay and sign up through the PayPal button below or come into the shop to register. Refunds are available up to 48 hours before the workshop begins.
Workshop Registrants: Please include your email address in the paypal form!This is how we’ll contact you with any workshop updates and to confirm your registration. Note thatVTL Members will be required to present their member cards at the workshop.
Written by The Vancouver Tool Library, October 23rd, 2012 | No Comments »
Find yourself with a project to do and no place to start? Unfamiliar with the Vancouver Tool Library inventory and the functions of the tools? See the principles of physics at work in our Intro to Tools Workshop (and never question the real world applicability of high school classes again).
After this workshop, participants will leave with the confidence to name and use basic tools necessary for everyday projects. Our goal is for you to feel comfortable working with a variety of different tools in your own home. Safety around introductory power tools will be discussed and your new skills will be put to work through lots of practice!
When: Sunday, November 18th, 2012, from 11:00am-2:00pm
Where: The Tool Library, 3448 Commercial Street
Cost: $15 for VTL Members | $20 for Non-Members
What to Bring: All materials will be provided. The workshop will take place outside so wear comfortable, tighter-fitting clothing that is weather appropriate. Avoid dangly accessories for safety reasons.
Questions? Email lauren [at] vancouvertoollibrary [dot] com
Advance registration is required! Please pre-pay and sign up through the PayPal button below or come into the shop to register. Refunds are available up to 48 hours before the workshop begins.
Workshop Registrants: Please include your email address in the paypal form!This is how we’ll contact you with any workshop updates and to confirm your registration. Note thatVTL Members will be required to present their member cards at the workshop.
Written by The Vancouver Tool Library, October 23rd, 2012 | No Comments »
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 »
