Okay, I'm fairly new to this.

I was just wondering whether there are any workshops with tools, robot-making machinery etc that one could 'join' (like a gym), along the lines of a monthly membership would entitle the person to access to the workshop.

Has anybody heard of anywhere that does something like this?

I'm not at uni or anything so I don't have access to the more expensive machinery.

Thanks!

I havn't heard of anything like this in QLD. I do know about them in San Francisco but that is a bit far to travel to use a drill press. I have had some fancy ideas about expanding our club to include such facilities but that may be some years off.
But for a first robot hand tools will be the most you need. My first robot was built with a cordless drill, hacksaw, screwdriver and a hammer. If you need anything more special like welding gear, mills or lathes then ask around and someone will be willing to help.
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Get Some!!!

Secretary of the Queensland Robotics Sports Club inc.

I have a (fairly lame 1/3 HP) Ryobi drill press and a bench grinder, lots of electronics equipment (soldering station, multimeter etc). And a blender

Theoretically, it could be as simple as just hiring a shed and having members loan equipment. Of course in the real world there are obvious public liability issues here. And I guess concern about expense machinery being damaged by negligent use...

I wonder if there are any government grants for this kind of thing

We've already got a grant cooking but it is mainly focusing on a new arena. A new arena is the most important thing t the moment because we already have venues interested and we don't want to start advertising and have big crowds in someones garage. So we're going slow at the moment.

Sweet! Please don't get the impression I'm trying to rock the boat here... I'm just the new kid with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot to learn

Any members here on facebook/myspace?

yeah, look for Daniel Kerrison on facebook