Unique Things to Do in Bend Oregon
Unique Things to Do in Bend Oregon
One day we were talking with our neighbor who recommended a makerspace called DIYCave down the street from where we were staying in Bend, Oregon. We looked up their class list and got excited at the many offerings happening while we were there. We had always wanted to take a woodworking or welding class and we saw several of each!
Want to try something different? Are you looking for unique things to do in Bend? How about things to do in Bend during the winter or at night? We tried woodworking, welding, and woodturning for the first time and loved it! We highly recommend a class at DIYCave. Don’t have time to read this now? Pin it for later!
Wooden Spoons
Our first class was a three hour course on hand crafting wooden spoons. The instructor demonstrated all the tools we would use and then handed us a practice piece. This gave us a chance to get familiar with cutting curves on the band saw and all the other tools before we started on our spoons.
There were six people in the class and two band saws so we didn’t have too wait long between cuts. Our class included a mother and son, two friends and us.
At first I was intimated by the band saw, but after a few seconds I got the hang of it. I was impressed with the wave I made and thought my nephew could drive his toy cars on it but unfortunately I didn’t keep the piece.
Once we were comfortable with the tools we started sketching our spoon design on our block of wood. Our instructor had some examples for us to look at but we each recreated a spoon we knew. My spoon was thick since I hate when spoons break and Penguin’s was longer and rounded like one of his favorite spoons that had broken in the past.
After sketching out our spoon we went back to the band saw to cut out the side of the spoon. It was more stressful then cutting the practice piece because you had to cut close to the edge. Next we cut out the top which was the shape of the spoon. Then when we pulled away the extra wood we had cut off we had the rough shape of spoons!
Now it was time for sanding. We used the spindle sander, belt sander, hand sander and sandpaper to finish our spoons. We got to keep our spoons, and Penguin used his to make breakfast the next morning. It was very satisfying to create something with our hands!
No woodworking experience was needed. I had none but Penguin took wood shop in high school. Be warned, you will get covered in saw dust so dress appropriately. TIP: The air compressor used to power the hand sander does a great job of getting the saw dust off.
Date Night - Weld Together
Our second class was a “date night” class on welding. Neither of us had any welding experience and none was needed. In fact, no one in our class had any welding experience.
First, we learned how to cut steel with a plasma cutter. After a few practice cuts, it was time for the real thing. Our instructor drew half a heart on the steel and then we each proceeded with cutting our half. Curves are not the easiest thing to cut when you are first learning but the nice thing is you can clean up most mistakes or rough parts in the later steps.
Next, we used the various metal grinders to smooth out the edges of the heart and give it the finish that we desired. Once we were satisfied with our heart it was time for the really fun part! We learned how to use the MIG welder. A MIG welder uses a feed wire that moves constantly through the gun and then melts, an electric current creates the spark, to form the weld.
I was a little nervous at first but after some practice, I was having a blast. We both had so much fun and we got to create something together. Our heart is proudly displayed in our living room.
Our class was made up of three couples but there was only one torch and one MIG welder. There was more waiting in this class compared to the wooden spoons class but it didn’t matter we were entertained by our hilarious instructor and it was fun to watch the other couples too. TIP: This would be a very fun thing to do as a group date night!
Penguin welding. Making his ‘P’
Jeri welding. Making her ‘J’
Lathe - Woodturning
Our third class was learning the basics of the wood lathe. According to our instructor, this is one of the most popular tools in the woodshop. It can be used to create bowls, candlesticks, pens, and much more.
This class was different from the others as everyone in the class (there were four of us because two people were no-shows) worked together on one piece.
So what is a wood lathe? It is a machine used to form a piece of wood, that is attached to a spinning arm, into the desired shape using different hand-held tools.
First, we learned how to sharpen the tools we would be using. Next, our instructor demonstrated how to set up the lathe and how to use the first tool. Then we each gave it a go. It was an odd, rough feeling at first until you found the correct angle with the tool. Once you found the sweet spot it cut very smoothly.
After each of us had a try with the first tool the instructor stopped the lathe. We all thought that the wood would be round but we were wrong. We barely took off any. It takes a lot more time and effort than you first think to turn that square piece of wood round.
After some more work, the wood was finally round. Next, the instructor demonstrated the other tools that you can use to shape the wood. We all practiced those tools and our piece started to take a shape. In the end, we learned how to use four different tools.
There is something almost therapeutic about woodturning. Penguin enjoyed it so much he periodically watches woodturning videos on YouTube as he finds them very satisfying. TIP: If you are looking for a therapeutic activity I would recommend learning how to turn wood on a lathe :)
We highly recommend you check out DIYCave in Bend. They have lots of different class and the class change periodically so check out their class list. Not in Bend? Perform a Google search for makerspace and see if you can find a similar place near you.
Jeri on the wood lathe
Looking for things to do in Bend? Check out Three Things to Do in Bend Oregon. Interested in things to do in Oregon? Take a look at our Oregon articles. Where are we going next? Don’t miss an adventure, subscribe today.
Food Carts
There are four food carts behind DIYCave so show up early and get some dinner before class. The food carts include The Grill 1646, Taqueria El Nava, Southern Accent Po Boys and Nosh Street Food. After class head to Bevel Craft Brewing for a beer.
Four food carts behind DIYCave