The Workshop Space
The workshop is located at The HUB, a shared community space that we use alongside other groups, including woodworkers. To use the workshop you need to sign up to be a member of the Cowichan Community Workshop Co-op(CCWC), it is a separate membership from the club. Because this is a shared environment:
- The Rockhounds have designated days each week when the workshop is reserved for lapidary and metalwork activities.
- Mondays with a morning and afternoon session
- Some Sundays, depending on volunteer availability
- Most club equipment is stored in a locked cupboard to keep everything organized and protected—especially from sawdust generated by woodworking activities.
- All lapidary equipment is mounted on wheeled bases, making it easy to move into the workspace when needed and store safely afterward.
Cutting & Polishing Equipment
Bring in your stone and take it from rough to polished cabochon with our full line-up of equipment:
- Slab saw
- Trim Saw
- Flat Lap
- Genies
- Pixies
- Buffing Wheel
Rock too big for the 10"? You may just need to pay our Saw Shop(page coming soon) a visit...
Jewelry Making
Already have a stone you love? The next step is turning it into something you can wear.
Our workshop has a growing collection of jewelry-making and silversmithing equipment for members interested in setting their stones, working with wire, soldering, and learning basic metalwork.
Our jewelry-making area includes:
- Dedicated soldering station with ventilation hood
- Small torch and larger propane torch
- Annealing pan and soldering brick
- Flux, brushes, picks and tongs
- Separate pickle pots for copper and silver
- Wire-wrapping tools and a selection of wire
- Additional tools and supplies for classes and member projects
New to jewelry making? That’s completely fine. New members are strongly encouraged to take a class before using unfamiliar equipment. Contact the Workshop to learn about upcoming silversmithing and wire-wrapping classes.
Cut it. Polish it. Set it. Wear it.
Attention New Members
- You don’t need prior experience — learning happens through hands-on practice and shared knowledge.
- Club workshops are a supportive environment where ALL questions are welcome.
If you would like to learn more before signing up, please come say hello or attend a monthly meeting. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and help you get started learning the Lapidary Arts!