Confluent — Local services in Richland

I was really excited when I found out about this place because I wanted to get into woodworking and this was a great way to learn how to use all of the equipment and have someone to teach me how to do the projects that I was interested in. Unfortunately, this was not what I experienced. Soon after starting here (within 2 months), my mentor decided that I was annoying and used one mistake I made to basically kick me out of the place because despite my apology and asking if he could please continue to help me, he would not talk with me from then on out. That meant that I no longer had anyone to help me learn or know how to properly use the equipment and there wasn't anyone else there who could help me since they had different specialties. Plus, I felt like I had to worry about every decision I made might annoy my ex-mentor. He went from being super excited to mentor me and help me to giving me the silent treatment. On top of everything, after learning more about woodworking, I learned that much of what he taught me was WRONG! I felt it was very immature of someone who is in his 60s+ to be unable to work through conflict or allow others to make mistakes and learn from them. Very disappointing. In talking with one of the members of their board, he told me that this mentor did this with previous members as well and was a pattern for him. I don't know if he's still there, so maybe it's improved (this was summer 2021). If you're highly experienced and don't need help, then maybe this would be a great option for you since there are a lot of equipment here for...

Do you have dreams or inventions that are just waiting to become a physical reality? Do you have a project that you've always wanted to plan/build/repair, but maybe you were just missing the proper tools, machinery, or guidance? At Confluent, you have access to all these things. Whether it's woodworking, metal fabrication, 3d printing, laser cutting, CNC machine, it's all here, and more that that, the Space is full of really smart and helpful members, some of which are engineers, mechanics, builders, programmers, so when you're stuck, it's easy to find help. It's a 501c3 non-profit, so everything is a volunteer effort, and that keeps membership fees to a minimum. It's all great fun, come...

Great space for local creators to network . Artist showcase work in the main building , with shows every couple months.

Food vendors setup outside sometimes & serve staff/creators and attendees alike.

A real positive space for the tri-cities to have.

Worth a visit if ever curious !!!

**3d printing... Laser cutting & wood working plus so much more inside and in the back buildings... Outdoor garden...