Using/renting time at a Lathe in or around Wake County

[Tmsteck]

Hello all,
I have a bit of turning experience working with my grandfather in Virginia, and I was hoping to work on a project or two here in NC. However, my searches for open workshops have turned up fairly short in terms of cost and access (*See below)

So, I decided I would ask the community about what they know, or if they have any advice for me. I've seen a few mentions of people with shops here on the forum, but I haven't been able to find out any more than that. It's quite possible what I am looking for is totally unreasonable, but so far the only options I can find would be only slightly cheaper than buying a lower end lathe--which again, would be much more than I would like to/be able to spend on perhaps a few gifts for family.

Thank you for any feedback you have,
Thomas

*

(The Cary Arts Center has some nice programs and a very reasonable open studio but access to the studio is restricted to those who have taken a class, of which none are really open until mid March, and there would still be an $80+ payment before I can rent time; The Maker's Space runs at $15-20 an hour, which is far beyond what I can reasonably spend, especially not really knowing how long a project will take--I am a high school student, so I don't have hundreds to spend--and the NC State Craft center runs on a semester basis, requiring either a $100+ class--with limited spots--or a $150 membership fee)​

 

[Phil S]

I might be able to help. It depends on when you want to do this. I have a modest shop in NE Raleigh

 

[barnes]

Check out Splatspace in Durham. They have a fairly well outfitted, but not the most organized. I know there is a full size lathe, but I'm not sure of its condition, chucks or tools available. It is reasonable inexpensive ($20/month to access the space when other members are available. I'm a full time member and want to start organizing and working in their shop.) plus you get access to a small CNC, laser cutter, 3D printer, etc.

 

[DSWalker]

There is a similar place to the Durham location mentioned above that is in Raleigh. They are members here and posted not too long ago, 3-4 months ago maybe, but I cannot find it or recall the name of the place. You might do some searching and find that post for another option.

 

[barnes]

'The Maker's Space' in Raleigh certainly looks well outfitted, but a different price bracket thank Splatspace. I haven't seen this space in person, so I'm only going off of their site.