I had a similar idea when I was living in a tiny apartment and trying to do woodworking on my kitchen table. I would have loved to pay someone nearby to use a planar or jointer once in a while. My biggest mental block for a site like this was the litigious culture we have where someone injured themselves and sues the tool owner or vice versa etc.
Totally get that — and it’s a big reason why platforms like this haven’t taken off sooner.
We’ve heard the same concern from a lot of people, and we’re working on solutions like optional insurance, ID verification, and clear guidelines to help reduce that risk for everyone involved. The goal is to make borrowing tools feel as natural and safe as borrowing a cup of sugar from a neighbor — but with real protections in place when it matters.
And yes — your example is exactly the kind of use case we’re building for. Tools like planers and jointers are expensive, bulky, and rarely used often enough to justify owning.
Totally valid concern — and one we take seriously.
In a world where things can go wrong and legal issues can arise, it’s important to have safeguards. We're currently working on adding optional insurance, ID verification, and deposits to reduce the risk on both sides. The goal is to make sure there’s a clear process if something gets damaged or if someone gets hurt — without immediately resorting to legal action.
Ultimately, we want to support a trusted community, but we also know that trust needs real protections behind it, especially in a culture where liability matters.
