Building craft. Building community.
We’re exploring a proposed community woodshop serving the West Metro — Wayzata, Minnetonka, and Mound, plus nearby areas. A professional shop space for hobbyists, serious builders, and working pros who occasionally need the tools, space, or extra help to do their best work.
This is an early idea. Your input helps decide what we build, how big it is, and which classes matter most.
Why NTWoodshops?
Founder-led, craft-first, and built around a safe, welcoming shop culture.
Founder’s note
I want to build NTWoodshops (NT stands for Northern Timber) because I love woodworking and want a really good place to continue to hone my craft. By creating a membership woodshop, I can not only get the chance to work in a professional shop, but I can pass on my skills and see others come to love working with wood just as I've learned to work with wood.
The goal isn’t hype — it’s a great shop, taught the right way, with the right standards: quality, safety, and respect for the craft.
Serving the West Metro
This is designed for the community around Wayzata, Minnetonka, and Mound, plus nearby west-metro areas (Plymouth, Orono, Deephaven, Long Lake, etc.).
If there’s enough interest, we’ll move to location planning, equipment planning, and a founding member program.
What we’re building (proposed)
A membership-based woodshop + learning space — shaped by community demand.
Professional shop access
A clean, safe shop with the machines and workspaces needed to build real projects — furniture, built-ins, home upgrades, and more.
Classes & skill-building
Structured classes for beginners through advanced makers, plus targeted help for pros who need a second set of hands or specialized tooling.
Community & culture
A place where people help each other, share tips, and build pride in craftsmanship — without the chaos of “anything goes.”
Proposed equipment
Check what you’d actually use. This helps determine what we buy first.
Core woodworking
CNC & advanced
Benches & finishing
Membership concepts
Starting points only — tell us what fits your needs.
Hobbyist
Access during open shop hours. Great for weekend projects and learning the basics.
- Open shop access
- Core machines
- Beginner class focus
Maker
More access + discounts. Ideal for furniture builds and regular shop time.
- Expanded access
- Class discounts
- Priority scheduling
Pro
For working professionals who need equipment, space, or occasional help to deliver quality work.
- Highest access level
- Advanced tooling focus
- Potential storage options
Founding member benefits (proposed)
Early ideas only — your signup helps shape what becomes real. No obligation.
Founding-rate protection
Early supporters can receive a founding rate or launch credit that carries forward when the shop opens.
First access
Priority access to early open-shop sessions and first class registration windows.
Founders wall (optional)
Recognition in the shop as someone who helped bring Northern Timber to life.
Help design it right
Founding members will be invited to a short feedback session (virtual or local) on equipment priorities, access hours, class lineup, and shop guidelines.
Class interest
Pick what you’d actually take. This helps determine the launch curriculum.