[TheThinkTank] formalizing shop use

[Stuart O Anderson]

>  - do you have separate sign-up sheets for quick repairs vs. say building
>  a bike up from scratch?
We've experimented with a single list versus a split list for looking
for a bike versus working on a bike.  I personally prefer a single
list, since it prevents having to police what people do once they are
in the shop - i.e. I don't have to worry whether truing your wheel is
going to be  a quick task for you or not.

>  - do you offer a comfy area to wait for those who need to?
We have a shelf with bike books/magazines/pamphlets, some chairs, and
some water.  Mostly people just stand around though.

>  - do you let people work on bikes without a volunteer?
Yes - we have one person greeting people at the door while other
mechanics work with people.  Each mechanic works with 1-3 people
depending on the level of assistance needed and the mechanic's
preferences.  When a mechanic is sure they can take an additional
person they let the greeter know to let someone else in.

>  - if so, do you make them "prove" that they know how to use the tools
>  properly or respect the shop?
No.  They check out the toolbox with an id, and the easy to break
expensive tools are locked up, but generally if you say you know what
you're doing we'll let you go at it without interference.  In fact
during really busy days we'll let people check out a set of tools with
the explicit understanding that they will not be able to ask questions
and that they will work outside the main shop area.  Sometimes this
leads to people taking apart a bottom bracket all over the floor and
not knowing how to put it back together, but it also saves a lot of
frustration and waiting for people who just need to adjust a brake and
know what they're doing.

We also let people call ahead to get on the waiting list.