Wood hobby shop provides low cost leisure

  • Published
  • By HEATHER PATE
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  With the economy not in the greatest shape, people are looking for creative and inexpensive ways to spend their free time. 

The 56th Force Support Squadron's Wood Hobby Shop at Luke Air Force Base is one option that may appeal to some looking for budget-friendly activities. 

"You will not find a shop like the base wood shop in the local economy," said Steve Winkleblech, 56th Force Support Squadron arts and crafts director. "The wood hobby shop is a place where beginners and advanced wood workers can come and create a unique customized project. The wood shop contains a variety of tools that are safe and easy to use." 

Safety and environmentally friendly conditions are qualities the wood hobby shop strives to provide patrons. The facility recently added a dust extractor and collector that removes dust in the shop and controls the dust going out of the shop. The machine provides a healthier, cleaner environment to work in. 

To add to the safety factor, the shop purchased a Smart Saw. 

"The Smart Saw recognizes the current produced by the human body and automatically shuts off, which prevents injuries to customers," said James Nowicki, 56th FSS Wood Hobby Shop wood crafter. "It's an accurate and versatile saw that contains a computerized actuator that actually stops the second it feels a human current. For added protection, the Smart Saw has guards and kickback devices to enhance safety while using it." 

According to Mr. Winkleblech, every customer who uses the equipment at the wood hobby shop has to be certified. After a quick run-through of how the machinery works and the basic safety instructions necessary to use the equipment, the patron will receive an annual certification card that shows what specific equipment they are able to work on. 

"Customers can create customized pieces such as cutting boards, speaker boxes, coin racks, chaise lounges, air-conditioned dog houses or a functional boat," Mr. Winkleblech said. "These pieces are truly one-of-a-kind produced while saving money. The savings is quite substantial versus going to a store downtown. The wood hobby shop charges $2.50 an hour to customers, which is used to replace expendable supplies. The rest of the money goes back into the Luke community." 

The shop has a plethora of material available to use at reasonable prices. The managers can also order material if they do not have it in stock or if someone is looking for specialized lumber. 

To better serve the Luke community, the wood hobby shop has new hours effective March 29, according to Mr. Nowicki. The facility is open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, except for holidays. The shop is located in Bldg. 248, across from the auto hobby shop and honor guard building. 

For more information, call Mr. Nowicki at (623) 256-6566.