Casting cooperative

Hello all

I am looking into setting up a casting cooperative that will allow
budding designers and students of the trade to get their designs cast
locally. Has anyone had any experience in this area? Is there such a
thing currently ? I am thinking to allow students and or designers
access to the work space for a monthly fee then charge accordingly
for services and materials. The members will be able to make molds,
shoot and set up waxes for cast, invest and in some cases cast their
own work. The shop will provide full service in the case of someone
who is strictly looking for a casting service. As well as casting
service to the trade. Any thought or input would be greatly
appreciated !

Thank you
JBF

JBF- We have one here in Portland Or. It’s called Shop People.

Old warehouse with tools for glass, metals, clay, wood. etc. Costs
about 100 bucks a month to belong. The tools are pretty rough but
better than nothing.

Have fun and make lots of jewelry.

Jo Haemer
timothywgreen.com

I am thinking to allow students and or designers access to the work
space for a monthly fee then charge accordingly for services and
materials. 

Charge enough to be able to replace equipment that’s mistreated.
Will there be a monitor?

I’ve never heard of anything quite like what you’re doing. There are
models for you to learn from: group metalsmithing studios, which
often share large equipment and torches and may or may not have a
locking personal bench. The other model would be Hacker Spaces. Some
of those, in the spirit of open source, have shared publicly their
costs and how they work.

Oh, and make sure you have plenty of insurance.

One more thought for you: as long as you have the space, why not
expand it to include additional services? Classes, bench rental?

Good luck!
Elaine

Thanks for the great info ! I will follow up with your info and
leads.

Sincerely
JBF