Willamalane's Rock Shop
Come use the Rock Shop!
Willamalane Adult Activity Center has a lapidary shop which is staffed by volunteers, many of which are club members. You do not have to be a member of the Thunderegg Rock Club to use the Rock Shop. You do have to be 18 years of age or older, and sign in with Willamalane. You can drop off rocks to be cut for a fee, or use the shop equipment for a day use fee.
If you are curious about lapidary work, and want to explore the process of cutting, shaping, and polishing stones, then check out the Rock Shop.
Hours and fees are set by Willamalane. You can call there or check their website for current hours and costs.
Equipment
three sizes of lapidary saws (operated by the volunteer hosts)
trim saw
grinders
polishing wheel
flat lap
dopping station
drill press
work table and chairs.
Address
Willamalane Adult Activity Center
215 W. C St., Springfield
there is ample parking next to the building.
Costs as of Feb 2025.
The Willamalane Adult Activity Center charges a fee to use the Rock Shop equipment. An employee at the front desk will handle this transaction.
$5 per day for in-district residents or $6 if out-of-district, or
plus $5 per small slab saw cut / $6 per large cut.
No prior experience with lapidary tools and equipment is required. You can learn the safe methods used to work with stones. The saws and grinders can generate a lot of noise during operation, so bring your own ear protection or use the noise-reduction ear plugs available at the shop. Disposable non-latex gloves are also available.
There are smaller rocks you can practice with at no charge as you learn the basics. There are also larger rocks and cut slabs for sale at very reasonable prices. Plus, you can bring in rocks to be cut.
Whether you are new to lapidary, thinking about getting back into the hobby, or already working with rocks, the Rock Shop volunteer hosts invite you to stop by and see what the shop has to offer.