At TechShop they were really conscientious about safety, but I don't think that extended into "hand tools". Power tools, certainly. And I don't have any proble

At TechShop they were really conscientious about safety, but I don't think that extended into "hand tools". Power tools, certainly. And I don't have any problem whatsoever about restricting access (and policing) to the larger or more dangerous equipment. Lathes and milling machines can easily maim and kill if not treated with respect and knowledge. Laser cutters must be supervised when running, or a fire is easily possible (not to mention understanding why you shouldn't cut sheet PVC in a laser cutter). Water jet and plasma table cutters are not toys for the uninitiated. I have zero problems with such rules. It's one thing if you own the tools yourself in your home shop; do what you want, whatever consequences result. But when you are doing it in a public or semi-public manner, having such rules and regulations should be a sign of quality of the space.