Welcome to the Cowichan Valley Rockhounds workshop! If you're interested in turning your rough rockhounding treasures into polished works of art, you've come to the right place.

The Workshop Space

The workshop is located at The HUB, a shared community space that we use alongside other groups, including woodworkers. 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.

To use the workshop you need to sign up to be a member of the community co-op, it is a separate membership from the club. Please see our shared website for more information on annual fees and drop in rates below.

Learn more about the Cowichan Community Workshop

Club Equipment at the Workshop

The club has a well-equipped workshop that supports projects from raw stone to finished jewelry. Available equipment includes:

  • Grinding and polishing machines (Genies and Pixies)
  • Trim saw and small slab saw
  • Flat lap
  • Polishing machine with unitizing wheels
  • Foredom-style rotary tools for drilling and fine polishing

Final Notes for New Members

  • You don’t need prior experience — learning happens through hands-on practice and shared knowledge.
  • Club workshops are a supportive environment where questions are welcome.
  • Over time, projects become faster and skills improve — everyone starts somewhere.

If you’re interested in using the workshop, attend a meeting, introduce yourself, and let the group know you’d like to learn. We’re happy to help you get started.